How can I get a certified copy of my birth certificate?

Do I have to show an I.D. to get a copy of a birth or death certificate?

Yes!  One item from the Primary documentation list OR two items from the Secondary documentation list.  Certificate ID Requirements

How long does it take to get a copy of a certificate through the mail?

Our office turns all mail requests around in 3-5 business days after receipt. Mailing process takes 2-3 weeks. Please allow 2–3 weeks for delivery before contacting the health department. Vanderburgh County Health Department (VCHD) understands the mail service is currently taking longer to process and deliver. VCHD understands this may result in you not receiving the item(s) you paid for. VCHD is not responsible for the item(s) not received through mail and will not replace or resend the item(s) free of charge or issue refunds.

 

Do you have marriage and divorce records? 

No, copies of those records can be obtained from the Vanderburgh County Clerk. Located at the Civic Center Administration Building 1 NW MLK JR Blvd. Room S240 Evansville, IN 47708. Their phone number is 812-435-5160.

If I was born in another county or state, can I get a copy of my birth certificate at your office?

Yes, our office is able to issue other county’s birth certificate. For another state, please visit www.vitalchek.com. 

Can I get a social security card at your office?

No, social security numbers/cards can only be issued by the Social Security Agency. Please contact the Social Security Office nearest you.

Who is eligible to obtain a birth certificate?

The purchaser must have a “direct interest.” A direct interest is defined as a documented and verifiable financial and legal interest, or an immediate direct kinship (parent, adult sibling, or grandparent) to the person named on the record. Documentation of eligibility listed and acceptable identification requirements are listed below:

  • The individual named on record; 18 years or older
  • Parents of individual named on the birth certificate (must be listed on record)
  • Grandparents (must be parent of a parent listed on the record & show birth certificate of said child)
  • Sibling; 18 years or older of individual named on birth certificate (must provide birth certificate of self)
  • Child or grandchild, 18 years or older of individual named on birth certificate (must provide birth certificates to show proof of relation)
  • Current spouse of individual named on birth certificate (must provide proof of marriage)
  • Aunt or uncle of individual named on birth certificate (must provide birth certificates to show proof of relation)
  • Court appointed legal guardian (must provide guardianship papers with seal)
  • Attorney representing person named on record (must provide direct spelled out on letterhead or court documents)
  • State & federal agencies (must provide work ID as well as direct interest spelled out on letterhead, court documents, or signed authorization from client)
  • Step-parent (must provide proof of marriage)
  • Genealogy – individual named on birth certificate must be over 99 years old and deceased (must provide proof of death)

Who is eligible to obtain a death certificate?

The purchaser must have a “direct interest.” A direct interest is defined as a documented and verifiable financial and legal interest, or an immediate direct kinship (parent, adult sibling, or grandparent) to the person named on the record. Must provide acceptable identification or documentation.

  • Parents
  • Grandparents
  • Adult children
  • Sibling
  • Spouse
  • Legal interest (must provide proof of legal relationships, i.e. contract, agreements, titles, court order)