WHO MAY OBTAIN CERTIFIED BIRTH AND DEATH RECORDS:

Who may obtain a BIRTH CERTIFICATE for a person who is now an ADULT (18 years or older):

1) The individual who is named on the certificate.

2) A parent of that person (only if they are named on the certificate as a parent).

3) A brother or sister who can show proof of a common parent.

4) A grandparent of the person who is named on the certificate, provided he/she has the same last name as that person, or showing proof of having the same last name at some point.

5) Another relative who can show a legal right to that birth certificate.

6) One who has power of attorney or guardianship for that person named on a birth record. (You must have court papers to prove this).

Who may obtain a BIRTH CERTIFICATE for a person who is a CHILD (younger than 18 years):

1) A parent of the child who is named on the child’s birth record.

2) If the father is not named on the birth record, ONLY the mother may apply.

3) If the father is named on the birth record by Paternity Affidavit, ONLY the father or mother listed on the record may apply.

4) Grandparents of a minor child may apply for a birth record ONLY if the parents were married (or got married afterwards and had the birth record amended) when the child was born, and with a written permission slip signed by one of the parents, along with a COPY of that parent’s identification.

5) One who has court ordered guardianship (must have court provided document).

Who may obtain a DEATH CERTIFICATE:

1) A parent, grandparent, brother, sister, or spouse who can show proof of relationship.

2) Person who is named as the “Informant” on the death certificate.

3) Anyone who can show a legal right to that certificate (i.e.: applicant named on an insurance policy, sale of a motor vehicle titled to the deceased).

***IDENTIFICATION NEEDED TO OBTAIN A BIRTH/DEATH CERTIFICATE:

1) TWO (2) pieces of identification are required to apply for a birth or death certificate.

2) At least ONE (1) piece of identification must show the applicant’s current address and should be a picture ID with a signature. A current driver’s license or ID card is excellent for this purpose. IF the driver’s license does not have your current address a copy of a utility bill should also be sent.

3) IF the driver’s license is outdated another piece of ID should be sent along with the DL.

4) For a list of acceptable identification see the birth or death application.

If you have any questions about the requirements covered here, please call the office at (765) 342-6621. We will assist you in determining if you are qualified to apply for a record or help you determine proper identification.