Introduction to Ohio Birth Certificates

This article is designed to help you get an Ohio birth certificate.  Counter to common belief, not everything is on the Internet.  Personal birth certificates are one of the items that are not readily available online, and that is probably a good thing.  You do not want your birth certificate in the public domain, where it can be seen by anyone.  However, this does not mean that you can’t easily get your birth certificate.  

Ohio birth certificates have been maintained by the Ohio Department of Health-Vital Statistics for individuals born in the state of Ohio since 1908.

Ohio Birth Certificate Authorized Persons

By Ohio state law, Ohio birth certificates are confidential records and can only be obtained by the following authorized individuals:

• Person Named on the Ohio Birth Certificate
• Mother/Father (or Legal Guardian) of Person Named on the Ohio Birth Certificat
• Grandparent of individual named on the Ohio birth certificate
• Husband/Wife of Person Named on the Ohio Birth Certificate 
• Son/Daughter of Person Named on the Ohio Birth Certificate
• Grandchild of individual named on the Ohio birth certificate
• Sister/Brother of Person Named on the Ohio Birth Certificate 
• Legal Representative of an Authorized Person of Person Named on the Ohio Birth Certificate

Ohio Birth Certificate for Genealogy Purpose

Anyone can obtain an Ohio Birth Certificate, 125 years or later from the date of the birth for genealogy or other reasons.

Ohio Birth Certificate Ordering

Options Option 1 – Order Ohio Birth Certificate Online

This option is the simplest and easiest way to get your Ohio Birth Certificate.  Order online and you will get your Ohio Birth Certificate usually in less than a week.  Many times you will have the option of receiving your vital record by next-day or second-day service.

Order Birth and Death Records Online!  

Option 2 – Order Ohio Birth Certificate through the Mail

Follow the instructions below, if you are not ordering your Ohio birth certificate online.  It usually takes 2-3 weeks upon receipt of request to be sent to you:

Step 1: Download Mail-In Application

Step 2: Please provide as much of the following information as possible to locate the Ohio birth certificate:

• Full name of person at birth on the Ohio birth certificate
• Date of birth on the Ohio birth certificate
• Sex on the Ohio birth certificate
• County (or city) of birth on the Ohio birth certificate
• Hospital of birth - if not in a hospital state "home" 
• Full maiden name of mother on the Ohio birth certificate
• Full name of father on the Ohio birth certificate
• Your name 
• Your signature 
• Your relationship to the person whose Ohio birth certificate you are requesting 
• Address where the Ohio birth certificate is to be mailed 
• Self addressed stamped envelope
• Your daytime phone number
• By Mail: Send the above information and the appropriate fee to:

 

Ohio Department of Health

Revenue Room

246 North High Street, 1st floor

P.O. Box 15098

Columbus, Ohio 43215-0098

Option 3 – In Person

In Person in Ohio: You may go to any county health department in the State of Ohio to obtain a certified copy of an Ohio birth certificate. Most Ohio birth certificates can be issued while you wait.

Ohio Birth Certificate Ordering Cost

The fee to search for an Ohio birth certificate is $16.50, which includes one certified copy of the Ohio birth certificate or a "Certificate of Failure to Find." For each additional copy of the Ohio birth certificate ordered at the same time, the fee is $16.50. Checks or Money Orders should be made payable to "Treasurer, State of Ohio." Please do not send cash. Fees are not refundable. Additional fees are required for expedited service.