Where to Request a Death Certificate in Indiana
In Indiana, you request a death certificate from the Indiana State Department of Health, Vital Records Office. This is the only official source for certified copies. The office is located in Indianapolis, but you do not have to visit in person — you can request by mail, phone, or online through their website.
The Vital Records Office processes requests for deaths that occurred anywhere in Indiana. If the death happened in another state, you will need to contact that state's vital records office instead. Indiana keeps death records dating back to 1900.
You can reach the office by phone at 317-233-7612 during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. They also accept requests through their online ordering system on the Indiana State Department of Health website, which is often the fastest method.
Key Takeaways
- The Indiana State Department of Health, Vital Records Office is the only source for official death certificates, and you can request by mail, phone, or online.
- You will need the full name of the deceased, date of death, and the county where the death occurred to complete your request.
- Certified copies cost between $15 and $20 per copy depending on how you order, with rush processing available for an additional fee.
- Processing time ranges from one to two weeks by standard mail, or same-day to next-business-day for online and phone orders.
- You must show a valid reason for requesting the certificate, such as settling an estate, insurance claims, or legal proceedings.
What Information You Need to Provide
When you request a death certificate, have the following details ready: the full legal name of the deceased, the date of death, the county where the death occurred, and the full name of the person requesting the certificate. If you do not know the exact date, provide the month and year, and the office will search within that timeframe.
You will also need to state your relationship to the deceased or your reason for requesting the certificate. Indiana law restricts who can order death certificates. You can request one if you are a family member, a legal representative of the estate, an attorney, a funeral director, or someone with a documented legal interest in the death record.
If you are ordering online, you will enter this information into their form. If you are calling, have it written down so you can provide it clearly. If you are mailing a request, write the information legibly on your form or letter.
Cost and Payment Methods
A certified copy of a death certificate in Indiana costs $15 if you order online or by phone, and $20 if you order by mail. You can order multiple copies at the same time — many people order three to five copies because banks, insurance companies, and courts often require originals rather than photocopies.
If you need the certificate faster than standard processing, rush service is available. Rush orders placed online or by phone are typically processed the same business day or next business day, with an additional rush fee of $5 to $10 depending on the method.
Payment methods vary by ordering method. Online orders accept credit and debit cards. Phone orders also accept cards. Mail-in requests should include a check or money order made payable to the Indiana State Department of Health. Do not send cash through the mail.
How to Order Online
The Indiana State Department of Health website has an online ordering system that is usually the fastest option. Go to the Vital Records section of their website and select "Order a Death Certificate." You will be guided through a form asking for the deceased's name, date of death, county, and your relationship to the deceased.
Enter your own contact information and payment details. The system will confirm your order and provide a confirmation number. You will receive the certificate by mail within one to two business days, or you can choose to pick it up at the office in Indianapolis if you prefer same-day service.
Online orders are processed during business hours. If you submit an order after 4:30 p.m. on a Friday, it will be processed the following Monday. Holidays may delay processing by one business day.
How to Order by Phone or Mail
To order by phone, call 317-233-7612 during business hours. Have your information ready and speak clearly when providing names and dates. The staff will confirm your order, provide a total cost including shipping, and take payment information. They will mail the certificate to you or arrange pickup.
To order by mail, write a letter or use the Indiana State Department of Health request form. Include the deceased's full name, date of death, county of death, your full name, your relationship to the deceased, and your reason for requesting the certificate. Include a check or money order for the correct amount plus postage. Mail it to the Vital Records Office address listed on the Indiana State Department of Health website.
Mail-in requests typically take one to two weeks to process, plus mail delivery time. Include a return address and consider using certified mail if you want confirmation that your request arrived. The office will mail the certificate back to you at the address you provide.
Processing Times and What to Expect
Standard processing time for death certificates in Indiana is one to two weeks from the date the office receives your request. Online and phone orders are usually processed within one to two business days. Mail-in requests take longer because of mail delivery time on both ends.
Once your certificate is processed, it will be mailed to the address you provided unless you arranged to pick it up in person. Certified mail delivery typically takes three to five business days depending on distance. If you need the certificate urgently, ask about rush processing or in-person pickup when you place your order.
The office may contact you if information on your request is incomplete or unclear. This can add several days to processing time. Providing complete and accurate information the first time speeds up the process.
Who Can Request a Death Certificate
Indiana law limits who can order a death certificate. You can request one if you are a spouse, parent, child, or sibling of the deceased. You can also request one if you are the executor or administrator of the estate, an attorney representing an interested party, a funeral director, or someone with a documented legal reason such as settling insurance claims or probate proceedings.
If you do not fall into one of these categories, you may still be able to request a certificate if you can demonstrate a legitimate legal interest. The office will ask you to explain your reason. Genealogists and researchers sometimes fall into this category if they can show their connection to the family.
When you request the certificate, you will be asked to state your relationship or reason. Be honest and specific. The office reviews this information to may support the request is legitimate before processing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many copies of a death certificate should I order?
Order at least three to five certified copies. Banks, insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, courts, and creditors often require original certified copies rather than photocopies. Having extras on hand prevents delays if you need to submit them to multiple places or if one is lost or damaged.
Can I get a death certificate if the person died more than 100 years ago?
Indiana keeps death records back to 1900. If the death occurred before 1900, the record may not be available through the State Department of Health. Contact the county clerk's office in the county where the death occurred, as some older records are kept at the county level.
What if I don't know the exact date of death?
Provide the month and year, and the office will search within that timeframe. If you know the approximate year but not the month, include that information. The more details you provide, the faster the search. If the office cannot locate a record with the information you give, they will contact you.
Can someone else pick up my death certificate for me?
Yes, if you arrange in-person pickup at the Vital Records Office in Indianapolis. You can authorize another person to pick it up on your behalf, but they may be asked to show identification. When you place your order, specify that you want to pick it up in person or have someone else do so, and the office will hold it for you.
What if the death certificate has an error on it?
Contact the Indiana State Department of Health Vital Records Office to report the error. You will need to provide documentation of the correct information, such as a hospital record, court order, or other official document. The office can issue a corrected certificate, though this process takes additional time and may involve a fee.