Vital Records

Forms (Birth & Death Certificates)

Complying with the Indiana State Department of Health in issuing birth and death certificates as well as providing friendly, courteous and accurate service to our clients is the mission of Vital Records. These goals are further enhanced by the computer accessibility of older records. The Indiana State Department of Health records are available from the present to October 1, 1907 with computer access to 1978. The records in Elkhart County are available from the present to 1882. Computer records begin in 1959. These records can be obtained via the computer from either the Elkhart or Goshen office.

Apostille birth certificates must be purchased from the Indiana State Department of Health, 2 North Meredian St., Indianapolis, IN 46204. An apostille is the authentication of a document by the Secretary of State. It cannot be processed at the local health office.

Volunteers research genealogy and input data weekly. The demand for genealogy information has been steadily increasing over the years due to Internet access, requests from 4-H clubs, schools and the Quarterly Michiana Search magazine. Volunteers receive request from people all over the United States for genealogical information and are able to process their request quickly.

Certain changes may be made to birth records in the form of amendments, paternity and adoptions per court order, and appointments with parents in the office to establish paternity.

Vital Records is also responsible for registering home births.