Oregon Public Records

The state of Oregon is one of the largest in the U.S. in terms of area, but only boasts a population of just over 3.8 million people. The state was originally home to various Native American tribes, but was also inhabited by Spanish explorers by the 16^th century.  Subsequently, the state officially joined the Union in 1859, as the 33^rd state to do so. The history found within Oregon public records can date back centuries, with documentation of the people who lived and died in the state for generations.  

Finding public records in Oregon requires a basic knowledge of where these vital records are kept. It is also helpful to understand state law regarding accessibility of these documents, to determine which records you may be privy to for academic, genealogical or personal purposes. An Oregon public records search may reveal many interesting facts about the residents of the state, but requires some savvy in terms of how to find these documents and request copies of the records in question. Before launching a public records search in Oregon, check out these tips:

Oregon Public Records Eligibility

Access to official copies of Oregon birth records is restricted for 100 years after the date of birth. During this time, the only people who can request OR birth records include the person on the document, immediate family members, registered domestic partners and legal representatives of any of these parties. Access may also be requested by certain government agencies for legal reasons.

Death, marriage and divorce records in Oregon are restricted for 50 years after the date of the event. Access to these documents is limited to family members and their legal representatives, government agencies that can show legal reason for requesting documents or other entities with personal or property interest in the individual. Access will not be granted until the state office is satisfied that the person making the request falls into one of these categories.

Identification will be required when making any type of request for public records in Oregon.

Where to Launch an Oregon Public Records Search

Birth, death, marriage and divorce records are all kept on file at the Oregon Health Authority’s Vital Records office, also known as the Center for Health Statistics. The department has Oregon birth and death records since 1903, when the first official records were kept for the state.  Oregon marriage records date back to 1906 and divorce records go all the way back to 1925.

The number of files kept through this agency totals more than six million at this time, and access to files is available in person, by phone or mail, or through the Internet.  Order forms for documents can be downloaded from the agency’s website.

In addition to the multitude of records on file with the Center for Health Statistics, serious archivists will also want to peruse the Oregon public records available through the Oregon State Archives. This office features a wealth of historic information about the people who have lived in the state, including census records, military records and vital records dating back before the documents on file at the Health Authority.

How to Find Online Public Records in Oregon

While the Oregon Health Authority does not provide a direct online Oregon public records search option, the agency has partnered with another company to provide that service to interested individuals. VitalChek offers the ability to search for and order Oregon public records from the privacy and comfort of your home. There is an additional fee to use the VitalChek service.