Certificate Information
Vital records are handled centrally by the Ohio Department of Health. You can obtain a birth or death record either by mail, online, walk in to the state office or by visiting any of the local state or city vital records offices. Not all local vital records offices are capable of issuing statewide records. Search fees are $21.50 in person with an approximately 1 hour turn around time. Mail and online searches can take 3 to 6 weeks.
Ohio Department of Health
Vital Statistics
225 Neilston Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: (614) 466-2531
• Application for Certified Copies (PDF)
There is no central database for marriage or divorce records that can provice certified copies. All marriage records are held by the county probate court in which the marriage license was granted. Divorce records are held by the local county clerk of court. The office of vital statisics can search and issue abstrasts for a $3 dollar fee with a turn around time of 3 to 6 weeks.
• List of County Probate Courts
• List of County Clerks of Court
Adoption Records
Adoption records have different rules regarding the access to information based on when they were processes. Adoptions prior to 1964 are available with a notarized affidavit and will include all information held including indentification, medical history and original birth certificate. From 1964 to 1996, birth families can authorize the release of private information to adult age (21) adoptees apon search or their guardians on their behalf. After 1996 adoptees must request for search assistance to view any adoption records.
Ohio Department of Health
Office of Vital Statistics
P.O. 118
Columbus, Ohio 43216-0118
(614) 466-2531
• Request for Assistance by Adoptee
Property Records
Parcel records are maintained by the county government in which the property resides. Depending on the county either the treasurer, auditor or gis department may be responsible for sharing the public records.
• Cuyahoga County Real Property Information
• Franklin County Real Estate Page
• Hamilton County Parcel Search
• Montgomery County Real Estate Search
• Summit County Parcel Maps
• Lucas County Online Maps