Bureau of Vital Statistics
How to Order Certificates
The Bureau of Vital Statistics maintains birth records from December 20, 1908 and death records from 1971 to present. Fetal death records, heirloom birth certificates, and stillbirth certificates can also be ordered. For more information including fees, instructions, and office hours please see our How to Order Certificates page.
If you need to order a birth or death record from a different state, please visit the National Center for Health Statistics "Where to Write" web page for contact information.
Marriage and divorce records are NOT maintained by the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Certified copies of marriage licenses and divorce decrees can only be obtained from the county where the event was recorded.
Changing or Correcting a Birth Record
Information on how to change a registered birth record, which includes filing a legal name change, birth affidavit or court ordered correction, can be found on our page for Changing or Correcting a Birth Record.
Paternity Establishments
The establishment of paternity allows a father to be added to his child’s birth record. For an explanation on options available, please see our page for Establishing Paternity here or visit the Ohio Paternity Enhancement Program website.
Adoption File Information
Individuals can now request a copy of their adoption file for all years of birth records maintained by the Bureau of Vital Statistics. Forms and information on how to request an adoption file can be found on our page for Adoption File Information.
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