Search Vigo County Birth Records
Vigo County birth records are held at the health department in Terre Haute, Indiana. As the home of Indiana State University and a regional hub for western Indiana, Vigo County handles a significant number of birth certificate requests each year. The office on Oak Street serves walk-in visitors and processes mail orders for certified copies. Whether you were born at a Terre Haute hospital or another facility in Vigo County, your record is on file here. This guide covers how to search, order, and receive a Vigo County birth certificate.
Vigo County Quick Facts
Vigo County Birth Certificate Office
The Vigo County Health Department manages all birth records for the county. The office is at 147 Oak St. in Terre Haute. You can reach them at 812-462-3431 for questions about requests. Hours are Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Walk-in visits are welcome without an appointment.
Certified birth certificates from Vigo County are printed on security paper with watermarks, a raised seal, and sequential numbering. These security features are required under IC 16-37-1-7 for all certified copies issued in Indiana. Your Vigo County certificate will be accepted for passports, driver license applications, school enrollment, and every other official purpose. Bring a photo ID when you go. The staff will ask you to fill out a request form with the name and date of birth on the record.
Vigo County is the largest county in western Indiana by population. The health department office in Terre Haute processes a high volume of requests, but the staff keeps things moving. If you arrive early in the day, you are less likely to face a long wait.
| Address | 147 Oak St., Terre Haute, IN 47807 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 812-462-3431 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, regular business hours |
| Service | Walk-in and mail requests accepted |
How to Get Vigo County Birth Records
You can get a Vigo County birth certificate through three routes. The local office in Terre Haute offers the fastest service. Mail requests are also accepted. And the state system provides a third option for people who live far from the area.
For in-person requests, head to 147 Oak St. in Terre Haute. Show your photo ID and fill out the birth certificate request form. Pay the fee at the counter. The staff will search the Vigo County files and print your certified copy. Most walk-in requests are handled the same day. For mail requests, write to the Vigo County Health Department at 147 Oak St., Terre Haute, IN 47807. Include the person's full name, date of birth, place of birth within Vigo County, and your relationship to the person named. Add a copy of your ID and a self-addressed stamped envelope with a check or money order for the fee. Allow one to two weeks for processing.
Under IC 16-37-1-10, the office must verify that you are authorized to get a certified copy. This applies whether you go in person or send a mail request for a Vigo County birth certificate.
Who Can Get Vigo County Birth Certificates
Indiana restricts who can receive a certified birth certificate. The Vigo County office follows these rules carefully. They are in place to guard personal information while still providing access to those who need it.
Eligible requestors include the person named on the record if 18 or older, a parent on the certificate, a legal guardian with court documents, an attorney acting for the person, someone with a notarized release, and government agencies with a lawful need. If you fall outside these groups, ask the Vigo County office about non-certified informational copies. They carry the same facts but are not valid for legal identification. Researchers looking into family history in Vigo County often use this option.
Note: Always bring your photo ID when visiting the Vigo County office, even if you have requested records there before.
State Option for Vigo County Birth Records
The Indiana Department of Health has a copy of every birth record filed in the state. Under IC 16-37-1-11, the state registrar keeps duplicates of all Vigo County birth records in Indianapolis. This gives you a backup option if the local office is not convenient.
State copies cost $10 for the first and $4 for each additional one ordered together. Phone orders go through (866) 601-0891 around the clock. For online orders, use VitalChek, which charges a service fee on top of the base price. Mail your request to P.O. Box 7125, Indianapolis, IN 46206-7125. Expect 10 to 15 business days for processing. For Vigo County residents, the Terre Haute office is the faster path to getting a birth certificate.
Correcting Vigo County Birth Records
If your Vigo County birth certificate has an error, you can get it fixed. The health department in Terre Haute processes corrections under IC 16-37-1-8.
Small errors like a misspelled name or wrong date can often be corrected at the Vigo County office with supporting documentation. Bring proof of the right information. Hospital records, baptismal certificates, or school records are all acceptable. For larger changes, you need a court order from the Vigo County Circuit Court. Adding a father to the birth record is done through a Paternity Affidavit signed by both parents at the health department. Once processed, the Vigo County office issues a new birth certificate with the corrected details. Call 812-462-3431 to learn what documents are needed for your specific correction.
Vigo County Birth Records Online Resources
The Vigo County Health Department page on the Indiana state website has office information, services, and contact details for birth certificate requests.
Visit this page before you go to verify hours, directions, and the phone number for the Vigo County vital records office in Terre Haute.
Cities in Vigo County
Vigo County is home to Terre Haute, the county seat and the largest city in western Indiana. All birth records for the county are handled by the Vigo County Health Department.
Other communities in Vigo County include West Terre Haute, Seelyville, and Riley. Birth records for all areas within the county go through the Vigo County Health Department on Oak Street.
Nearby Counties
These counties share borders with Vigo County. Birth records are filed in the county where the birth happened, not where you live now. If you are not sure, ask the hospital which county it is in.