Howard County Birth Records Lookup
Howard County birth records are available through the health department in Kokomo, Indiana. The office holds certified birth certificates from 1882 to the present for anyone born within the county. If you need a copy for a passport, driver license, or any other legal reason, the Howard County Health Department is where you go. This page walks you through the process of searching for Howard County birth records, fees, who can make the request, mail-in options, and how to use the state as an alternative.
Howard County Quick Facts
Howard County Birth Certificate Office
The Howard County Health Department handles all birth certificate requests for the county. Their office is at 120 E. Mulberry St., Kokomo, IN 46901. You can call them at 765-456-2400 with questions about hours or the request process. The department has birth records from 1882 forward for anyone born in Howard County. Staff can search files and issue certified copies during regular business hours.
A certified birth certificate from Howard County costs $15 per copy. The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders as payment. Make checks payable to the Howard County Health Department. Each certified copy comes on security paper with a raised seal and other features that meet the standards set by IC 16-37-1-7. These copies are accepted for passports, school enrollment, BMV transactions, and all other legal uses. Walk-in requests at the Howard County office are typically handled the same day.
The Howard County Vital Records page on the state website provides detailed information about birth and death record services, including what forms to bring and who is eligible.
| Address | 120 E. Mulberry St., Kokomo, IN 46901 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 765-456-2400 |
| Fee | $15 per certified copy |
| Payment | Cash, check, or money order |
Who Can Request Howard County Birth Records
Indiana controls who can get a certified birth certificate. Under IC 16-37-1-10, only specific people may request a certified copy of a Howard County birth record. The law protects personal information while still letting the right people access records.
If you are 18 or older, you can request your own birth certificate from Howard County. Parents listed on the record can get copies too. Legal guardians and people holding power of attorney for the named person qualify as well. Courts can order access to Howard County birth records for legal proceedings. Genealogy researchers may get a non-certified informational copy, but it lacks a raised seal and will not work for legal identification purposes.
Note: Always bring a valid photo ID when you go to the Howard County Health Department for a birth certificate request.
Getting Birth Certificates in Howard County
You can get a Howard County birth certificate in person or by mail. Walking in to the Kokomo office is the fastest way. Mail works well if you live far from the city.
For walk-in requests, visit 120 E. Mulberry St. in Kokomo. Fill out the birth certificate request form at the front desk. Show your photo ID. Staff will search the Howard County records and print your certified copy while you wait. Bring cash or a check for $15. Same-day service is typical for most requests. Records from the 1880s and 1890s may take more time to locate since those files are stored separately from modern ones.
For mail requests, write to the Howard County Health Department at 120 E. Mulberry St., Kokomo, IN 46901. Include the full name on the birth record, date of birth, where in Howard County the birth took place, and how you are related to the person. Enclose a copy of your photo ID and a check or money order for $15 payable to the Howard County Health Department. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so they can send the certificate back. Mail orders from Howard County usually take one to two weeks to process.
State Alternative for Howard County Births
The Indiana Department of Health keeps copies of all Howard County birth records at their office in Indianapolis. The state fee is $10 for the first copy and $4 for each additional one.
Phone orders are taken at (866) 601-0891, open 24 hours a day. Online orders go through VitalChek, which charges an extra service fee. Mail orders should be sent 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 on record in Indiana. So Howard County births are also held at the state level. This is especially helpful for very old records that may be hard to find at the local Kokomo office.
Correcting Howard County Birth Records
Errors on birth certificates can be corrected. Under IC 16-37-1-8, Indiana has a process for fixing mistakes on Howard County birth records. The steps depend on the nature of the error.
Small corrections like a misspelled name can often be handled at the Howard County Health Department with supporting paperwork. Bigger changes need a court order. Adding or removing a parent from the record requires one. So does a legal name change. Paternity additions work differently. If a father was not named at birth, both parents can sign a Paternity Affidavit, and the Howard County office will issue an updated birth certificate once the form is processed. Call 765-456-2400 to ask what documents you need for your case.
Howard County Birth Records Resources
The Howard County Health Department page on the state website has contact information, office hours, and links to services.
Check this page for current hours and directions before traveling to Kokomo for your Howard County birth certificate.
The Howard County Vital Records page has specific details on birth and death certificate services, including eligibility and required forms.
This is the most targeted resource for Howard County birth records requests. It covers fees, what to bring, and who can make a request.
Cities in Howard County
Howard County is home to Kokomo, the county seat and largest city, which has a population well over 25,000. All birth records for the county are filed at the Howard County Health Department in Kokomo.
Other communities in Howard County include Russiaville, Greentown, and West Middleton. Birth records for all of these areas are filed through the Howard County Health Department.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Howard County. Birth records are filed in the county where the birth happened. If you are unsure which county holds the record, check the hospital location.