State 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.
Administering agency
Oregon Health Authority - Center for Health Statistics
State Vital Records in Oregon: key facts
- Administering office
- Oregon Health Authority - Center for Health Statistics.
- Contact
- Phone 971-673-1190.
- Mail orders
- Oregon Vital Records, PO Box 14050, Portland, OR 97293.
- Certificate fee
- $25 for the first certified copy; $25 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; expedited processing adds $7.
- Processing time
- 3-5 weeks by mail; 8-10 weeks via drop box. Expedited: Typically three workdays for expedited online or phone orders.
- 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; A person who demonstrates the copy is necessary to determine or protect a personal or property right (ORS 432.380(2)).
- Filing deadline
- The death certificate must be filed within 5 days.
- Public record
- Death records become public 50 years after the death.
- Records available from
- 1903. Oregon State Archives has vital records in original format, microfilm, or publications.
Steps to take when someone dies
- Confirm the death occurred in Oregon — the record belongs to the state where the death occurred, regardless of where the deceased lived.
- Order certified copies through any of the office's channels:
- 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)
- In person: 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)
- Include what the office requires with the order:
- 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
- Allow the office's processing time (3-5 weeks by mail; 8-10 weeks via drop box); expedited handling is available.
Frequently asked questions
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). in person: 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). Mail orders go to Oregon Vital Records, PO Box 14050, Portland, OR 97293.
The death certificate must be filed within 5 days. The funeral director or person in charge of disposition files the certificate with the state; the family orders certified copies once the record is registered.
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. The office also asks for the deceased's full name, date of death, and place of death to locate the record.
The record belongs to the state where the death occurred, not the state of residence. Order from the state of death, following its fees and eligibility rules.
Sources
Data sourced from State Vital Records in Oregon primary sources (1 page reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
Oregon Health Authority - Center for Health Statistics