Washington County Birth Records
Washington County birth records are kept at the health department in Salem, Indiana. This southern Indiana county sits between the Louisville metro area and the rolling hills to the west. The office on Martinsburg Road handles all birth certificate requests for Washington County. If you were born at a local hospital or facility in this part of the state, your record is on file here. This page explains how to get a certified copy, who qualifies, and what alternative routes exist for your Washington County birth certificate.
Washington County Quick Facts
Washington County Birth Certificate Office
The Washington County Health Department is responsible for all birth records in the county. Their office is at 806 Martinsburg Rd. in Salem. Call 812-883-5503 for questions. The office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Walk-in requests are accepted without an appointment.
When you visit, bring a valid photo ID and know the full name and date of birth on the record you need. Fill out the request form at the counter. Pay the fee. The staff will search the Washington County files and print your certified copy. Certified birth certificates from Washington County include watermarks, a raised seal, and sequential numbering as required by IC 16-37-1-7. These documents meet state and federal standards for identification. The office does not get heavy traffic, so most requests are handled quickly.
| Address | 806 Martinsburg Rd., Salem, IN 47167 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 812-883-5503 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, regular business hours |
| Service | Walk-in and mail requests accepted |
Getting Birth Records in Washington County
Walk-in service at the Salem office is the fastest way to get a Washington County birth certificate. Go to 806 Martinsburg Rd., show your ID, and fill out the form. Most in-person requests are done the same day.
If you live outside the Salem area, send a mail request to the Washington County Health Department at 806 Martinsburg Rd., Salem, IN 47167. Your letter should include the full name on the birth record, date of birth, place of birth within Washington County, and how you are related to the person. Add a copy of your photo ID, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a check or money order for the fee. The office checks eligibility under IC 16-37-1-10 before mailing out any certified copies. Mail orders from Washington County typically take one to two weeks.
Note: If you are not sure whether your birth was recorded in Washington County or a neighboring county, call the office at 812-883-5503 and they can check for you.
Who Can Request Washington County Birth Certificates
Indiana law controls who can get a certified birth certificate. The Washington County office applies these rules to every request that comes in.
You can request a certified Washington County birth certificate if you are the person named on the record and at least 18 years old. Parents on the certificate qualify. So do legal guardians with court paperwork, attorneys representing the named person, and government agencies with a lawful need. A person holding a signed, notarized release from the individual on the record can also make the request. For genealogy research, ask the Washington County office about informational copies. They show the same data but cannot be used for legal identification.
State Alternative for Washington County Birth Records
The Indiana Department of Health keeps a copy of every birth record from all 92 counties. Your Washington County birth certificate is also in the state files under IC 16-37-1-11.
The state charges $10 for the first copy and $4 for each extra copy ordered at the same time. Phone orders are taken at (866) 601-0891 any time of day. Online orders go through VitalChek, with a service fee on top. Mail requests go to P.O. Box 7125, Indianapolis, IN 46206-7125. Processing at the state level takes 10 to 15 business days. If you can make it to Salem, the Washington County office will have your certificate ready much sooner.
Correcting Washington County Birth Records
Errors on birth certificates need to be fixed. If your Washington County birth record has a mistake, the health department in Salem handles corrections under IC 16-37-1-8.
Small errors like a misspelled name or wrong date can usually be corrected at the Washington County office with supporting documents. Bring proof of the correct information, such as a hospital record or baptismal certificate. Bigger changes require a court order first. Adding a father through a Paternity Affidavit is done at the health department with both parents signing. Once the correction goes through, Washington County issues a new birth certificate. Call 812-883-5503 to learn what you need for your specific fix.
Washington County Birth Records Resources
The Washington County Health Department page on the Indiana state website has office hours, contact details, and service information for birth record requests.
Check this page before driving to Salem so you have the latest hours and phone number for the Washington County vital records office.
Cities in Washington County
Washington County does not have any cities above the 25,000 population threshold. Salem is the county seat and largest community. All birth records for the county go through the Washington County Health Department.
Communities in Washington County include Salem, Campbellsburg, Pekin, and Hardinsburg. All births in these areas are recorded with the Washington County Health Department on Martinsburg Road.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Washington County. Birth records are filed where the birth happened. If you are not sure which county holds your record, contact the hospital where the birth took place.