Ohio Public Records

Ohio is one of the most populated states in the country, with a total population of more than 11.5 million as of the most recent count. This state may have been inhabited as early as 13,000 B.C., with Native Americans dominating the territory throughout the 17^th and 18^th centuries, until France entered and developed their own presence within the lucrative fur trade. The state became an official member of the Union in 1803, as the 17^th state to become a part of the U.S. With a long and colorful history, those in search of Ohio public records can enjoy a glimpse of that history by the people who were born, married and died in the state. 

Those in search of Ohio public records will find that the majority of vital documents for the state are stored at a single location, which is the Department of Health. However, those that need records dating back beyond the past century will probably need to research through the Ohio Historical Society State Archives. Before you begin your Ohio public records search, it is important to note the following:

Ohio Public Records Search: Eligibility

Ohio is considered a “public records” state, which means any member of the general public who wants access to certain public records issued in Ohio can gain access to them. This differs from other states that might restrict access to official copies due to privacy laws within the state. Those interested in gaining access to Ohio gov public records have a number of options for finding the documents they are seeking. They can submit a request through the appropriate government office, providing all the information they can on the subject and the event.

Individuals are also welcome to come into offices in person to perform their searches. Appointments are required for those that wish to search records in person, and an appointment can be made by phoning the office directly. Internet access if also available. The state of Ohio also suggests hiring a professional genealogist for this purpose, although the state stops short of recommending a specific company or individual for this purpose.

Public Records Locations for Ohio

The majority of vital records in Ohio are stored at the Ohio Department of Health. This office keeps all birth certificates for 125 years and death certificates for 50 years. At that time, files are typically moved to the Ohio Historical Society State Archives.

It is important to note that while public records for Ohio are available at the Ohio Department of Health, certified copies of those documents may be requested. However, once the documents move to the State Archives, certified copies may no longer be available. The State Archives also hold a wealth of historical OH public records, including census and military records, war collections and naturalization records.

Marriage and divorce records for Ohio are stored at the specific county office where the event was originally recorded. The Department of Health does offer a search service to help interested parties locate the document in question, if they don’t know the specific county where the event took place. However, copies are only available through county offices, once documents have been located.

Finding Ohio Public Records Online

To make public records searches faster and more convenient, online public records in Ohio are also available. The Department of Health offers their own online Ohio public records search service, although the wait time to receive document copies is similar to that of mail requests.

The state also partners with VitalChek, an online service used by many states to allow interested parties to conduct searches and request copies of documents from the comfort and privacy of home. There is an additional charge for using the VitalChek service, as well as a standard fee for document copies.