Elkhart County Birth Records
Elkhart County birth records are issued by the Elkhart County Health Department. The office is in the city of Elkhart and serves the entire county. You can request a certified birth certificate in person, by mail, or through the online ordering system. Elkhart County is in northern Indiana and has several cities and towns spread across its borders. The health department keeps birth and death records going back to the 1880s. If you need a copy of a birth certificate from Elkhart County, this page explains how to get one and what to expect.
Elkhart County Quick Facts
Elkhart County Health Department Birth Certificates
The Elkhart County Health Department is at 608 Oakland Ave. in Elkhart, Indiana 46516. The phone number is 574-523-2127. This is the main office for all birth certificate requests in Elkhart County. The Elkhart County Health Department website has information about their vital records services.
Elkhart County birth certificates come in one standard size. The certified copy is 8.5 inches by 5.5 inches. This is the only size they issue. It contains the identifying information from the original birth record. The fee is $15 per certificate. Elkhart County does not offer different sizes or formats for birth certificates. Everyone gets the same standard certified copy.
The Elkhart County birth and death records page spells out the details of what you get and how much it costs. The fee covers both the search and one certified copy if the record is found.
An important thing to know about Elkhart County: a record cannot be confirmed as available before you pay. Under IC 16-37-1-11, the fee is for the search itself. The office will search their files after you pay. If the record is found, you get a certified copy. If not, the search fee is not refunded. This is state law, and it applies to all Elkhart County birth certificate requests.
| Address | 608 Oakland Ave., Elkhart, IN 46516 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 574-523-2127 |
| Fee | $15.00 per certificate |
| Certificate Size | 8.5" x 5.5" (standard only) |
Payment and Ordering for Elkhart County Birth Records
The Elkhart County Health Department accepts cash, money orders, and cashier's checks. Personal checks are not accepted. This is a firm rule. If you mail in a personal check for a birth certificate, it will not be processed. Bring the right form of payment or your request will be delayed in Elkhart County.
You can also order a birth certificate from Elkhart County online. The Elkhart County online ordering system lets you submit your request and pay from home. The online system accepts credit and debit cards. Fill in the required information, pay the $15 fee, and the health department will process your Elkhart County birth certificate request. This is a good option for people who cannot visit the office in person or who do not have cash or a money order handy.
For mail orders, send a written request with the full details. Include the name on the birth record, the date of birth, parents' names, your own name and mailing address, and a copy of your photo ID. Put in a money order or cashier's check for $15. Mail it to 608 Oakland Ave., Elkhart, IN 46516. Remember, personal checks will not be accepted for Elkhart County birth record orders.
Note: The $15 fee at Elkhart County covers the search, and search fees are not refunded even if the record is not found.
Who Can Get Elkhart County Birth Certificates
IC 16-37-1-10 sets the rules for who can request a certified copy. You can get your own birth certificate. Parents on the record can request one. Legal guardians, people with power of attorney, and court-ordered requests are also valid. The Elkhart County Health Department checks every request to make sure the person asking has the right to get the record.
A valid photo ID is required for all requests in Elkhart County. If you are ordering for someone else, you will need documentation that proves your legal relationship or authority. Under IC 16-37-1-7, the health department must keep these records and make them available to qualified people. The staff at the Elkhart County office will guide you through the process if you are not sure what you need to bring.
State Options for Elkhart County Birth Records
The Indiana Department of Health has copies of all Elkhart County birth records. IC 16-37-1-8 allows the state to issue certified copies. You can order from Indianapolis by mail or online. This is useful if you are outside of northern Indiana and cannot get to the Elkhart County office.
VitalChek processes online orders for Indiana birth records. They add a service fee, but it is faster than most mail options. VitalChek takes credit and debit cards, which makes it a good choice if you do not have a money order or cashier's check for the Elkhart County Health Department. Either way, you will get a certified copy of the birth certificate.
Cities in Elkhart County
Elkhart County has two cities large enough for their own pages. Both file birth records through the Elkhart County Health Department. No city in the county has its own vital records office.
Other towns in Elkhart County include Middlebury, Nappanee, Wakarusa, and Bristol. All births in these areas are filed at the same health department office in Elkhart.
Nearby Counties
These counties are next to Elkhart County. If the birth took place near the border, the record might be filed in a neighboring county instead.