Obtain a Copy of Your Birth Certificate in Indiana

Have you lost your birth certificate? Are you afraid you will lose it and want to have a backup (but equally official) copy? If you were born in the state of Indiana, you can obtain a copy of your birth certificate in several ways.

Steps

Requesting a Copy Online

  1. Visit the website for the state Department of Health, Vital Records division.[1] This is your gateway for all information and options regarding birth certificate copy requests.
    • Click the large blue "Order Online Now" tab found in the top third of the page, or one of the marked links for placing online orders.
  2. Choose one of two options for making your order.[2] The approximate cost for each service option is the same, about $17.50, with additional fees for expedited shipping. Both accept credit cards as payment.
    • IN.gov Vital Records is provided by the state and will require information such as date and place of birth, parents' names, and proof of your identity via driver's license number or other alternatives.
    • VitalChek is operated by LexisNexis and provides vital records requests for several U.S. states. Required information and proof of identity requirements are revealed after you provide basic information about yourself and your request.
  3. Provide the requested information and make your credit card payment. Follow the prompts indicated by your selection of either IN.gov Vital Records or VitalChek.
    • After submitting your request, you'll have to wait for your certificate to be processed and shipped.
    • The average processing time is 5-10 days for either service, not including shipping time. Expedited shipping may be available for an additional fee.

Requesting a Copy by Mail

  1. Obtain and fill out Indiana Form 49607. This application for a birth certificate copy is available on the website of the state Department of Health's Vital Records division.[1]
    • The link for the form is found near the middle of the page under the heading "To apply for a birth certificate by mail and pay by check or money order."
    • You can also find Form 49607 at county health departments within Indiana.
    • This form requests information such as: your name now and at birth; city, county, and hospital of birth; date of birth; and name of both parents (including any adoptive parents).
  2. Provide a photocopy of acceptable proof of identity. A single state or federal government-issued photo ID will suffice.
    • If you do not have a government photo ID, 2 forms of secondary proof of ID will also work. These include a signed Social Security card, a signed federal 1040 tax form, a signed lease form, a signed voter registration card, and others.
    • A full list of acceptable forms of ID is available as a .pdf file, which links from the FAQ section of the Vital Records website.[3]
    • You can also call Vital Records at 317-233-2700 to inquire about ID requirements.
    • While not clearly specified, it is probably wise to photocopy both sides of a photo ID card. Also make sure the copy is clear. Better safe than sorry.
  3. Enclose a check or money order for $10, plus $4 for any additional copies. No other forms of payment are accepted by mail. Make checks out to the Indiana State Department of Health.
    • For this fee, records for up to five years will be searched (the birth year indicated and the two prior and subsequent years, if necessary), and the resulting certificate will be shipped via standard mail.
    • There are no refunds if the certificate cannot be found.
  4. Submit your application and wait for your certificate to arrive by mail. Mail your application, proof of ID, and payment to the following address:
    • Vital Records, Indiana State Department of Health, P.O. Box 7125, Indianapolis, IN 46206-7125
    • The average processing time for requests is 5-10 days, not including shipping time.

Requesting a Copy in Person

  1. Contact the health department of the county in which the birth occurred. Hours of operation, procedures, and fees for service vary by county in Indiana.
    • The state website includes contact information, fees, and other general details for each county health department.[4]
    • Some counties may permit orders over the phone or online, and may accept different forms of payment.
  2. Be prepared to provide information as per Indiana Form 49607.[1] You don't need to bring the form with you, but you may want to do so to expedite the process.
    • The information you should be prepared to provide includes: your name now and at birth; city, county, and hospital of birth; date of birth; and name of both parents (including any adoptive parents).
  3. Show acceptable proof of identity. A single state or federal government-issued photo ID will suffice.
    • If you do not have a government photo ID, 2 forms of secondary proof of ID will also work. These include a signed Social Security card, a signed federal 1040 tax form, a signed lease form, a signed voter registration card, and others.
    • A full list of acceptable forms of ID is available as a .pdf file, which links from the FAQ section of the Vital Records website.[3]
    • You can also call Vital Records at 317-233-2700, or the county health department, to inquire about ID requirements.
  4. Request your birth certificate from your county of birth if you were born before William Howard Taft was elected President. To be more precise, if you were born before October 1907.
    • Birth certificates issued before October 1907 are filed only with county health departments in Indiana, so this will be your only option. If you are in this boat, congratulations on your longevity!

Dealing with Limited Information

  1. Gather as much information about your birth as you can. If you do not know your exact date of birth, determine as precise a range of dates as possible.
    • Records will be searched for up to five years (the year of birth you denote, and the two years previous and subsequent) if necessary.
    • Likewise collect as precise of information as possible about your place of birth in Indiana, such as county, city, and hospital.
  2. Contact the Vital Records division directly to see if you have enough information to make a search. Call 317-233-2700 during business hours.

Related Articles

  • Obtain a Copy of Your Birth Certificate in Colorado
  • Obtain a Copy of Your Birth Certificate in Connecticut
  • Obtain a Copy of Your Birth Certificate in Delaware
  • Obtain a Copy of Your Birth Certificate in Florida
  • Obtain a Copy of Your Birth Certificate in Georgia

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 http://www.in.gov/isdh/20444.htm
  2. ↑ http://www.in.gov/isdh/25993.htm
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 http://www.in.gov/isdh/20243.htm
  4. ↑ http://www.in.gov/isdh/20422.htm
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