Issuances FAQs
- What is required to purchase a certified copy of a birth, death or fetal death record?
Valid and current identification and relationship requirements.
- What are the required pieces of information to order birth certificates?
Name at birth, date of birth, place of birth, mother’s full maiden name and father’s full name.
- What are the required pieces of information to order death and fetal certificates?
Name of the descendent, date of death, place of death and date of birth of descendent.
- Who are qualified applicants for birth and death certificates?
Qualified applicants must have a direct interest, 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. This is in accordance with Indiana Code (IC) 16-37-1-10, IC 16-37-1 (11) and IC 16-37-1(11.5).
- What is an authorized representative?
Power of attorney (POA)
- What is acceptable documentation to prove qualifying relationship?
Check the Identification Requirements list to determine your eligibility as well as the proper identification and relationship document needed.
- Can I request the birth certificate of a non-family member?
Yes, if you have a legal interest or the event is more than 75yrs old.
- What is required to file a delayed birth certificate?
The process to file a delayed birth certificate can vary. For information on how to file, visit: Birth Information.
- Does an ex-spouse have access to the previous spouse’s birth or death certificate?
No; however, a request can be considered if the ex-spouse can provide proof of a legal direct interest.
- Do step-parents have the same access to records as parents?
No, check the Identification Requirements list to determine your eligibility as well as the proper identification and relationship document needed.
- How do I obtain a copy of my marriage certificate?
For more information about applying for a marriage license, please visit the Indiana Court’s Apply for a Marriage License page. To purchase a copy of a Record of Marriage, complete and submit State Form 54764.
- What is the difference between ordering a birth certificate from the state and the county I was born in?
You will receive an order quicker when placed through the country in which you were born. If you are in need of a Long Form Birth Certificate, that will need to be ordered through the state.
- What information is on a standard certificate?
A standard birth certificate lists name at birth, gender, place of birth, date of birth, parents’ legal name at time of birth, parents’ state of birth, file date and state certificate number.
- What information do I receive if I purchase a long certificate?
A long birth certificate lists the same information as a standard birth certificate, and available statistical information such as the time of birth, hospital of birth and parents’ date of birth.
- Who do I contact if I was born abroad to parents with U.S. Citizenship?
Visit the U.S. Department of State’s Birth of U.S. Citizens Abroad page.
- How do I get an Apostille on my certificate?
Visit the Indiana Secretary of State’s Apostilles website.
- What are the identification requirements with Amish or religious exceptions?
- Amish Primary Documents (One form of identification with a letter from bishop/clergy):
- Non-photo ID
- Amish Secondary Documents (Two forms of identification with a letter from bishop/clergy):
- Signed Social Security Card or IRS Form 4029 (exemption of SSN)
- Baptismal Certificate
- Marriage Certificate
- School Records
- Amish Primary Documents (One form of identification with a letter from bishop/clergy):
- Who do I contact about U.S. Citizens who died abroad?
Visit the U.S. Department of State’s Death Abroad page.
