Marion County Birth Records
Marion County birth records are managed by the Marion County Public Health Department in Indianapolis. As the most populous county in Indiana, Marion County processes a high volume of birth certificate requests every year. The Vital Records office issues certified copies for all births that took place within Marion County. Whether you were born at an Indianapolis hospital or another facility in the county, this page explains how to search for and get your Marion County birth certificate. You will find the office address, hours, fees, ID requirements, and each way to place your order.
Marion County Quick Facts
Marion County Birth Certificate Office
The Marion County Public Health Department operates the Vital Records office in Indianapolis. The Department of Vital Records is dedicated to issuing birth and death certificates in a timely manner, collecting data, and delivering quality Marion County vital statistics. The office is on the first floor of the Hasbrook Building at 3838 North Rural Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205.
Walk-in service hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Wednesday hours are different: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The later Wednesday start and close was set up for customer convenience. On Wednesdays before a Thursday holiday, the office closes at 5:00 PM. When you walk in, bring valid and current identification. The Marion County office has a strict ID policy. No expired IDs are accepted. No temporary IDs either. They do not accept BMW paper or temporary driver's licenses or state IDs. Credit or debit cards work for payment, though there is a $2.00 convenience fee on purchases up to $100 and a 3% fee on purchases over that amount.
Marion County birth certificates are printed on forgery-resistant security paper that meets all requirements under IC 16-37-1-7. They are accepted for passports, Real ID, and every other legal purpose where proof of birth is needed.
| Address | Hasbrook Building, 1st Floor, 3838 N. Rural St., Indianapolis, IN 46205 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 317-221-2400 |
| Corrections | 317-221-2397 (Correction Specialist) |
| Hours (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri) | 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Hours (Wednesday) | 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Payment | Credit/debit card ($2.00 fee up to $100; 3% over $100) |
Who Can Request Marion County Birth Records
For Marion County vital records, you must have acceptable valid and current identification. Certain relatives with valid and current ID may obtain a birth certificate. The rules follow IC 16-37-1-10, which makes birth records confidential across all of Indiana.
The following people can request a certified Marion County birth certificate:
- The person named on the record (age 18 or older)
- A parent listed on the birth certificate
- A legal guardian with court-issued documentation
- Grandparents, siblings over 18, or current spouse with proof
- An attorney with documentation on letterhead or court papers
- A government agency with lawful need and work ID
An adult may also authorize another adult to pick up their Marion County birth certificate. You need to complete the authorization form and have it notarized. The authorized person must present it at the Vital Records office. Staff will not fax a birth certificate to anyone or any organization under any circumstances.
Marion County Birth Records by Mail
If you cannot visit the Indianapolis office, you can order a Marion County birth certificate by mail. The office has a specific birth certificate request form that you must use. An important detail: the bottom portion of the form must be completed by a notary public. This is a requirement unique to Marion County that other counties do not always have.
Send your completed and notarized form to the Marion County Public Health Department, Hasbrook Building, 3838 North Rural Street, Indianapolis, IN 46205-2930. Include a copy of your valid photo ID, payment for the fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail orders take longer than walk-in visits since the office processes them as they arrive. Plan for one to two weeks of processing time. The Marion County office also has forms available in Spanish for both birth and death certificate requests, which makes the process more accessible to Spanish-speaking families.
Note: Staff will not fax birth certificates to anyone, so mail or in-person pickup are your only options for receiving the actual document.
Online Options for Marion County Birth Certificates
You can also order a Marion County birth certificate through VitalChek, which is an independent company that the Marion County office works with for expedited online service. VitalChek accepts all major credit cards. There is an additional fee charged by VitalChek on top of the standard price for the birth certificate.
The Indiana Department of Health is another route. The state has copies of all Indiana birth records from 1907 onward. The state charges $10 for the first certified copy and $4 for each additional copy. You can order by phone at (866) 601-0891 any time of day or night. State orders take 10 to 15 business days to process. Under IC 16-37-1-11, the search fee is non-refundable whether a record is found or not. Going directly through Marion County is usually faster, but the state option works well if you do not live in the Indianapolis area.
Correcting Marion County Birth Certificates
If there is a mistake on your Marion County birth certificate, call the correction specialist at 317-221-2397. Under IC 16-37-1-8, the health department can handle minor corrections like spelling errors, a date off by one day, and a parent's birthplace. You need supporting documents at least ten years old to prove the correct information.
Bigger changes require a court order. Legal name changes and records that have already been amended once both need a judge to sign off. After you get the court order, the state updates the birth record and Marion County can issue a new certificate with the corrected details. The correction specialist at the Marion County office can walk you through what documents you need for your situation.
Marion County Vital Records now provides voluntary paternity establishment for mothers and fathers who are not married at the time of birth. An appointment for this process must be scheduled in advance with the correction specialist. Both parents must appear at the health department with valid and current identification. The process is easy, takes about 30 minutes, and costs $35 for the record amendment and $15 for the new birth certificate. A Paternity Affidavit can be signed at the hospital within the first 72 hours after birth or at the local health department after that window closes.
Marion County Birth Records Resources
The Marion County Vital Records page is the main resource for birth certificate requests in the county.
This page has forms, contact information, and details about office hours for Marion County birth certificate services.
The Marion County birth certificate information page explains the process for getting your certified copy.
Review this page before your visit to understand what you need to bring and how the process works at the Indianapolis office.
The Marion County forms page has downloadable request forms for both birth and death certificates, including Spanish language versions.
Print the birth certificate request form from this page and have the bottom portion notarized before mailing it to the Marion County office.
The office hours and fees page has the most current fee schedule and hours for the Marion County Vital Records office.
Check this page for the latest fees and hours before you visit or mail your Marion County birth certificate request.
Cities in Marion County
Marion County is home to Indianapolis, the state capital and the largest city in Indiana. The city of Lawrence is also within Marion County boundaries. All birth records for the county are handled by the Marion County Public Health Department.
Other communities in Marion County include Beech Grove, Speedway, and Southport. Birth records for all of these are filed through the Marion County Public Health Department in Indianapolis.
Nearby Counties
These counties surround Marion County. Birth records are filed in the county where the birth happened. Hospitals near county lines can sometimes cause confusion, so verify the location before making a request.