Ohio Death Certificate - How to Get Certified Copies

An independent guide to ordering certified death certificates in Ohio. Fees and processing times change, so confirm them with the state office.

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Independent service, not a government agency. GetDeathCertificates.com is an independent information site. We are not the Ohio Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Statistics, we are not affiliated with any government agency, and we do not issue death certificates. You can order directly from the state office yourself at its Ohio Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Statistics website.

Getting a Death Certificate in Ohio

Obtaining certified death certificate copies in Ohio requires submitting a request to the Ohio Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Statistics. Fees and processing times are set by that office and change, so check the current fee and turnaround on its Ohio Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Statistics website before you order. Online ordering through this site is not available right now; ordering directly from the state office is usually the fastest and cheapest option.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Determine eligibility: In Ohio, only authorized persons may request death certificates. See the "Who Can Request" section below.
  2. Gather required documents: You will need to provide specific documentation with your request. See the "Required Documents" section below.
  3. Submit your request: Requests can be submitted to the Ohio Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Statistics by mail, or in person at the state office by appointment.
  4. Pay the official fees: The state office sets the fee per certified copy and the payment methods it accepts. Check current fees and accepted payment methods with the Ohio Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Statistics website.
  5. Receive your copies: Certified copies are mailed to your address after processing. Processing times vary by office and season; ask the office for its current turnaround and whether expedited handling is offered.

Required Documents

  • Completed application
  • Government-issued ID
  • Proof of relationship
  • Payment

Who Can Request a Ohio Death Certificate

Ohio restricts access to death certificates to authorized individuals. Eligible requestors include:

  • Spouse
  • Parent
  • Child (18+)
  • Sibling
  • Grandparent
  • Grandchild
  • Attorney
  • Funeral director

Ohio Vital Records Office Contact

Ohio Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Statistics

Address
246 N High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone
(614) 466-2531
Website
State office website
Cost
Check current fees with the office
Processing Time
Varies - check with the office

Counties in Ohio

Death certificates in Ohio can be requested for deaths that occurred in any of the state's 88 counties.

Show all 88 Ohio counties
  • Adams
  • Allen
  • Ashland
  • Ashtabula
  • Athens
  • Auglaize
  • Belmont
  • Brown
  • Butler
  • Carroll
  • Champaign
  • Clark
  • Clermont
  • Clinton
  • Columbiana
  • Coshocton
  • Crawford
  • Cuyahoga
  • Darke
  • Defiance
  • Delaware
  • Erie
  • Fairfield
  • Fayette
  • Franklin
  • Fulton
  • Gallia
  • Geauga
  • Greene
  • Guernsey
  • Hamilton
  • Hancock
  • Hardin
  • Harrison
  • Henry
  • Highland
  • Hocking
  • Holmes
  • Huron
  • Jackson
  • Jefferson
  • Knox
  • Lake
  • Lawrence
  • Licking
  • Logan
  • Lorain
  • Lucas
  • Madison
  • Mahoning
  • Marion
  • Medina
  • Meigs
  • Mercer
  • Miami
  • Monroe
  • Montgomery
  • Morgan
  • Morrow
  • Muskingum
  • Noble
  • Ottawa
  • Paulding
  • Perry
  • Pickaway
  • Pike
  • Portage
  • Preble
  • Putnam
  • Richland
  • Ross
  • Sandusky
  • Scioto
  • Seneca
  • Shelby
  • Stark
  • Summit
  • Trumbull
  • Tuscarawas
  • Union
  • Van Wert
  • Vinton
  • Warren
  • Washington
  • Wayne
  • Williams
  • Wood
  • Wyandot

Order from the Ohio vital records office

Online ordering through this site is not available right now. You can order a certified death certificate directly from the Ohio vital records office (link below) - this is usually the fastest and cheapest option.

Ohio vital records office

Start an order (online ordering opening soon)

Related: Find Funeral Homes in Ohio

If you are working with a funeral home in Ohio, our directory lists funeral homes across the state. Browse funeral homes in Ohio.

Frequently Asked Questions - Ohio

The state office sets the government fee and it can change, so check the current fee on the Ohio Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Statistics website.

Processing time depends on the vital records office and how it receives your request, and it changes over time. Check the current turnaround, and whether expedited handling is offered, on the Ohio Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Statistics website.

Most requests in Ohio go through the state vital records office at Ohio Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Statistics. Some counties may have local options - contact us or check the county health department website.

Death certificates are issued by the vital records office for the state where the death occurred, not where the person lived. If the death occurred in Ohio, you request it from Ohio vital records regardless of where the deceased resided.

Related: funeral homes in Ohio | how it works | frequently asked questions | how to order