Order official Ohio Death Records and Vital Records online

Death records, such as the Ohio death certificate, are crucial documents for various legal and personal reasons. They provide proof of death, which is often required for settling estates, claiming life insurance, genealogy research, and other administrative needs. Understanding the proper process for obtaining these records ensures that you have all the necessary information when you need it most.

Who Can Request Death Records?

In Ohio, death records are considered public information; therefore, any individual can request a death certificate. However, only authorized representatives or immediate family members may request a certified copy of a death certificate with the decedent's social security number.

What Documents Are Required?

To request a death certificate, you will need to provide the following:

• • Completed application form;
• • Valid photo identification;
• • Proof of relationship (if requesting a certified copy with the social security number);
• • Payment for the required fee.

Ensure that your application form is filled out accurately to avoid processing delays.

How to Obtain Ohio Death Records

By Mail

To request death records by mail, send your completed application form along with the required documents and payment to the Ohio Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics. Please ensure that you use a traceable mailing service.

In Person

You can visit your local Ohio Department of Health office to obtain death records in person. Be sure to bring all required documents and payment to expedite the process. Some local health departments may also offer this service, so check with them beforehand.

Online

The Ohio Department of Health partners with VitalChek to provide an online ordering service. This method can be convenient for those who prefer digital transactions and need faster processing.

How Much Do Death Records Cost?

The cost for obtaining a death certificate in Ohio varies. The standard fee for a certified copy is $25.00. Additional fees may apply for expedited processing or for additional copies. If you order online via VitalChek, there may be an additional service fee.

Processing Time

The processing time for obtaining death records can depend on the method chosen:

• • By mail: Generally takes 3-4 weeks from the date the application is received;
• • In person: Can often be completed the same day, depending on the local office's workload;
• • Online: Typically processed within 1-2 weeks, but expedited options may reduce this time to several days.

Following these guidelines carefully can ensure that your request for an Ohio death certificate is processed smoothly and efficiently. For any specific questions or further assistance, don't hesitate to contact the Ohio Department of Health directly. Their staff can provide additional support to help you through the application process.

If the event was recorded locally or if you need immediate access to detailed records, it is preferable to contact your county vital records office directly. Find the contact details of your local county vital records office here.