Indiana Vital Records
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Indiana vital records document life events, including births, deaths, divorces, and marriages in the state. These records are handled by various state agencies, including the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) Division of Vital Records, which serves as the custodian of birth, death, and marriage records. The local health department keeps only birth and death records, while the Clerk of Courts keeps marriage and divorce records. Vital records are not considered public under the Indiana public records law.
Public Access to Indiana Vital Records
Marriage and divorce records are generally public and can be obtained from the county clerk, although identification may be required to request certified copies. However, marriage records issued by the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) Division of Vital Records are confidential.
Per IC 16-37-1-10, certified copies of birth and death records are confidential to protect individuals' identity and privacy. The local health departments and IDOH only issue them to individuals who can demonstrate a direct interest and provide valid identification. Specifically, birth records become public 75 years after the date of birth. Non-certified death records may be available for public inspection with sensitive information redacted.
Types of Vital Records Available in Indiana
The types of vital records in Indiana include birth, death, marriage, and divorce records. Record seekers can obtain copies of death certificates for different kinds: certified, non-certified, and with or without the listed cause of death. Marriage and divorce records are also available in certified and non-certified forms.
There are two types of birth certificates in Indiana: the standard and long-form birth certificates. The standard birth certificate is 5" x 5.5" in size, and it is used for passports, sports, school records, traveling abroad, driver's licenses (REAL ID), new hire information, SS card replacement, and government benefits. The long-form birth certificates are 8.5" x 11" in size and are used for genealogy, marriage outside the U.S., immigration/visa, dual citizenship, apostilles, and pre-adoption purposes.
Indiana Birth Records
The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) and local county health departments issue certified copies of birth certificates. Residents can get birth records from October 1907 to the present from the IDOH. Birth records from 1882 are available at the local health department in the county where the birth occurred. Birth records are deemed confidential for 75 years to protect privacy and identity.
Indiana issues two types of birth certificates to its citizens: the standard and the long-form birth certificates. The standard birth certificate contains the child's name, birthplace, date of birth, sex, the parents' names and birthplaces, certificate number, and the date the record was filed. The long-form birth certificates contain all the information in the standard form, including the time of birth, parents' birthplaces, the name of the attendant, the name of the certifier, the hospital name, and the parents' dates of birth.
Indiana Death Records
Record seekers can find death records in Indiana at the Department of Health Division of Vital Records and local county health departments. The IDOH began maintaining death records in 1900. Records before 1900 are available at the local health department in the county where the death occurred. Indiana death certificates are available in certified and non-certified copies. Certified copies of death records are confidential and are only issued to individuals with direct interests in the record. Uncertified copies may be publicly available.
Indiana Marriage Records
Indiana marriage records are official documents that provide information about a marriage that occurred in the state. They contain the full names of the couple, their ages, residences, the marriage date, the parents' full names, and the county where the marriage occurred.
The Indiana Department of Health, Division of Vital Records, began maintaining marriage records in 1958. This Division issues Indiana marriage records to only the couple and individuals with a direct interest in the record. Older marriage records, dating back to before 1958, are available at the Clerk of Courts' offices and the Indiana State Library. These records are available to members of the public.
Indiana Divorce Records
Indiana divorce records are official documents that provide information about a divorce filed and finalized in the state. These records typically include basic details such as the divorce parties names, the date the divorce case was filed, the county of filing, and the final disposition of the case. Divorce records encompass divorce certificates, divorce decrees, and other relevant documents related to divorce cases. Individuals can find divorce records at the Clerk of Courts in the county where the divorce was finalized.
How to Order Vital Records in Indiana
The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) Division of Vital Records maintains and disseminates certified copies of birth and death certificates by phone, online, or by mail. Online and phone requests are processed through an independent company. To order by mail, send a completed Birth or Death Application Form, the applicable fee, and a valid ID to:
Indiana State Department of Health
Division of Vital Records,
2 North Meridian Street,
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Those who want to submit requests for birth or death records in person should place their order through the local health department where the event occurred. Local health departments also provide birth and death records by mail and in person.
Marriage and divorce records are available at the Clerk of Court in the county where the marriage or divorce was issued. The request methods vary by county. For example, the Porter County Clerk's office issues copies of marriage licenses and divorce decrees by email at records@porterco.org and telephone at (219) 465-3450. The Marion County Clerk's Office provides access to marriage records and divorce decrees in person, by mail, and online. Individuals can also purchase marriage records from the IDOH by completing and submitting State Form 54764.
Indiana has free online portals for conducting marriage and divorce searches. Requesters can use the Marriage License Public Lookup portal to find marriage information by name, marriage year range, or issuing county. The Case Search portal enables individuals to view non-confidential divorce information by name, case number, or attorney's name.
Who Can Request Indiana Vital Records?
According to IC 16-37-1-10, certified copies of birth and death certificates are only issued to individuals with a direct interest or those who can prove that the record is needed for the determination of personal or property rights. However, uncertified copies of death certificates are public records, so anyone can request them. Divorce and marriage records are publicly available, but a valid ID may be required to obtain copies.
|
Record Type |
Eligible Requestors |
Required Documents |
Official Source Link |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Birth Certificate |
|
Proof of relationship, ID, work ID, and court documents |
Include name, address, and link to state agency |
|
Death Certificate |
|
Proof of relationship, ID, work ID, and court documents |
Include name, address, and link to state agency |
|
Marriage Record |
Clerk of Courts: Anyone IDOH: bride, groom, individuals with a direct interest, or individuals with a court or der |
Some states limit certified copies to spouses or their legal representatives |
Link to state marriage record laws or the clerk's office |
|
Divorce Record |
Anyone |
Certified copies often require a photo ID or a court request |
Link to the court or state statute governing divorce records |
Processing Times for Indiana Vital Records Requests
Indiana vital record processing time may vary depending on the request method, delivery option, and record custodian. The Indiana Department of Health's Division of Vital Records typically processes standard birth certificates within 2 to 3 weeks and long-form birth certificates within 6 to 8 weeks. Death certificates generally take about 60 days to process. Online requests are processed within 12 to 16 weeks. Requests submitted through local health departments are typically processed more quickly. Additionally, individuals requesting marriage or death certificates may receive same-day service when applying in person at the Clerk of Court's office during business hours. Marriage records in the custody of the IDOH take 10 to 15 business days to process.
|
Record Type |
Factors That Influence Processing Time |
Considerations |
|---|---|---|
|
Birth Certificate |
|
Requests submitted through local health departments are faster. |
|
Death Certificate |
|
Requests submitted through local health departments are faster |
|
Marriage Record |
|
In-person requests are generally faster for obtaining copies, while online requests tend to be quicker when only limited information is needed. |
|
Divorce Record |
|
In-person requests are generally faster for obtaining copies, while online requests tend to be quicker when only limited information is needed. |
Fees for Obtaining Vital Records in Indiana
The Indiana Department of Health Division of Vital Records charges $10 each for birth certificates and $8 each for death certificates. An additional $12.95 fee applies when purchasing copies of these records online or by phone. An additional $21 fee will also be required for all UPS shipments. The cost of ordering birth and death records from the local health department varies by county. For example, the Kosciusko County Health Department charges $10 for both death and birth certificates, plus a $1 postage fee. In contrast, the Vanderburgh County Health Department charges $19.00 for each certified death certificate and $15.00 for each non-certified death certificate or certified birth certificate.
Marriage records provided by the IDOH cost $8 per date provided. Per IC 33-37-5-1, the Clerk of Courts charges $1.00 per page for copies of marriage and divorce records. Certified copies cost $3.00 per document for certification plus the $1 copying fee (IC 33-37-5-3).
How to Search Vital Records Online in Indiana
The Indiana Department of Health's Division of Vital Records provides online access to birth and death records through a third-party vendor. To place an order, applicants must visit the designated website, enter the required information, upload supporting documentation, and pay the applicable fees.
Individuals can search for marriage records online using the Marriage License Public Lookup portal. The search criteria are name, marriage year range, or issuing county. The Indiana State Library also offers databases (1850 and 1958-2018) where the public can find marriage information. Users will need to enter a name, marriage date, or county in the search box to view the appropriate details. The Case Search portal is the proper tool for searching divorce records online for free. Users will need to provide a name, case number, or the attorney's name to conduct the search.