What are Oklahoma Vital Records?

The Oklahoma State Department of Health Division of Vital Records is the government entity in charge of vital records for the state. These vital records consist of birth, death, and fetal death records. The state began keeping track of vital records in 1908. However, it was not mandatory until 1917. Therefore, events that occurred before 1940 may or may not be correctly filed and organized. The Vital Records Office allows eligible applicants to request copies of vital records through VitalChek (phone and internet) using the myOklahoma app (a copy will be mailed to you) and website, or in person at the Department of Health office. This agency also handles vital statistics and data along with reports regarding residents' health and wellbeing.

Oklahoma Birth Records

Birth records in Oklahoma and not public records. Therefore, only certain individuals can request a copy. The state of Oklahoma began keeping birth records in 1908 but not consistently until 1917; therefore, there may be missing files and gaps. The Oklahoma State Department of Health Division of Vital Records is the government agency in charge of all birth records for the state. They allow people to request copies through the mail using themyOklahoma app or website, in person at their office, and also by phone and online using VitalChek. Birth records come in handy when you need to verify your identity to get a driver's license, passport, apply for a government job, attend school, or join a sports league.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma Birth Records

How do I find birth records in Oklahoma?

Contact the Oklahoma State Department of Health Division of Vital Records. They are in charge of storing and maintaining all birth records for the state. They allow eligible parties to get copies through a variety of channels.

How do I get a certified copy of my birth certificate in Oklahoma?

You can use the myOklahoma app or website to order by mail. You can visit the Vital Records Office in person to get one. You can also use the VitalChek service to order a copy by phone or online.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a birth certificate in Oklahoma?

The cost for a certified copy of a birth record is $15 each. You can also purchase an heirloom copy for $35.

Who can request birth records?

Birth records in Oklahoma are not open to the public. Therefore, only the following list of people can get copies:

  1. The subject of the record.
  2. A person acting the "subject's best interest."
  3. Parent named on the record.
  4. Spouse, stepparent, grandparent or adult child/grandchild of the subject along with a signed authorization from the subject and a copy of the subject's ID if the subject is age 18 or older.
  5. Attorney for the subject, adoptive parents, representative with power of attorney document, a legal guardian, or person with a court order.
  6. Genealogist or others.

When requesting records for someone other than yourself, you may need to provide proof of the relationship or your eligibility.

What information do I need when getting a copy of my Oklahoma birth certificate?

When requesting a copy of a birth record, you need the following information:

  1. Full name at birth.
  2. Date of birth.
  3. City and county of birth.
  4. Father's full name.
  5. Mother's full maiden name.

As the requestor, you must also provide your name, address, email address, phone, and reason for the request.

Where can I find historical vital records in Oklahoma for genealogy research?

The Oklahoma State Department of Health Division of Vital Records has all the records available going back to 1908. However, because it was not mandatory to file them until 1918, some records could be missing.

How can I correct an error on my birth record?

The state of Oklahoma has a specific process for correcting birth records, which entails a few steps and criteria. You can read more about it here and download the amendment form. It cost $40 to correct a birth record.

Can I get a refund if my Oklahoma birth record is not available?

No. Birth certificate search fees are not refundable.

Oklahoma Death Records

Oklahoma has been keeping death records since 1908, but until 1917 they may be sketchy because it was not mandated to register deaths. The Oklahoma State Department of Health Division of Vital Records is the government agency in charge of "registering every death which occurs in the State of Oklahoma; as well as preserving, amending and issuing certified copies of those records in accordance with state law." Death records are handy when you apply for death benefits, get remarried after being widowed, and need to prove someone's passing. Death records are not public records, and therefore, only certain people can request copies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma Death Records

How do I find death records in Oklahoma?

Contact the Oklahoma State Department of Health Division of Vital Records. They are tasked with registering each death and issuing copies to eligible applicants.

Are death records public in Oklahoma?

No. They are kept private, and only a select list of people may get a copy.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a death certificate in Oklahoma?

It costs $15 for each certified copy of a death certificate. For an amendment to change a death certificate, the cost is $35.

How long does it take to get a copy of an Oklahoma death record?

If you visit the Vital Records Office in person, you can get one within a few minutes. If you order by mail, phone, or online, you will have to wait a few days for your copy.

Who can request death records?

Death records are private in Oklahoma. Therefore, only the following list of people can get a copy:

Person acting the subject's best interest such as:

  1. A surviving spouse, parent, child, grandparent, sibling, or legal guardian.
  2. Legal representative of the estate of the deceased as documented by an order from a court of competent jurisdiction.
  3. An individual who can establish a familial relationship with the deceased.
  4. Funeral director of record or agent thereto, working in the capacity of their official business.
  5. Person with a court order from a court of competent jurisdiction;
  6. A person who was a co-owner or a joint tenant on real or personal property of the decedent.
  7. A person listed in a will of the decedent, provided the will is in probate.
  8. Genealogist or others.

What information do I need when getting a copy of someone's Oklahoma death certificate?

When requesting a copy of someone's death certificate, you need the following information:

  1. Full name of deceased.
  2. Date of death.
  3. Place of death (city and county).
  4. Your relationship to the deceased.

As the requestor, you must also provide your name, address, phone number, email address, and prove your eligibility.

Where can I find historical death records in Oklahoma?

The Oklahoma State Department of Health Division of Vital Records has all the records available, and they begin in 1908 but become more consistent after 1918.

How can I correct an error on someone's death record?

The process of correcting a vital record like a death certificate is pretty simple. You must fill out the proper application and send it along with your fee of $35 to the Vital Records Office.

Can I get a refund if my Oklahoma death record is not available?

No, all death certificate searches are non-refundable.

Oklahoma Marriage Records

Marriage records in Oklahoma are not considered vital records. They are created, stored, and maintained by the court system. Oklahoma has a consolidated website called the Oklahoma State Courts Network and a search feature where you can search for all different types of case files, including marriage records. Marriage records are public records. The state began keeping track of vital records in 1908, marriages shortly after that. Marriage records are needed when you change your name, apply for insurance, and other benefits, or need to verify your marital state. Each individual county court has records, and you must contact the Clerk of the Court to get copies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma Marriage Records

Are Oklahoma marriage records public?

Yes. Oklahoma has set up a website, where the public can search various types of court cases and records.

What Oklahoma marriage records are available?

There is no definitive date as to the earliest marriage records in Oklahoma, but they began keeping vital records in 1908 and more consistently since 1918 when it was mandated.

How long does it take to get a marriage certificate in Oklahoma?

If you visit the courthouse in person, you can get one the same day. If you order them by phone or online, it may take a few days for the copy to reach you.

How much does an Oklahoma marriage certificate cost?

Each county charges a nominal fee for copies depending on how difficult or easy it is to find the record.

When requesting records, what information do I need?

When requesting a copy of a someone's marriage record, you will need the following information:

  1. Full maiden name of the bride.
  2. Full name of the groom.
  3. Date of marriage.
  4. Place of marriage.

How do I get a copy of an Oklahoma marriage record?

Contact the Clerk of the Court in the county where your marriage license was filed. You can also use the search tool on the Oklahoma State Courts Network website.

What if I didn't get married in Oklahoma?

If you were not married in Oklahoma, you must contact the courthouse in the county and state where you were married.

Who can get a copy of my marriage certificate?

Marriage records are public records, and anyone can request a copy as long as they have enough information to search correctly and find your records.

How do I correct a marriage certificate in Oklahoma?

You must contact the Clerk of the Court in the county where your marriage license was filed.

Oklahoma Divorce Records

Oklahoma divorce records are public records and open to anyone. They are not maintained by the Oklahoma State Department of Health Division of Vital Records. Instead, each individual county stores and issues copies. The Oklahoma courts have set up a website called the Oklahoma State Courts Network where anyone can go online and search for court records, including divorce cases. There are many ways to search (name, date, type, etc.). Divorce records are necessary when you get remarried or other instances where you need to prove your marital state.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oklahoma Divorce Records

Can I find divorce records online in Oklahoma?

Yes. The Oklahoma State Courts Network is a website you can use to search through various court cases, including divorce records. Divorce records are open to the public.

How do I find old divorce records?

You can use the online case search. If you do not find the divorce case you need, you may visit the Clerk of the Court in the county where the divorce was granted.

How do I get a copy of my divorce certificate?

You must contact the Court Clerk in the county where your divorce was granted. You will have to fill out an application and pay the fee.

What information is needed to search for an Oklahoma divorce record?

When searching for divorce records, you typically need the following information:

  1. Full name of spouse #1.
  2. Full name of spouse #2.
  3. Date of divorce.
  4. Place of divorce (city/county).

If they can't find my divorce record, can I get a refund?

No, all search fees are non-refundable.

What if my divorce took place outside of Oklahoma?

If you were not divorced in Oklahoma, you should contact the Clerk of the Court in the county where you were divorced.