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Apply for a Death Certificate
Death records in the ISDH Vital Records office begin with 1900. Prior to 1900, records of death are filed only with the local health department in the county where the death actually occurred. For deaths occurring from 1900 to 1917, the city and/or county of death is required in order to locate the record.
Fees are established by law (IC 16-37-1-11). Each search for a record costs $8.00. The fee is non-refundable. Included in one search is a five-year period: the reported year of death and, if the record is not found in that year, the two years before and after. For records prior to 1917, the search covers a five-year period and only one county. One copy of the record, if found, is included with the search fee; and additional copies of the same record purchased at the same time are $4.00 each.
Please see our Fee Schedule for a complete listing of costs associated with Vital Records.
There are four ways to order a death certificate:
- Local Health Department – Allows the quick and convenient option of the local offices walk-up services. You must contact the local health department (LHD) in the county where the event occurred to obtain information on service hours, fees proper requirements, and acceptability with different federal and state agencies. For LHD contact information visit the page Local Health Department Contacts page.
- ISDH Vital Records Online – Allows you choose between two reputable entities using Vital Records Online to purchase documents from the Indiana State Department of Health using a major credit card at your leisure.
- ISDH Vital Records via Phone – Allows you to order documents and receive customer service support for ordering assistance using a reputable third party company. This option uses a toll-free number and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (866) 601-0891.
- ISDH Vital Records via Mail – Allows you to pay via check or money order. To apply for a death certificate, print Form 49606.
ISDH Vital Records does not offer walk-in service. Please contact your local health department (LHD) in the county where the event occurred to obtain their individual walk-in hours.
Visit the Local Health Department Contacts page for LHD contact information.
To check the status of an order, please contact Customer Service at (317) 233-2700.