Hammond Birth Records Lookup
Hammond birth records are handled by the Lake County Health Department, which serves all of Lake County from its office in Crown Point. Hammond is one of the larger cities in Lake County, sitting right on the Illinois border in northwest Indiana. If you were born in Hammond or need a copy of a birth certificate filed here, the Lake County vital records division is your main source. You can request Hammond birth records in person at the Crown Point office, by mail, or online through a third-party provider.
Hammond Quick Facts
Where to Get Hammond Birth Certificates
The Lake County Health Department Vital Records Division is where Hammond residents go for birth certificates. The office is not in Hammond itself but in Crown Point at 2900 W. 93rd Ave., Crown Point, IN 46307. Call 219-755-3655 for hours and questions. This is the only local office that issues certified birth certificates for births that happened in Hammond.
| Office | Lake County Health Department - Vital Records |
|---|---|
| Address | 2900 W. 93rd Ave. Crown Point, IN 46307 |
| Phone | 219-755-3655 |
| Website | lakecountyin.gov |
The drive from Hammond to the Crown Point office takes about 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic. Plan ahead and bring your valid photo ID. No expired or temporary IDs are accepted. Under IC 16-37-1-10, the registrar must verify your identity before giving you any Hammond birth records. Make sure your name matches the ID you bring.
How to Request Birth Records in Hammond
Walk-in requests at the Crown Point office are the fastest way to get a Hammond birth certificate. The $20.00 processing fee can be paid in money order or cash. No personal checks are accepted, except from funeral homes. The office now accepts credit card payments too, which is a recent change that makes things easier for Hammond residents who prefer to pay with a card.
Fill out a request form at the counter when you arrive. Provide the full name on the birth certificate, date of birth, and parents' names. The staff will look up the Hammond birth record and print a certified copy while you wait. Each additional copy is also $20. Under IC 16-37-1-11, you must state your relationship to the person on the record and your reason for needing it.
Mail requests for Hammond birth records are another option. Send a written request with all the required details, a money order for $20, and a copy of your photo ID to the Lake County Health Department at 2900 W. 93rd Ave., Crown Point, IN 46307. Allow one to two weeks for processing. Online orders through VitalChek add a service fee but skip the trip to Crown Point. The Indiana Department of Health can also process Hammond birth record requests at the state level.
Hammond Home Birth Registration
Home births in Hammond must be registered before the child turns one year old. Both parents must appear in person at the Lake County Health Department in Crown Point to register. This is a firm rule. You cannot register a Hammond home birth by mail or phone. Bring valid photo IDs for both parents and any documentation from the midwife or birth attendant.
Under IC 16-37-1-7, every birth in Indiana must be registered with the local health department. Hospital births in Hammond are sent electronically by the hospital to the Lake County office. But home births and births outside a hospital require the parents to take action. If you wait past the child's first birthday, the registration process becomes much harder and may require a court order. Do not delay if you had a home birth in Hammond. Contact the Lake County office at 219-755-3655 right away to start the process.
Note: Both parents must be present in person at the Crown Point office to register a Hammond home birth.
Lake County Birth Records Portal
The Lake County Vital Records page shows all the details for getting birth certificates, including records for Hammond residents.
Hammond residents can check this page for the latest fees, payment methods, and office hours before making the trip to Crown Point.
Who Can Get Hammond Birth Records
Not everyone can get a certified Hammond birth certificate. Indiana law under IC 16-37-1-11 limits certified copies to the person named on the record, their parents, legal guardians, and authorized legal representatives. If you fall outside these categories, you can request an informational copy. That version has the same data but cannot be used for official purposes.
The Lake County registrar follows IC 16-37-1-8 to verify every request for Hammond birth records. Bring proper ID. If you are picking up for someone else, bring a signed authorization from the person on the record along with a copy of their ID and your own. The staff at the Crown Point office are careful about this. Getting turned away means another trip from Hammond, so make sure you have everything before you go.
Correcting Hammond Birth Certificates
If your Hammond birth certificate has an error, contact the Lake County Health Department. Minor mistakes can be fixed with an amendment form and supporting documents. Bigger changes may need a court order. Call 219-755-3655 to ask what your specific correction requires before making the trip from Hammond to Crown Point.
Paternity establishment for Hammond birth records is also done at the Lake County office. Both parents must appear in person with valid photo IDs. The process adds the father's name to the birth certificate. Under IC 16-37-1-7, the amended Hammond birth record is then sent to the Indiana Department of Health to update the state system. Fees apply for the affidavit and for the new certificate.
Lake County Birth Records
Hammond is in Lake County. All birth records for the city are filed through the Lake County Health Department in Crown Point. For the full county page with additional resources and related services, visit the Lake County birth records page.
Nearby Cities With Birth Records
Several cities near Hammond are also served by the Lake County Health Department or neighboring county offices. Check these pages for specific office details in each area.