How to Get a Death Certificate in Ohio
How to Get a Death Certificate in Ohio
Certified death certificates are required for nearly every task after someone dies in Ohio: closing bank accounts, filing insurance claims, transferring property, opening probate, and notifying government agencies. This guide covers every ordering method, the exact fees, processing times, and who is eligible to request copies.
How Many Copies Do You Need?
Order 10 to 15 certified copies. Banks, insurance companies, brokerage firms, the probate court, Social Security, and other agencies each require their own certified original. Photocopies are not accepted. It is faster and cheaper to order all copies at once than to order them individually later.
Your funeral director will typically order the initial batch of certified copies as part of the funeral services. Coordinate with them on how many to request.
Fees
| Method | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Department of Health (ODH) | $21.50 per copy | Charged whether or not a record is found |
| Online (via state portal) | $24.00 per copy | $21.50 state fee + $2.50 vendor processing fee |
| Local health department | $25.00 to $27.00 per copy | Varies by county; some charge additional local fees |
| Third-party expedited (VitalChek) | Varies | Additional processing and shipping fees apply |
Fees are current as of January 1, 2025. Some local offices offer a reduced rate on additional copies ordered at the same time as the first.
Ordering Methods
Online
Submit your request through the Ohio Department of Health online vital records portal at odh.ohio.gov. Payment is by Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express. Orders are processed within 5 business days in the office. Delivery takes approximately 3 weeks via USPS within the continental United States. Only death records from 1971 to present are available online.
By Mail
Complete the Application for Certified Copies form from the Ohio Department of Health. Send it to:
Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics P.O. Box 15098 Columbus, OH 43215-0098
Include payment by check or money order payable to "Treasurer, State of Ohio." Total processing time is typically 4 to 6 weeks including mail transit.
In Person
Visit any of the 100+ local vital statistics offices across Ohio. Same-day certified copies are available. Bring valid government-issued photo ID if requesting a certificate that includes the decedent's Social Security number. Contact the local health department in the county where the death occurred.
Through the Funeral Director
The funeral director who handled arrangements typically orders the initial certified copies as part of the funeral services. This is the most common way families obtain their first batch of copies. Tell your funeral director how many copies you need -- request at least 10 to 15.
Who Can Order a Death Certificate
Ohio is an open records state for vital records:
- Standard death certificates (without SSN displayed): Can be requested by anyone who provides the required identifying information about the decedent
- Death certificates displaying the Social Security number: Restricted to legal representatives and family members of the decedent. You must provide proof of identity and demonstrate eligibility.
Information Required to Order
When ordering a death certificate, you will need to provide:
- Full legal name of the decedent
- Date of death (or approximate date)
- Place of death (city and county)
- Date of birth (if known)
- Social Security number of the decedent (if known)
- Your relationship to the decedent (for SSN-bearing certificates)
- Your name and mailing address
- Number of copies requested
Processing Times
| Method | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| In person (local office) | Same day |
| Online (state portal) | 5 business days processing + approximately 3 weeks delivery |
| By mail (state) | 4 to 6 weeks total |
| Through funeral director | Typically 1 to 2 weeks after death |
Ohio does not offer an official state-level expedited processing option. For faster service, visit a local office in person or use a third-party service like VitalChek.
Records Before 1971
The Ohio Department of Health maintains death records from 1971 to present. For death records prior to 1971, contact the Ohio History Connection (formerly Ohio Historical Society):
Ohio History Connection 800 E. 17th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43211 Phone: (614) 297-2300 Website: ohiohistory.org
You can also try the local health department in the county where the death occurred, as some counties maintain older records.
Amendments and Corrections
If information on a death certificate is incorrect, the ODH Bureau of Vital Statistics handles amendments and corrections.
- Notarized statements are generally required
- Some amendments can be made administratively; others require a court order
- No entity can alter the original document -- supplemental changes become addendums
- For complex amendments such as changing cause of death, a court order may be required
- Contact ODH Bureau of Vital Statistics for specific amendment forms
Common amendment scenarios include correcting spelling of a name, adding or correcting cause of death information, and changing marital status.
When Will the Death Certificate Be Available?
Death certificates are typically available within 1 to 2 weeks after the death, depending on how quickly the attending physician or medical examiner completes and signs the certificate. If the death is under investigation by the coroner, the certificate may be delayed.
The funeral director files the death certificate through the vital records system. Once it is filed and accepted, certified copies can be ordered.
Contact Information
Ohio Department of Health -- Bureau of Vital Statistics
- Address: 246 N. High Street, Columbus, OH 43215
- Mailing: P.O. Box 15098, Columbus, OH 43215-0098
- Phone: (614) 466-2531
- Website: odh.ohio.gov
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone order a death certificate in Ohio? Yes, for standard certificates without the Social Security number displayed. Ohio is an open records state. Certificates showing the SSN are restricted to family members and legal representatives.
How much does a death certificate cost in Ohio? $21.50 per certified copy from the Ohio Department of Health. Online orders are $24.00. Local health departments charge $25 to $27.
What is the fastest way to get a death certificate in Ohio? Visit a local vital statistics office in person for same-day service. There are over 100 offices across the state.
Do I need a death certificate for probate? Yes. The probate court requires a certified death certificate. Banks, insurance companies, and other institutions also require certified copies. Order enough for all purposes at once.
What to Do Next
Once you have certified death certificates, you can begin notifying agencies, filing for probate, and claiming benefits. See the complete guide to what to do when someone dies in Ohio for the full task sequence.
Kaira organizes every step for your state -- deadlines, forms, and next actions -- so nothing gets missed. See how it works.
This guide was researched using Ohio Department of Health information current as of April 2026. Fees and procedures may change. Contact ODH or your local vital statistics office for the most current information.
Sources: Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics (odh.ohio.gov); Ohio History Connection (ohiohistory.org); Ohio Rev. Code Section 3705.17