Vital Records Online (VRO) is a secure and user-friendly service enabling US citizens to order vital records online for Oklahoma. You can quickly obtain birth, death, and marriage certificates from the comfort of your home. VRO guarantees the safe delivery of your vital records to your address and ensures your personal information remains secure and confidential.
Summary:
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is a department of the government of Oklahoma under the supervision of the Oklahoma Secretary of Health. The department is responsible for protecting the health of all Oklahomans and providing other essential human services. The OSDH serves as the primary public health protection agency in the state.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health Division of Vital Records is responsible for registering every birth (death, stillbirth, marriage, and divorce) that occurs in the state of Oklahoma and preserving, amending, and issuing certified copies of those records per state law.
Find out how to obtain official Oklahoma vital records, including birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates. Find out what information they contain, where to order them, how they are used, and how to get certified copies.
Start your application online for OK vital records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Vital records indicate your identity, citizenship, and family relationships. They can also help settle legal disputes, claim inheritance, and reveal family history. Birth, death, and marriage certificates are crucial for life’s most significant events, such as marriage, enrolling in school, joining the military, or traveling. Vital records also contain details like full names, dates of birth and death, and locations of your ancestors.
If you happen to lose your birth, marriage, or death certificates, you should file a police report and request a certified replacement as soon as possible. You can find other information about vital records in the birth, death, and marriage certificate FAQs.
You can obtain Oklahoma vital records through different methods, such as online, by phone, or by mail. The county and state authorities manage vital records in Oklahoma, as each county is responsible for verifying and issuing vital records that occur within its jurisdiction.
You can find the vital records office for your county in Oklahoma’s complete list below. This list includes locations, contact information, and online applications for requesting birth, death, and marriage certificates.
The OSDH – Division of Vital Records issues birth and death certificates online, by phone, or by mail. In contrast, marriage certificates are only issued by the county that recorded the marriage, not by the state. The OSDH does not accept in-person requests. Therefore, all orders must be placed online, by phone, or by mail and picked up at three of their offices. However, you can order them online from any location using VRO to have your certified vital records delivered to your doorstep.
❗️If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in Oklahoma, they are freely available from various public archives.
Visiting Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
Oklahoma residents have multiple options to request vital records from their state. You can order them online, by phone, or by mail. Marriage certificates are the only records that vary by county. Online requests are usually the most reliable and sometimes the only option. The OSDH produces and certifies vital record copies if you meet the requirements and follow the instructions for each birth, death, and marriage certificate.
The requirements for each type of record are different, but once you understand them, the process becomes straightforward. The certificate you need and how you order it will determine the costs, eligibility, requirements, and processing times. Regardless of how you order, it’s crucial to carefully review the steps and conditions before requesting a certified copy of the vital record from the OSDH – Division of Vital Records. Make sure you mail your documents, application, and payment to the correct vital record location that can produce a certified copy of the original record.
❗️ The OSDH – Division of Vital Records does not have a public counter, so in-person requests are not possible. All requests must be submitted online, by phone, or by mail. However, online and phone orders can be picked up during will-call hours at three health department offices: Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and McAlester.
❗️ The OSDH – Division of Vital Records only issues birth and death certificates; marriage certificates are issued from the county office that created the original certificate.
Ordering Oklahoma vital records online is quick and effortless and involves two simple steps:
(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)
If you are eligible as an authorized person, you can easily apply online for birth, death, or marriage certificates from any device with an internet connection in just a few minutes. Before starting the application process, confirm that you have all the required information and documents. Vital Records Online is a straightforward system that helps you quickly collect and generate your application and upload the required documents. This process ensures that your application is not rejected due to common mistakes or missing documents. It also guides you to the correct application and submits your packet to the health department’s vital records office, which issues the certified record.
✔︎ Our $29 processing fee includes your automated document processing and first-class shipping & handling.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.
✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning and printing your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and handling process works.
✔︎ A notarized sworn statement is not required when ordering an Oklahoma birth, death, or marriage certificate online.
When ordering by mail, you will need the following:
If you need to replace a birth, death, or marriage certificate for yourself or a family member, each certificate has unique conditions and requirements. Ordering online through VRO can help simplify the process and reduce mistakes, leading to quicker processing times and added convenience.
❗️ To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the requirements for each vital record before mailing it.
❗️ Be certain that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies from the preserved original record.
❗️ If you choose to mail your application and documents manually, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.
When applying for vital records, it’s important to understand the requirements beforehand to help you gather the necessary documents and save time.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization:
The table below lists the necessary information and documents required to order certified copies of Oklahoma vital records. All applicants must provide a valid form of identification to prove identity, such as a driver’s license, a state-issued photo ID, or a passport. Other acceptable primary IDs, such as student IDs, may also be used depending on the certificate needed.
When requesting a certified birth certificate, you are required to verify your identity by providing a government-issued ID (such as a driver’s license or passport) or other primary ID as defined by the OSDH – Division of Vital Records or two secondary forms of identity accepted. For most types of vital records requests, driver’s licenses or state photo IDs are acceptable.
If your ID expired more than three years ago or you do not have it, you must submit two secondary forms of identification. Note that identification requirements may vary by county when requesting a marriage certificate, as the OSDH does not issue marriage certificates.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Oklahoma?
Review the eligibility conditions and requirements for certified Oklahoma birth, death, and marriage certificates. The OSDH – Division of Vital Records has established unique conditions for each type of certificate and personal circumstance.
❗️ Without proper ID and a fully completed application, your request will be returned, causing considerable delays in processing your order.
| Certificate | Required Information | ID Requirements Options | Secondary IDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Date of Birth, Daytime Phone Number, Email, Father's Name, Full Name at Birth, Hospital of Birth, Mailing Address, Mother's Maiden Name, Place of Birth, Purpose for the Certificate, Sex, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Corrections ID, Out-of-State Driver's License, Resident Alien Card, State Driver's License, State SDA License, Temporary Resident Card, Tribal ID, US Employment Authorization Card, US ID, US Military ID, US Passport, US Visa, Weapon Permit |
Bank Statement, Benefit Statement (DHS WIC SSA), Change of Address Notice Letter from USPS, College ID, Copy of Police Report for Stolen ID, Marriage Certificate, Non-State DOC ID, Pay Stub, SSA Record Earnings Statement, Separation or Divorce Judgment, Social Security Card, State Corrections Consolidated Record Card, State Lifetime Fishing Permision, State Lifetime Hunting Permision, US Selective Service Card, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration, Voter Registration Card, W-2 Form |
| Death Certificate | Date of Birth, Date of Death, Daytime Phone Number, Father's Name, Father's Place of Birth, Full Name of Person of Record, Funeral Home Name, Mailing Address, Mother's Name, Mother's Place of Birth, Place of Birth, Place of Death, Purpose for the Certificate, SSN, Sex, Spouse Name, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Out-of-State Driver's License, Resident Alien Card, State Driver's License, State SDA License, Tribal ID, US ID, US Military ID, US Passport, US Visa, Weapon Permit |
Bank Statement, Benefit Statement (DHS WIC SSA), Change of Address Notice Letter from USPS, College ID, Copy of Police Report for Stolen ID, Marriage Certificate, Non-State DOC ID, Pay Stub, SSA Record Earnings Statement, Separation or Divorce Judgment, Social Security Card, State Corrections Consolidated Record Card, State Lifetime Fishing Permision, State Lifetime Hunting Permision, US Selective Service Card, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration, Voter Registration Card, W-2 Form |
| Marriage Certificate |
Who can request vital records in Oklahoma?
Individuals can request a certified copy of their vital records and provide proof of identity when making the request. If you need to request a birth, death, or marriage certificate on behalf of someone else, confirm that you are eligible, as the eligibility of third parties varies based on the certificate type.
Relatives of the individual on record or legal representatives may lawfully request a copy of a vital record. However, they must provide additional documentation unless they are a parent listed on the certificate. Legal representatives or family members must also provide proof of their authorization to act on behalf of the individual on record.
If your relationship with the individual on record does not qualify you as an eligible individual, it is still possible to obtain the certificate. However, you may be asked for additional documentation proving your eligibility as a third-party applicant.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Adoptive Parents, Attorneys, Authorized Agent, Children, Foster Parents, Genealogists, Grandchildren, Grandparents, Legal Guardian, Legal Representative, Other Person by Court Order, Parents, Person on Record, Spouse, Step-Parents |
| Death Certificate | Children, Ex-Spouse, Funeral Director, Genealogists, Government Officials, Grandparents, Law Enforcement, Legal Guardian, Legal Representative, Other person of interest (personal and property rights), Parents, Person Listed in a Will, Siblings, Spouse |
| Marriage Certificate |
✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record.
❗️ Third-party requests for Oklahoma birth certificates must have a notarized signed letter of consent to release information from the certificate holder or their parent.
Do I need a notary with my application?
The OSDH – Division of Vital Records does not require applicants to obtain notarized statements when requesting certified copies of birth or marriage certificates. This applies to requests made online, by mail, or by telephone. However, additional documentation may require a notarized statement. Regarding death certificates, only immediate family members or legal representatives with a “direct, tangible interest” are eligible to obtain certified copies. A notarized sworn statement can sometimes be used as proof of a relationship.
You can visit the OSDH – Division of Vital Records website at https://oklahoma.gov/health/services/birth-and-death-certificates.html if you need a notary with your application for vital records due to unique circumstances. Notaries are generally required for apostilles, corrections, or amendments to vital records. To learn more about these conditions, refer to other FAQs below.
❗️ A notary is generally not required to obtain authorized copies of Oklahoma vital records. A photocopy of your ID is sufficient to verify your identity.
The total costs associated with obtaining vital record replacements depend on the fees set by the OSDH – Division of Vital Records for each type of certificate and how you apply. When you use Vital Records Online to order birth, marriage, divorce, or death records, the online Application Assistant will start at $29.
The OSDH – Division of Vital Records charges a fee of $15.00 for each certified copy of a birth certificate and $15.00 for each death certificate. The fee for a marriage certificate may vary depending on the county.
| Certificate | Fee | Additional Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $15.00 | $15.00 |
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested during the same order to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $29.
How long will it take to receive my vital records from Oklahoma?
You can check the current processing and delivery times in the table below. Processing and replacement times for birth, death, or marriage certificates may vary. The method you choose to submit your application and documents can also affect the total time it takes to receive your vital record in the mail.
Ordering through Vital Records Online can simplify the process of gathering documents and submitting your application packet, with options to expedite your order for quicker processing. Keep in mind that processing times may fluctuate depending on the volume of requests received by the OSDH – Division of Vital Records.
| Certificate | Processing Time | Rush Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 6 to 8 weeks | N/A |
| Death Certificate | 6 to 8 weeks | N/A |
| Marriage Certificate | N/A | N/A |
| Divorce Certificate | N/A | N/A |
❗️ The processing and replacement duration of birth, death, or marriage certificates by OSDH – Division of Vital Records may increase based on a high volume backlog of orders.
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
Once you have submitted your application through Vital Records Online, you can keep track of your order status and application processing. Additionally, you can use the prepaid mail postage included with your order to track your application packet to the OSDH – Division of Vital Records.
If you mail your application packet manually to the Vital Records Health Department, we advise purchasing first-class mail tracking to confirm that your application has been delivered successfully. The OSDH – Division of Vital Records ships all vital records via USPS first-class mail to ensure safe delivery. However, they do not take responsibility for any certificates that may be misdirected or lost during transit.
Make sure to correct any errors or typos when providing your personal information, as this could result in your information being sent to the wrong address. If your birth certificate is lost, file a report of the loss immediately.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Oklahoma counties office locations directory.
An apostille is required when submitting a vital record to a foreign government issued by the Oklahoma Secretary of State for vital records initially filed with the OSDH Division of Vital Records.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
You can obtain an apostille for vital records in Oklahoma through the Secretary of State or Vital Records Online. VRO’s professional and reliable apostille service is valid in all 50 US states and recognized by governments in over 100 countries.
Our services cover apostilles for Birth, Death, Marriage, and Divorce Certificates, with professional assistance throughout the process. The fee starts at $149 (plus government fees), and the entire process can be conveniently completed online in just three simple steps.
Completing your apostille documentation can be done entirely online, eliminating the need for physical copies of your papers in most cases. We dispatch your documents through trusted courier services such as FedEx or DHL to arrive at your doorstep, regardless of location, whether in the US or internationally. We rely on these esteemed courier services to ensure our global delivery is prompt and secure.
You will need to provide the following information:
You can submit requests for vital record apostilles to the Secretary of State at the following addresses:
For standard or express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
Oklahoma Secretary of State,
Attn: Certification Department,
421 NW 13th St, Suite 210,
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
You can reach the office at (405) 521-4211 or https://www.sos.ok.gov/business/apostilles.aspx.
The OSDH provides guidance on amending birth, marriage, and death certificates as the requirements and necessary forms for requesting amendments vary depending on the type of vital record that needs to be changed. Supplemental changes are added to the original record, but no entity can alter the original document. In Oklahoma, amendments generally require a court order and hiring an attorney.
Correcting or amending vital records usually will require the following:
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
❗️ For amendments to birth or death certificates, a notarized sworn statement generally is not required. In most cases, additional documentation or court order will be required.
Where can I search for free public records?
Oklahoma birth records become available to the public after 125 years, while death records become public after 50 years. Although finding free public records in Oklahoma can be complicated, many vital records, such as birth, marriage, and divorce, are readily accessible to the public. Searching through these public records can be time-consuming, so be prepared to spend a significant amount of time reviewing the records.
Are Oklahoma Vital Records Open to the Public?
While most Oklahoma state records are available to the public, the accessibility of these records depends on the type of record you are looking for and the year in which the birth, death, or marriage occurred.
Third-party websites can be a good reference point when searching for vital records, making it easy to research specific types of records. These websites are not limited to your location, providing a broader scope of information. Be aware that the data on third-party sites may differ from official government records.
To find a record on a third-party website, the person requesting must provide the following information:
It is crucial to check the authenticity of your Oklahoma vital record before attempting to use it to establish your identity. To ensure you have a certified copy of your birth, death, or marriage certificate, you can compare it with the official copy issued by the county where it was created. Informational copies of vital records usually have a stamp or a label that reads “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or something similar.
Authorized Copy:
Authorized (certified) copies constitute legal documents that can be used for official identification. Certified copies of vital records are only issued to individuals with a “direct and tangible interest” in the document. In contrast, informational copies cannot be used to establish identity.
Informational Copy:
When requesting a birth or marriage certificate, it’s important to know the difference between an official legal document and an informational copy. Informational copies are commonly referred to as short-form, unofficial (non-certified), “heirloom,” or “commemorative” certificates. They are not considered legal documents that can be used as proof of birth or identity for legal purposes. Informational copies are also not valid for other purposes, such as getting a passport or proving eligibility for benefits. Instead, they are intended for personal record-keeping or genealogical research.
The OSDH still requires the record holder and authorized third-party applicants to provide an accepted form of identification when requesting an heirloom birth certificate. If you request an informational copy, you do not need to provide a sworn statement.
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official Oklahoma government website at https://oklahoma.gov/health/services/birth-and-death-certificates.html
