Director: Janet Westendorf • Phone: (260) 449-7147 • FAX: (260) 449-3015 • Email: janet.westendorf@co.allen.in.us
Location: 1 E. Main St., 5th Floor, Fort Wayne, IN 46802 • Hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
Meet the Staff: Sarah Castillo, Asst. Director; Shannon Ramos, Clerk; Kristi Gephart, Clerk; Jennifer Pranger, Clerk

Frequently Asked Questions

I was not born in Allen County. Can I still get my birth certificate from your office?
No. You must go to the office in the city or county where you were born. We do have addresses and phone numbers for Vital Records offices in most other counties and states.

How can I obtain a death certificate?
If the death occurred in Allen County, you can get a certified copy of the Death Certificate from our office. You must be able to complete the Death Certificate request form knowing at least the month and year of the date of death and having a personal or property interest in the record. The Death Certificate request form can be found on our Web site under the Mail-In Service tab or by clicking here.

How long will it take to get a birth or death certificate?
If you come to the Vital Records office, you will get it while you wait (generally less than 30 minutes), if the certificiate has been filed.  If you mail in your request, you will receive the document within 7 to 10 working days after we receive your request.

Can I pay with a personal check?
We do not accept personal checks. We can accept a Cashier's Check or Money Order by mail or in person at our office.

Can I pay with a credit or debit card?
You can only pay with a credit card through our online service at Vitalcheck.com. We do not accept credit or debit cards in person at our office.

If there is an error on my birth certificate, how can that be corrected?
Since each record and situation 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 your situation, and how to proceed. 

How long after the birth of my child must I wait to obtain a legal copy of my child's birth certificate?
Usually within 4 to 6 weeks.

Do you offer paternity tests?
No. We don't offer paternity testing. You should contact your family doctor or the Allen County Prosecutor's Office at 260-449-4027.

Does your office process marriage or divorce records?
No. For marriage or divorce records, please contact the Allen County Clerks Office at 260-449-7890.

Does your office process Social Security cards?
No. To obtain or request a Social Security card, please contact the Social Security Administration Office at 1-877-223-6061.

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  • The department provides certified copies of birth certificates for persons born in Allen County.
  • The department has birth and death records dating as far back as the 1870s.
  • Most records have now been computerized for easy retrieval.