Ohio Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Statistics
Ohio · Vital Records
odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/vital-statisticsState Vital Records in Ohio
The Ohio Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Statistics issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Ohio. Executors and surviving family order certified copies to close accounts, file insurance claims, and transfer titles; the office sets the fees, eligibility rules, and processing times.
Steps to take when someone dies
- •Online: Order online by credit card through the Bureau's VitalChek storefront; no expedited service; death records more than 50 years old must be requested from a local office
- •By mail: Mail the Application for Certified Copies (HEA 2701) with a check or money order payable to Treasurer, State of Ohio
- •In person: Visit a local vital statistics office (local health department); the Bureau directs in-person customers there for the fastest service
- •In person: Walk in at the state Bureau of Vital Statistics with a completed application; no same-day service for death records
- •Signed Application for Certified Copies (HEA 2701) with the fee
- •Copy of identification showing authorized-requester status, only for a copy with the Social Security number when the death occurred within the last 5 years
State Vital Records in Ohio: key facts
What Ohio says9
- Administering office
Ohio Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Statistics.1
- Office location and hours
4200 Surface Road, Columbus, OH 43228. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (same-day service for birth records only).1
- Mail orders
Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, PO Box 15098, Columbus, OH 43215-0098.1
- Certificate fee
$21.50 for the first certified copy; $21.50 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.1
- Processing time
Online: processed within five business days, then about three weeks by USPS; mail: 4-6 weeks.1
- Who may order
Any applicant (O.R.C. 3705.23(A)(1)).1
- Filing deadline
Within five working days after the date of death.2
- Public record
Any requester may obtain a copy of a death record with no waiting period; certified copies follow the eligibility rules.1
- Records available from
1971. Deaths before 1971 are in the custody of the Ohio History Connection; certified copies of pre-1971 death records come from the local health department where the death occurred.1
Governing law: Ohio Rev. Code § 4717.13
Sources2
- 1.Ohio Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Statistics
- 2.Ohio death-certificate filing rule (Ohio Rev. Code § 4717.13; Ohio Rev. Code § 4767.02; Ohio Rev. Code § 3705.17; Ohio Rev. Code § 3705.16; Ohio Rev. Code § 3705.18; Ohio Admin. Code 3701-5-08; Ohio Rev. Code § 759.01; Ohio Rev. Code § 1721.10; Ohio Rev. Code § 4717.12)
Ohio vital records offices
Ohio Department of Health - Bureau of Vital Statistics
Phone
Hours
Mailing address
Website
Tools for Settling an Estate in Ohio
Free tools for settling an estate in Ohio: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
In Ohio, certified death certificates come from the Ohio Department of Health - Bureau of Vital StatisticsOhio Department of Health - Bureau of Vital StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $22Ohio Department of Health - Bureau of Vital StatisticsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Ohio: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysR.C. §§ 2115.02, 2115.06, 2113.69Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 6 monthsR.C. §§ 2117.06, 2117.07, 2117.12, 2117.25Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.
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