Obtaining Birth, Marriage Certificates and Apostilles in Ohio

Apr 4, 2024

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Are you in need of authorized copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, or state apostilles in Ohio? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step by step, providing you with all the necessary information, website links, and street addresses to make the process as smooth as possible.

Obtaining Authorized Copies of Birth Certificates in Ohio

Ohio offers three convenient methods to obtain certified copies of birth certificates:

1. Order Online

The simplest way is to order online using a credit card.
Accepted payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
Orders are processed within five business days, and delivery via USPS takes approximately three weeks.

2. Order by Mail

If you need a certified copy for genealogy, marriage abroad, or dual citizenship, use the paper application.
Mail the completed form to:

  Ohio Department of Health
  Vital Statistics
  P.O. Box 15098
  Columbus, OH 43215-0098

In-person orders typically take 4-6 weeks to process.

3. Order in Person (Central Ohio)

For expedited service, visit the state Bureau of Vital Statistics office in Columbus.
Address: 4200 Surface Road, Columbus, OH.
Office hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Payment by credit card only.

Obtaining Authorized Copies of Marriage Certificates in Ohio

Ohio marriage records are maintained by the county probate court where the marriage occurred. Contact the appropriate county probate court for certified copies of marriage certificates.

You find the appropriate county probate court at this list of County Clerks of Court.

Obtaining State Apostilles in Ohio

An apostille is a certificate validating official signatures on public documents for international use. Here’s how to obtain an apostille in Ohio:

1. Download the and Fill the Form

Download: Authentication Request Cover Letter
Fill out the cover letter: name, address, etc.
Provide a return address if different from the one above.

2. Add Payment Information

Include a $5.00 fee per authentication. Payment can be made via the attached Credit Card Authorization Form, check, or money order payable to “Ohio Secretary of State”.

3. Include a Return Envelope

Enclose a prepaid overnight delivery label or a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of your documents.

3. Mail the Request

Mail all the above items to:

Ohio Secretary of State
Client Service Center
180 Civic Center Dr. 
Columbus, OH 43215-4138

Contact Information:

Central Ohio: 614.728.9200
Toll-Free: 877.767.3453

Expedited Service for Ohio Vital Records

For expedited service, consider using VitalChek for Ohio vital records.

Simplifying the Process of Obtaining Vital Records and Apostilles in Ohio

By following the steps outlined in this guide and utilizing the provided website links and street addresses, you can easily navigate the process of obtaining authorized copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, and state apostilles in Ohio. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to the relevant authorities for guidance.