Birth/Death Records

The Vital Records office is responsible for collecting, preserving and certifying records of vital events for the protection and convenience of the public. These records are collected from hospitals, funeral directors and the courts. Each record received is inspected for completeness, accuracy and legibility, arranged in date order, assigned a local number and processed.

The Vital Records office provides certified copies of birth and death records for events occurring in Fort Wayne and/or Allen County, Indiana. Certificates may be obtained through walk-in service or by mail. For requests received through the mail, please allow five to seven business days for processing.

Certificate Prices

Certified Birth Record $10.00
Certified Death Record $12.00

      PERSONAL CHECKS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.
      Cash, bank-certified checks or money orders only.
      Debit cards are accepted in person ($2.50 surcharge).

back to top

Mail-In Service
Type information in boxes, print, then mail with correct type of payment.

For requests received through the mail, please allow five to seven business days for processing.

back to top

Online Service

For emergencies, an expedited service is offered using a credit card online. Visit VITALCHEK to complete a request for birth and death records. Follow the directions on VITALCHEK's website. This service will have a total cost of $28.50 for U.S. mail and $46.00 for FedEx overnight service.

back to top

Genealogy Information

If you are looking for genealogical records, please use the following resources:

back to top

Vital Statistics Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Ø What are the hours of Vital Records Division?

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. We do NOT close at lunch.

Ø How can I pay for the birth or death certificate?

We take cash or money order. Personal checks and credit cards are not acceptable.

Ø How long does it take to obtain the document?

If you come to the Vital Records office, you will get it while you wait - usually less than ½ hour. If you mail in your request, we return documents within five to ten working days.

Ø If I was not born in Fort Wayne or Allen County can I obtain my birth certificate at your office?

No, you must go to the county where you were born. We DO have addresses and most phone numbers for other counties and states.

Ø How long after the birth of my child must I wait to obtain the legal copy of my child's birth certificate?

Usually within four to five weeks.

Ø If there is an error on my birth certificate, how can that be corrected?

Since each record is different, it is difficult to give advice without looking at the particular situation. You should come to the Vital Records office so that we can give you information on how best to proceed.

Ø How do I obtain a death certificate?

If the death occurred in Fort Wayne or Allen County, you may obtain certified copies from our office. You must have at least the month and year of death and a personal or property interest in the record.

Ø Do you offer paternity tests? Where can I get one?

The Department of Health does not perform paternity tests. Several sites that offer paternity testing can be found in the Yellow Pages under Paternity Testing & Services. You may also contact your family doctor or the Allen County Prosecuting Attorney's Office (449-4027).

back to top