Ohio Birth Records

Ohio has been maintaining birth records since December 20, 1908. Before that, many local counties maintained their own records of births; however, 1908 became the starting point for state-wide vital records.

Ohio birth records are official documents that record a person's existence. Birth records include information such as the individual's name, date and place of birth, and other identifying information. Ohio offers different forms of birth certificates, long-form and short-form birth certificates, each designed for diverse needs.

The long-form birth certificate, also known as the original birth record, is the official version of a person's birth record. The long-form birth record provides detailed information about the birth, such as the full name of the individual, birth weight, date and place of birth, parents' names, county of birth, attending physician, and official signature and seal of the issuing body. The long-form birth records are useful for legal purposes.

The short-form birth certificate, also called an abstract birth certificate in Ohio, is a condensed version of the long-form certificate. It includes the most essential details and is commonly used for general identification purposes and is acceptable for some uses, including school enrollment and employment verification. Short-form birth records usually include the name of the record holder, date and place of birth, gender, and basic parental information. Since it does not include full details, like parents' names or official signatures, short-form, it is unacceptable for legal purposes.

Birth records may also be categorized as authorized copies and information copies. The authorized copy of a birth record is a legally recognized, certified document issued by the state or county health department. The informational copy of birth records is the uncertified or unofficial, less detailed version of the birth record, invalid for legal purposes.

How To Order an Ohio Birth Certificate?

Interested persons may order an Ohio birth certificate from December 20, 1908, to date at the Ohio Department of Health's Bureau of Vital Statistics. Birth records may be ordered by mail or in person. All applicants may complete the Application for Ohio Certified Birth Records Copies to order the record. You may order an Ohio birth certificate in person by visiting the local vital statistics office near you. Complete the application form and include a valid photo ID with your request.

Persons ordering the record by mail may include a self-addressed stamped envelope and a copy of a government-issued identification with the application form. Mail the request for birth certificates and fees to:

Older birth records, pre-1908, are not maintained by the state vital statistics office. Instead, you may need to visit the Ohio History Connection. They house historical records and archives, including city and town birth records predating state registration.

It costs $21.5 to order birth records from the Bureau of Vital Statistics. The fees for birth records ordered from the local health statistics office vary. Generally, expect to pay between $21.50 and $30 to obtain their birth records.

Are Birth Records Public in Ohio?

Ohio birth certificates are considered public records in Ohio. However, access to certified copies is restricted to protect sensitive information. While anyone can request a copy of a birth record, certified copies, which are legally valid for official and identification purposes, are only issued to specific individuals.

Who Can Order A Birth Certificate in Ohio?

Per Section 3705.09 of the Ohio Revised Code, access to birth records is limited to the following persons:

• The individual named on the birth certificate
• Immediate family members, such as parents, children, siblings, or legal guardians
• Authorized legal representatives
• Persons with a court order

How Long Does it Take to Get an Ohio Birth Certificate?

Expect to wait 4 to 6 weeks to obtain the record for mail requesters. If you desire faster processing, visit your local health department. You may also visit the State Bureau of Vital Statistics office between 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, if you want an expedited copy of your birth record.

Where Can I Find Ohio Birth Records for Free?

While it is possible to obtain certified copies of birth certificates for a fee, there are several resources where unauthorized or non-eligible individuals can find informational copies or indexes of birth records at no cost. These sources include:

• National Vital Records Archives: The national archives hold digitized records and indexes of vital records, including birth records. While they may not be used for official or legal purposes, they provide information on historical data that is great for genealogical research.
• Ohio Department of Health: Although certified copies are only available to eligible applicants, the department often provides access to indexes and basic information for free.
• Genealogy Websites: Websites such as FamilySearch.org is a free genealogical resource that offers digitized images and searchable indexes of Ohio birth records. Similarly, Ancestry.com is a subscription service that offers free access to a vast collection of Ohio birth records.
• Third-Party Websites: Third-party websites like PublicRecords.us aggregate public records, including basic birth record data. The site provides free access to non-certified, informational copies of Ohio birth records.

When Would I Need My Ohio Birth Records?

Ohio birth records are government-issued documents confirming your birth. It serves as the primary source of your age, identity, and citizenship. Because it is a legal document, it is often required in the following situations:

• Applying for a U.S. passport
• Obtaining your driver's license or state-issued identification card
• Verifying your identity for Social Security applications
• Proof of eligibility when applying for health care, welfare programs, or other government benefits
• Applying for a marriage license
• Verify your identity and citizenship during visa applications
• Establishing eligibility for work during employment

How Much is A Replacement Birth Certificate in Ohio?

A replacement birth certificate is essential if your original document has been destroyed, stolen, lost, or damaged. The process of obtaining a replacement birth certificate involves completing the appropriate application form for the Ohio Bureau of Vital Statistics. The application must contain an affidavit with the signature of the notary, a valid ID, and the fees. Replacing a certified copy of your birth record in Ohio costs $21.50.

When Can the Public Access Ohio Birth Certificates?

Although Ohio birth certificates are considered public records, access to certified birth certificates is confidential. This means not just anyone may access the full, official version of the birth certificate. Only authorized individuals may access the full, certified documents. The public may access informational birth records, including indexes and abstracts of birth records and historical birth records.

How To Correct an Error on an Ohio Birth Certificate?

Individuals can request corrections to a birth certificate if there is an error or if certain information needs to be updated. These corrections are processed through the Bureau of Vital Statistics or the local probate court in the county where the birth occurred. While the former deals with correcting data entry and minor spelling errors on the original birth certificate, the latter attends to court-ordered correction of birth records.

To correct the birth record with the Bureau of Vital Statistics, complete and notarize the Affidavit Correction of Birth Record and include documentary evidence to support the correction, such as hospital records or parents' IDs. Most corrections are typically processed within 4-6 weeks.

To effect a legal name change, gender markers, or paternity corrections on a birth record, a court order is required. Contact the probate court in the county where the birth occurred to obtain the relevant form. Include supporting documents, such as the court order, with the fees to amend the birth record.

Does Ohio Provide Non-binary Birth Certificates?

No. Ohio does not currently offer a gender-neutral or non-binary birth certificate. Nonetheless, individuals born in Ohio can request amendments to their birth certificate to change their gender marker from Male to Female or Female to Male. However, there is no provision allowing the designation of the non-binary marker or third-gender option "X".

In December 2020, a federal court ruling mandated the Ohio Department of Health to allow transgender individuals to change the gender marker on their birth certificates. Amending the birth certificate gender in Ohio only allows you to choose between male and female.