About Vital Records

The Indiana Department of Health Division of Vital Records is responsible for maintaining and issuing certified copies of vital records, including birth, death, and fetal death certificates for events that occurred in Indiana. The office of Vital Records officially began recording births in 1907, and death recordings began in 1900.

Birth records in the IDOH Vital Records office began in October 1907. Prior to October 1907, records of birth were filed only with the local health department in the county where the birth occurred.

Death records in the IDOH Vital Records office began in 1900. Prior to 1900, records of death were filed only with the local health department in the county where the death occurred. For deaths occurring from 1900 to 1917, the city and/or county where the death occurred is required in order to locate the record.