Frequently Asked Questions

• Where can I get assistance with genealogy research?

  Under State statute (IC 16-37-1-11 and IC 16-37-1-11.5), the fee associated with a birth or death certificate is for the IDOH Vital Records office to search the records to determine if a record is on file. The search fee includes one copy of the certificate, if the record is found, and search fees are non-refundable.

  Indiana Law (IC 16-37-1-10) specifically requires a purchaser of a birth certificate to have a “direct interest.” A direct interest is defined as a documented personal, financial, or legal interest in the record, or immediate kinship (parent, grandparent, or adult sibling) to the person named on the record.

  Genealogy Resources

  • Indiana State Library
  • Allen County Public Library - second-largest genealogy collection in the U.S.
  • Vital Check
  • Ancestry