Applicants for Vital Records must have a direct and tangible interest in the record requested and must be able to identity it with reasonable particularity. Identification is required for the purchase of a Birth or Death certificate. Options include a valid driver's license, state ID or passport.

Click here to view the list of acceptable forms of identification.

Birth Certificates

A birth certificate is a person's first identity document. Certified birth certificates are needed for proof of employment, U.S. passport applications, school enrollment, Social Security cards, and other forms of identification. Birth certificates are forgery-resistant documents printed on safety paper with watermarks, engraving, background security patterns and sequential numbers. 

When a birth occurs outside a hospital the person in attendance is required to file the birth with the local health department. Please contact our office for procedure to file a home birth.  A hospital birth is transmitted electronically by the hospital to the local health department.  This is usually done within five days.

Certified copies of the Certificate of Live Birth are issued only for events that occurred in Allen County.  The cost for a certified copy is $10 per copy.

Death Certificates

A death certificate is the legal proof of death. It is used by the government to terminate benefits, settle estates and provide entitlements to families.

Most of the information needed to complete the death certificate is obtained from the family of the deceased. A physician, however, must complete the cause of death information and sign the death certificate. The funeral director files the completed certificate with the Health Department in the county where the death occurred.

Death certificates are issued for deaths that occurred in Allen County. The cost for a death certificate is $12.

Affidavits of Paternity

Paternity Affidavits may be signed in the hospital within 72 hours after the child's birth.  Copies may be obtained from the Local Health Department by identifying the record.  There is NO CHARGE for a copy of a Paternity Affidavit.

Paternity Affidavits may be signed after 72 hours by a man who "reasonably appears to be the child's biological father."  This is done in the office of the Local Health Department.  Appointments are made for parents to sign Paternity Affidavits.  Both parents must be present and have acceptable identification.  Contact the Vital Records Division for further information or to make an appointment.

Establishing Paternity for the Mother (FSSA)

Establishing Paternity for the Father (FSSA)