Harrison County Birth Records
Harrison County birth records are maintained by the health department in Corydon, Indiana. The office holds certified birth certificates from 1882 forward for anyone born in the county. If you need a copy for a passport, to get a driver license, or for any other legal purpose, this is the office to contact. This page covers how to search for Harrison County birth records, fees, who can make a request, how to order by mail, and what the state-level option looks like.
Harrison County Quick Facts
Harrison County Birth Records Office
The Harrison County Health Department issues birth certificates from their office in Corydon. The address is 245 Atwood St., Corydon, IN 47112. You can reach them by phone at 812-738-3237. The office has records from 1882 to the present for anyone born in Harrison County. Staff can search files and print certified copies during regular business hours.
A certified birth certificate from Harrison County costs $15 per copy. The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Make checks payable to the Harrison County Health Department. Credit and debit cards are generally not accepted for vital records. Each certified copy is printed on security paper with a raised seal and meets the requirements of IC 16-37-1-7. These copies are valid for all legal purposes, from passport applications to school registration. Walk-in requests at the Harrison County office are often done the same day.
Harrison County is a rural county in southern Indiana, so the health department may have limited staffing at times. It is a good idea to call ahead and confirm they are open before driving to Corydon.
| Address | 245 Atwood St., Corydon, IN 47112 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 812-738-3237 |
| Fee | $15 per certified copy |
| Payment | Cash, check, or money order |
Who Can Request Harrison County Birth Certificates
Indiana law controls who can get a certified birth certificate. Not everyone can request one. Under IC 16-37-1-10, only certain people have the right to get a certified copy of a Harrison County birth record.
Adults can request their own Harrison County birth certificate. Parents listed on the record can also make the request. Legal guardians and those holding power of attorney for the named person qualify as well. Courts can order the release of Harrison County birth records for legal proceedings. Genealogy researchers may get a non-certified informational copy, but it lacks the raised seal and will not work as legal identification. The rules protect personal data while making records available to the people who have a legitimate right to them.
How to Get Birth Records in Harrison County
Two options exist for getting a Harrison County birth certificate. Walk in to the Corydon office or mail your request. In-person visits are the faster choice.
For walk-in requests, go to 245 Atwood St. in Corydon. Fill out the birth certificate request form and show your photo ID. Staff will search the Harrison County records and print your certified copy while you wait. Bring cash or a check for $15. Most requests are handled the same day. Older records from the 1880s and 1890s may take a little more time since those files are kept in a separate storage area from newer ones.
For mail requests, write to the Harrison County Health Department at 245 Atwood St., Corydon, IN 47112. Include the full name on the birth record, the date of birth, your relationship to the person, and a photocopy of your ID. Enclose a check or money order for $15 payable to the Harrison County Health Department. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail orders from Harrison County take about one to two weeks once the office gets your letter.
Note: Call 812-738-3237 before visiting to make sure the Harrison County office is open that day.
State Option for Harrison County Birth Records
The Indiana Department of Health in Indianapolis holds copies of all Harrison County birth records. The state fee is $10 for the first copy and $4 for extra copies. This is a good choice if you are not near Corydon.
Phone orders are taken at (866) 601-0891, open 24 hours a day. Online orders go through VitalChek, which charges a service fee on top of the state charge. Mail orders go to P.O. Box 7125, Indianapolis, IN 46206-7125. Allow 10 to 15 business days for processing. IC 16-37-1-11 requires the state registrar to keep a copy of every birth recorded in Indiana. So Harrison County records exist at the state level as well. This is especially helpful for older records that may be hard to find locally.
Correcting Harrison County Birth Records
Errors on Harrison County birth certificates can be corrected. IC 16-37-1-8 describes the process for amending birth records in Indiana. The steps vary based on the type of correction.
Minor issues like a misspelled name can often be handled at the Harrison County Health Department with supporting documents. Bigger changes, such as adding or removing a parent, require a court order first. Legal name changes also need a court order before the county can update the certificate. Paternity additions follow their own process. Both parents sign a Paternity Affidavit, and the Harrison County office issues an updated certificate once the paperwork is complete. Call 812-738-3237 to ask about what you need for your specific situation.
Harrison County Birth Records Resources
The Indiana Department of Health Vital Records page provides information about ordering birth certificates from any county in the state, including Harrison County.
This page has details on fees, order methods, and processing times for birth certificates from Harrison County and all other Indiana counties. It is a useful starting point if you plan to order through the state rather than the local office in Corydon.
Cities in Harrison County
Harrison County includes Corydon, the county seat, along with Lanesville, Palmyra, Elizabeth, and other small communities. None of these cities have populations over 25,000. All birth records for Harrison County are filed at the health department in Corydon.
Nearby Counties
These counties share borders with Harrison County. Birth records are filed in the county where the birth took place. If you are not certain which county holds the record, check the address of the hospital where the birth occurred.