Vital Statistics
Vital Statistics Service Availability
The Bureau of Vital Statistics is working remotely in accordance with Governor DeWine’s precautionary guidance on COVID-19. As part of the Ohio Department of Health our focus during this public health emergency is the continuation of critical functions for our bureau and the State of Ohio. Some of our services may be delayed or unavailable to the public for a time as a result. We understand that this may be inconvenient but we hope you understand our primary concern is responding to and mitigating the current pandemic.
For the fastest response to your questions right now we recommend email. If you have a question about an order you placed for a certified copy of an Ohio vital record or you have general questions about Ohio's vital records please email vitalstat@odh.ohio.gov. If you are with a funeral home, hospital, coroner or physician's office, or a local government agency please email VS.Helpdesk@odh.ohio.gov.
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 website 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.
- Marriage certificate copies can be obtained from the specific county probate court. In Ohio each county probate court maintains their own online contact pages and information.
- Divorce decrees can be requested from the specific county where it was finalized. Please visit this listing of county clerks maintained by the Ohio County Clerks Association for local clerk contact information.
Questions about COVID-19?
The Ohio Department of Health offers online information updated daily or call us at 1-833-4ASKODH (833-427-5694).
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.
Other Resources