How much is a death certificate in Ohio?

$21.50 for the first certified copy from the Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, and $21.50 for each extra copy ordered at the same time. The fee pays for the search, so it is charged even if no record is found. The state office only holds deaths from the last 50 years.

Who can order a death certificate in Ohio?

The state application does not limit who may order a standard certified copy. A copy that shows the Social Security number for a death in the last 5 years is limited to authorized requestors, such as the spouse, child, grandchild, funeral director, executor, or someone with power of attorney.

How do I order a death certificate in Ohio?

You can order online, by mail or in person. Online orders go through VitalChek, a private company the state uses, which adds its own fee. The state form asks for a copy of your ID only when you request a copy with the Social Security number for a death in the last 5 years.

Death certificates

Death certificates in Ohio

In Ohio, a certified copy of a death certificate costs $21.50 from the Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. Each copy costs the same. You can order online, by mail or in person. The funeral home can often order the first copies for you.

Last checked October 20, 2026 on the Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics site. General information, not legal advice. Fees change, so confirm before you pay.

How to order in Ohio

Ordering a certified copy of a death certificate in Ohio
Office	Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics
First certified copy	$21.50
Each extra copy, same order	$21.50 The fee pays for the search, so it is charged even if no record is found. The state office only holds deaths from the last 50 years.
Who can order	The state application does not limit who may order a standard certified copy. A copy that shows the Social Security number for a death in the last 5 years is limited to authorized requestors, such as the spouse, child, grandchild, funeral director, executor, or someone with power of attorney.
ID you need	The state form asks for a copy of your ID only when you request a copy with the Social Security number for a death in the last 5 years.
Ways to order	Online, by mail or in person. The state takes online orders only through VitalChek, a private company, which adds its own fee. By mail or in person costs only the state fee. At more than 100 local health department vital statistics offices. The state office in Columbus offers walk-in service for birth records only. Deaths more than 50 years old must be ordered from the local office where the death occurred.
How long it takes	Online orders are processed within five business days, and mail delivery takes about three weeks. Mail orders typically take four to six weeks.

Do funeral homes order the first copies?

Often, yes. The funeral director files the death certificate with the state, so ordering copies at the same time is common. The FTC lists death certificates among the cash advance items a funeral home may buy for you and add to its bill. Ask what it charges per copy.

The funeral director is an authorized requestor for copies that show the Social Security number.

For more copies later, order from the office above. How many copies do you need? Our calculator counts one for each bank, insurer and agency.

Questions people ask

How much is a death certificate in Ohio?: $21.50 for the first certified copy from the Ohio Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, and $21.50 for each extra copy ordered at the same time. The fee pays for the search, so it is charged even if no record is found. The state office only holds deaths from the last 50 years.
Who can order a death certificate in Ohio?: The state application does not limit who may order a standard certified copy. A copy that shows the Social Security number for a death in the last 5 years is limited to authorized requestors, such as the spouse, child, grandchild, funeral director, executor, or someone with power of attorney.
How do I order a death certificate in Ohio?: You can order online, by mail or in person. Online orders go through VitalChek, a private company the state uses, which adds its own fee. The state form asks for a copy of your ID only when you request a copy with the Social Security number for a death in the last 5 years.

Death certificates in Ohio

How to order in Ohio

Do funeral homes order the first copies?

Questions people ask

Sources