Indiana birth records are treated as confidential with no time-frame where they eventually become public record. That means that no matter how far back you research, you will not have free access unless you are a direct relative to the person of record. In Indiana, that means you have to be the parent or child of the person on the record, or their spouse, sibling, grandparent or grandchild. Aunts and uncles are also permitted. In any case, you will have to supply proof of your own identity and proof of the relationship along with your application.
If this applies to you, then you can place your Indiana birth record application with the state department of health, or with the county office where the birth took place. The form can be printed from their website (https://forms.in.gov/Download.aspx?id=5623), and once it's filled out, you can mail it to Vital Records, Indiana State Department of Health, PO Box 7125, Indianapolis IN, 46206-7125 USA.
Included with the application, you need to enclose the proper fee as well as your own identification. You will need to have a clear photocopy of your own government issue photo ID, as well as copies of documents that outline your relationship (additional birth certificates for example). Provide as much information about the desired record as possible, including the person's name, date of birth, sex, parent's names and place of birth.
The fees may change so check what is marked on the form. Currently, you can order an Indiana birth record for $10 USD and that includes a search of 5 years (2 years on either side of the indicated birth year). If they are unable to locate the record you are seeking, refunds are not issued because you are actually paying for the search rather than the record. Include the fee as either a check or money order, made out to the Indiana State Department of Health.
The state began registering births in 1907, so you will only be able to research as far back as that when contacting the state office.
You may have more success looking for records of a birth in the form of the various indexes that exist in libraries and online. In some cases, they may have as much information as the actual document though they are not considered "official" records. These are important for records pre-1907 or simply for those that you don't meet the relationship eligibility.
As mentioned, each county's registrar's office will have their own archive of Indiana birth records. You can find their contact information as well as the locations of their indexes on the Indiana State Library website (http://www.in.gov/library/countyrecords.htm). They are organized by county, so you need to know which county the birth took place.
How to Order an Indiana Birth Certificate:
Step 1.
To start the request for an Indiana birth certificate, you will need to fill out an online application for an Indiana Birth Certificate.
Step 2.
Gather the necessary proof of identity. For your own Indiana birth record or that of your child, a photo ID is sufficient. Other applicants will need to bring additional proof of relationship.
Step 3.
Return the application, proof of identity, and a check or money order in the amount of $10 to the Indiana State Department of Health.
If you need help accessing your Indiana birth record or have any questions, you can contact the office below:
Indiana Department of Health
Vital Records
Indiana State Department of Health
P. O. Box 7125
Indianapolis, Indiana 46206-7125
(317) 233-1325
Obtain Your Indiana Birth Record Easily
Indiana birth record can be used as a form of identification, so obtaining one is important. Indiana birth records are considered confidential and are therefore restricted in access. You will need to contact the Indiana State Department of Health to gain access.
Methods for Ordering Indiana Birth Records
Indiana birth records can be ordered in a variety of ways. The easiest is to mail in an application or stop in person to your local county health department and make a request. For an additional fee, an independent company allows for online and phone orders as well.
Access is Restricted
Indiana birth records are considered private, and therefore access to these records is restricted. In order to request a birth certificate, you must be the individual listed, parent, grandparent, sibling, spouse, or legal guardian. You will be asked to provide proof of your identity.