Oregon Health Authority - Center for Health Statistics
Oregon · Vital Records
oregon.gov/oha/ph/birthdeathcertificates/pages/orderdeathcertificate.aspxState Vital Records in Oregon
The Oregon Health Authority - Center for Health Statistics issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Oregon. 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 at vitalchek.com ($15.50 vendor fee; $47.50 total with expedite)
- •By phone: Call VitalChek at 1-888-896-4988, 24/7 ($17.20 vendor fee; $49.20 total with expedite)
- •By mail: Mail completed order form with payment to OHA/Vital Records (3-5 weeks)
- •By appointment at the Portland State Office Building, 800 NE Oregon St (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, last appointment 3:30 PM). County offices issue death records only for six months after the date of death
- •In person: Secure drop box at 800 NE Oregon St, west door (8-10 weeks)
- •Any ONE primary ID: current, valid driver's license, permit, ID card, or passport
- •OR any THREE secondary documents (at least one showing current address), such as a Selective Service card or original military discharge paper
State Vital Records in Oregon: key facts
What Oregon says8
- Administering office
Oregon Health Authority - Center for Health Statistics.1
- Mail orders
Oregon Vital Records, PO Box 14050, Portland, OR 97293.1
- Certificate fee
$25 for the first certified copy; $25 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; expedited processing adds $7.1
- Processing time
3-5 weeks by mail; 8-10 weeks via drop box. Expedited: Typically three workdays for expedited online or phone orders.1
- Who may order
Spouse, registered domestic partner, child, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, next of kin, legal guardian immediately before death, or legal representative; Authorized representative, person in charge of disposition, or a government agency.1
A person who demonstrates the copy is necessary to determine or protect a personal or property right (ORS 432.380(2)).1
- Filing deadline
The death certificate must be filed within 5 days.2
- Public record
Death records become public 50 years after the death.1
- Records available from
1903. Oregon State Archives has vital records in original format, microfilm, or publications.1
Governing law: ORS 97.040
Oregon vital records offices
Oregon Health Authority - Center for Health Statistics
Phone
Mailing address
Website
Tools for Settling an Estate in Oregon
Free tools for settling an estate in Oregon: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
In Oregon, certified death certificates come from the Oregon Health Authority - Center for Health StatisticsOregon Health Authority - Center for Health StatisticsVerified Sep 1, 2026View source; the first copy costs $25Oregon Health Authority - Center for Health StatisticsVerified Sep 1, 2026View source.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Oregon: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysORS 113.165, ORS 113.175Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 4 monthsORS §§ 113.155, 115.003, 115.005, 115.125Verified Sep 15, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 4 months to 6 months.
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