Certificates & Fees

The Vital Records Division provides birth and death information only for Tippecanoe County, Indiana from 1882 to present. If you have questions about how to obtain a Birth Certificate, Death Certificate, or Genealogical Research, please contact the Vital Records Staff at 765-423-9221, ext. 4. Warning: False application, altering, mutilating or counterfeiting Indiana Birth or Death Certificates is a criminal offense under Indiana Code 16-37-1-12. Customer support for ordering assistance and status inquires available at 765-423-9221, ext. 4.

How to Apply for a Birth Certificate

You may apply in person, through the mail, or online. Most transactions take approximately 5 minutes in person. If applying in person; you will receive the birth certificate at that time; if you have all the required documentation (see chart below). Our office hours are Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:15 p.m., except on holidays. We do not close for lunch. All credit/debit card transactions will be processed with a 2.95% convenience fee. 

Fees & Requirements

• Birth Certificates: $10 per copy
  Regular size (half sheet size)
  Identification is required
• Death Certificates: $12 per copy
  Identification is required
  Corrections must be made by the funeral home that provided the service
• Please contact the funeral home you are working with directly for any delay in receiving death certificates.
• Copy of a filed Paternity Affidavit: $5 per copy, Identification is required

Applying in Person

Identification

Due to increased identity theft and fraudulent use of documents, in order to obtain a birth and/or death certificate, you will need specific documentation at the time of issuance. The following chart explains the documentation:

Relationship	Documentation
I am Getting my own Birth Certificate	Please Provide One of the following: Your Valid (Non-Expired) Driver's License, Passport or Matricula Card
I am the Mother	Please Provide One of the following: Your Valid (Non-Expired) Driver's License, Passport or Matricula Card
I am the Father	Please Provide One of the following: Your Valid (Non-Expired) Driver's License, Passport or Matricula Card
I am the Grandparent	Please Provide Your Valid ID and Birth Certificate of the Parent You are Related to
I am the Guardian	Please Provide Your Valid ID and Guardianship Papers
I am the Brother or Sister	Please Provide Your Valid ID and Your Birth Certificate
I am the Son or Daughter	Please Provide Your Valid ID and Your Birth Certificate
I am the Husband or Wife	Please Provide Your Valid ID and Proof of Marriage (Marriage Certificate)

Payment

We accept cash, money order, and MasterCard or Visa cards. We do not accept personal checks or large bills.

Applying Online

Birth Certificate Application

You can apply online. Steps:

• Fill out the birth certificate application.
• You will pay with a debit or credit card.
• At the end of the application you will fax or email your ID and supporting documentation (see chart above) if needed.
• Fax: 765-423-9797 Email: birthcertificates@tippecanoe.in.gov
• Once the application and proper ID is received we will process the order.
• The birth certificate will be mailed to you. For U.S. orders the mail time takes about 7-10 business days. 

Death Certificate Application

Steps:

• Fill out the death certificate application.
• You will pay with a debit or credit card.
• At the end of the application you will fax or email your ID and supporting documentation (see chart above) if needed.
• Fax: 765-423-9797 Email: deathcertificates@tippecanoe.in.gov
• Once the application and proper ID is received we will process the order.
• The birth certificate will be mailed to you. For U.S. orders the mail time takes about 7-10 business days. 

Online orders will be issued within 1 week of receiving the application and identification of the applicant.

Applying by Mail

Print and complete the Certificate Application required by Tippecanoe County Health Department for the following documents:

• Birth Certificate Application
• Death Certificate Application
• Paternity Affidavit Application

If mailing your request, send the completed application, fee, and photocopies of accepted documentation to the following address:
Tippecanoe County Health Department
Attn: Vital Records Staff
629 N 6th Street
Suite A
Lafayette, IN 47901

Most requests received through the mail are processed on the day received.

Expedited Service

After you apply online you can choose to have expedited service for your birth certificate request. You may expedite a certificate by purchasing a shipping label from one of the following:

 

• www.usps.com
• www.ups.com
• www.fedex.com

 

When purchasing your label, please schedule a pick up day and time that our office will be open.  Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:15 pm (except county holidays).  Once you purchase your label, please send it by email or fax along with your photo ID and birth certificate application tracking number to birthcertificates@tippecanoe.in.gov. We will place the label on the envelope for the driver to pick up.  Once the driver has picked up your certificate, it is out of TCHD hands.  TCHD is not responsible for any mail that is lost or stolen.*Please note that it is not TCHD responsibility if a scheduled driver does not come to pick up your package*

Other Services

• Changing a Birth Record: Affidavits and Home Birth Registration are by appointment only and can take up to 30 minutes
• Affidavit Requesting Amendment: $10, identification and 2 documents, 10+ years showing correct information are required (You must make an appointment for this service)
• Certified Copy of Paternity Affidavit on File: $5, identification is required
• Birth Notification: Free of charge, you will receive the notification in the mail 2-4 weeks after the birth of the child
• Home Birth Registration: $25, please call for instructions and to make an appointment
• Paternity Affidavit: $25, must file in office with both parents present, identification is required (You must make an appointment for this service)
• Paternity Affidavit Upon Marriage: $25, must file in office with both parents present, identification and a certified copy of the marriage license are required (You must make an appointment for this service)
• Court Ordered Legal Name Change: Please bring the certified or stamped court order, our office will keep this copy to send to the Indiana State Department of Health www.courts.in.gov