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Find Indiana Vital Records Online

Are Indiana Vital Records Available to the Public?

Yes, some Indiana vital records are available to the public. Certified vital records, however, are restricted and can only be accessed by individuals with a direct, familial, or legal interest. These records include certified death, marriage, adoption, and divorce records. The provisions governing the maintenance and dissemination of Indiana vital records are detailed in Indiana Code.

What Information is Included in Indiana Vital Records?

Indiana vital records consist of official documents created after significant life events. These records include:

  • Birth records
  • Death records
  • Marriage records
  • Divorce records
  • Adoption records

They serve various legal purposes, such as establishing identity and determining eligibility for benefits.

How to Access Indiana Vital Records Online?

Most government-operated repositories do not offer remote access to vital records due to privacy regulations. However, individuals can request records online by providing the following information:

  • Proof of identification, including a valid driver’s license.
  • Evidence of relationship to the person(s) named on the certificate.
  • Reason for requesting the certificate.
  • Accurate details about the persons named on the certificate, such as full name, date of birth, and city of birth.
  • Requesters’ delivery information.

Publicly available vital records can also be accessed through third-party aggregate sites, which may offer a convenient alternative for researching specific or multiple records. However, these sites are not government-sponsored, and record availability may vary.

What Do I Need to Access Indiana Vital Records?

To obtain Indiana vital records, you can visit the Indiana State Department of Health Vital Records Division or local health departments in the county where the event occurred. You will need to provide:

  • A valid means of identification.
  • A completed request form.
  • Applicable fees by check or money order.

For birth and death records, visit the State Department of Health or local health departments. Marriage and divorce records can be obtained from the county courthouses where the events took place. Requests can also be made by mail, online, or by phone.

Certified vs. Informational Copies: Key Differences

Certified copies of vital records are used for legal and identity verification purposes, such as applying for a driver’s license. Informational or non-certified copies serve as proof that the certified copy exists but cannot be used for legal purposes.

Are Indiana Birth Records Available to the Public?

Yes, but access to Indiana birth records is subject to a statutory period of confidentiality. Birth records less than 75 years old are restricted to individuals with a direct interest, such as family members or legal representatives. After 75 years, these records become public.

How to Access Indiana Birth Records?

To access Indiana birth records, requesters must present:

  • Full name at birth
  • Date of birth
  • County/City of birth
  • Full names of the parent(s)
  • Mother’s maiden name
  • Reason for requesting the record
  • Papers of guardianship, if relevant
  • Photocopy of a valid government-issued ID

Requests can be made by visiting the county’s health department where the birth occurred or by mail, including a completed application form and applicable fees.

Are Birth Certificates Public in Indiana?

Birth certificates in Indiana are not public records. Only individuals with an immediate familial relationship, such as parents, legal guardians, grandparents, or siblings, can access them. These individuals must provide proof of their relationship and suitable identification.

Are Indiana Death Records Available to the Public?

Yes, death records in Indiana are considered public records and can be accessed by members of the public.

How to Access Death Records in Indiana?

To access death records, requesters must provide:

  • State and city where the death occurred
  • Date of death
  • Applicant’s purpose for ordering the certificate
  • Relationship to the deceased
  • Applicant’s full legal name

Requests can be made by visiting the county’s health department where the death occurred or by mail, including a completed application form, valid identification, and applicable fees.

Are Indiana Marriage Records Available to the Public?

Yes, marriage records in Indiana are public information. Interested individuals can obtain marriage records from the designated record custodian at the state and county levels.

How to Access Marriage Records in Indiana?

To access marriage records, requesters can visit the Clerk of Court office in the county where the marriage occurred. They must provide:

  • Full names of the couple
  • Date of marriage
  • County where the marriage took place

Requests can also be made by mail to the Indiana State Department of Health.

How to Obtain a Marriage Certificate in Indiana

To obtain a marriage certificate, couples must visit the clerk’s office in an Indiana county where either resides or where the marriage will be solemnized. After the wedding, the original marriage license must be returned to the county clerk’s office. Requesters must provide:

  • Valid identification
  • Marriage license details
  • Applicable fees

Certified copies cost $25 for the first and $10 for each additional copy.

Are Indiana Divorce Records Available to the Public?

Yes, Indiana divorce records are public information. Any member of the public can request and view a divorce record, though certified copies are limited to those with a direct, legal, or tangible interest.

How to Get Divorce Records in Indiana?

To obtain divorce records, visit the county courthouse where the divorce occurred. Requesters must provide:

  • Full names of the persons involved
  • Date of divorce
  • Ex-wife’s maiden name

Fees vary by location, and requests can be made in person or by mail.

How to Obtain a Certified Divorce Certificate in Indiana

To get a certified copy of a divorce decree, contact the County Clerk's office where the divorce occurred. Requesters must provide:

  • Valid identification
  • Divorce details
  • Applicable fees

Certified copies are not available online, but information about marriage licenses and divorce cases can be accessed through state databases.

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