Birth Certificate
Indiana Codes 16-37-1-10, 16-37-1-11, and 16-37-1-11.5 serve as the State statutes for the fees, relationship, and identification requirements to purchase documents from the Vital Records office. The purchaser must have a “direct interest.” A direct interest is defined as a documented and verifiable financial and legal interest, or an immediate direct kinship (parent, adult sibling, or grandparent) to the person named on the record.
Others such as guardians, attorneys, funeral directors, or other authorized agents acting on behalf of the registrant or their family may demonstrate a direct interest when information is needed for determination or protection of personal or property rights.
Depending on the individual’s interest in the record, additional documentation may be required.
- Parents of the individual listed on the certificate – must be listed on the record
- Grandparents of the individual listed on the certificate – must be parent of a parent listed on the record & show proof of relationship
- Sibling, 18 years or older, of individual listed on the certificate – must show proof of relationship
- Child or Grandchild, 18 years or older, of individual named on the certificate – must show proof of relationship
- Current Spouse of individual named on the certificate – must show proof of marriage
- Aunt or Uncle of individual named on the certificate – must show proof of relationship
- Step-Parent of individual named on the certificate – must have ID with valid marriage certificate
- Court-Appointed Legal Guardian – must have ID and provide guardianship papers with seal
- Attorney representing individual named on the certificate – must have ID for self and provide a document with direct interest spelled out on letter head or court documents
- Genealogy – individual named on the certificate must be over 75 years old and deceased – must show proof of death
- Social Agency – must have work ID with court documents or signed authorization from client
- State and Federal Agencies – must have work ID and provide a document with direct interest spelled out on letter head, court documents, or signed authorization from client
Written mail requests are accepted but must contain a copy of a valid driver’s license, payment, and a stamped envelope to send the certificate in.
Paternity Affidavits are completed by appointment only. The mother and father must both be present and on agreeable, or a court order must be provided.
