What are Oregon Vital Records?

The Oregon Center for Health Statistics is the government agency in charge of registering and issuing all vital records for the state. Oregon has been keeping vital records since 1903. Their record collections include birth, death, marriage, Oregon Registered Domestic Partnership, divorce, and fetal death records. The agency allows eligible applicants to request copies of vital records through the mail, by phone and internet using the VitalChek service, and by visiting their office in person. They also offer expedited service when ordering through the mail. The Oregon Health Authority also handles public health issues, health statistics, environmental conditions, and emergency preparedness.

Oregon Birth Records

The state of Oregon has been keeping track of birth records since 1903. The Oregon Center for Health Statistics is the designated government agency in charge of preserving and issuing certified copies of birth records. Birth certificates are needed when you apply for a passport, a driver's license, a government job, when you sign up for sports or school, and other instances when you need to verify your identity. The Oregon Center for Health Statistics allows residents to obtain copies through the mail, online, by phone, and in person. They partner with the VitalChek service to offer certified copies, but you must qualify. Birth records are not open to the public in Oregon, and only certain individuals like close family or legal representatives may get copies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oregon Birth Records

How do I find birth records in Oregon?

You must contact the Oregon Center for Health Statistics. They are the agency in charge of all birth records, and they supply certified birth certificates upon request to eligible parties.

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

The Oregon Center for Health Statistics offers a few different ways you can request a certified copy of your birth record. You may download the application on their website and send it in by mail, drop it off in person, or use the VitalChek service to order by phone or online.

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

If you show up in person or order through the mail, the cost is $30 per copy. If you want expedited shipping, that will cost you another $25. The VitalChek service charges additional processing fees on top of the $30 cost.

Who can request birth records?

Birth records are kept private for 100 years; then they become public records. For that first 100 years only the following people may request a copy:

  • The registrant (person named on the record) aged 15 or older.
  • The registrant's current spouse or domestic partner who is registered by the state.
  • Child.
  • Parent.
  • Current stepparent until the child is age 18.
  • Siblings.
  • Grandparent.
  • Grandchild.
  • Legal guardian.
  • Legal representative.
  • An authorized representative.
  • Government agency acting in the conduct of its official duties.

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

When ordering a copy of your Oregon birth certificate, you will need to supply the following information:

  • Full name on record.
  • Date of birth.
  • Gender.
  • Place of birth.
  • Mother's full maiden name.
  • Father's full name.
  • Your relationship to the person listed on the certificate.
  • Reason for needing the certificate.

As the requestor, you must also supply your name, address, phone number, and a signature along with a valid photo ID.

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

You can contact the Oregon Center for Health Statistics. They have all birth records dating back to 1908.

How can I correct an error on my birth record?

The process for correcting birth records depends on the time that the error is discovered, and the type of change needed. The Oregon Center for Health Statistics has a list of links to help you change a birth record.

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

No. Birth certificate search fees are not refundable.

Oregon Death Records

The state of Oregon has been keeping death records since 1903. The Oregon Center for Health Statistics is the designated agency in charge of keeping them and issuing certificates. Death records are kept private for 50 years; then, they are opened to the public. Therefore, only certain people can request copies of someone's death certificate. Death records come into play when you file a life insurance claim or request other death benefits. The Oregon Center for Health Statistics allows eligible parties to get copies through the mail, in person, or using VitalChek online or by phone. Additional fees may apply using VitalChek or ordering expedited shipping service.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oregon Death Records

How do I find death records in Oregon?

You can contact the Oregon Center for Health Statistics. They have death records dating back to 1903. They allow eligible applicants to get copies of someone's death certificate.

Are death records public in Oregon?

No. Death records in Oregon are kept private for 50 years; then, they are opened up to the public.

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

Each copy of a certified copy of a death record is $25. The first $25 is non-refundable as it includes the search fee.

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

If you order through the mail, it can take up to 3-5 weeks. You may pay extra for expedited shipping. You also have the option of visiting them in person to get copies the same day. If you order through VitalChek, you will have to wait 5-7 business days.

Who can request death records?

Death records are kept private, and therefore only certain people may get copies. As posted on the Oregon Center for Health Statistics'sStatistics's website, the only people eligible are: "the decedent's current spouse or domestic partner who is registered by the state, a child aged 18 or older, parent, sibling, grandparent, grandchild, next of kin, legal guardian immediately before death, an authorized representative, a government agency acting in the conduct of its official duties, an employee or agent of a funeral home or person acting as a funeral service practitioner who is named in the record of death or a person that demonstrates to the satisfaction of the state registrar that the certified copy is necessary for a determination related to or the protection of a personal or property right of the applicant."

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

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

  • Full name of deceased.
  • Date of death.
  • Place of death.
  • Spouse of the decedent.
  • Your relationship to the person listed on the record.
  • Reason for the record.

As the requestor, you must also supply your name, address, phone number, and a signature along with a valid photo ID and proof of eligibility.

Where can I find historical death records in Oregon?

You can contact the Oregon Center for Health Statistics. They have death records dating back to 1908. They should be able to provide whatever you need.

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

The process for correcting an error on someone's death record is based on a few factors. Therefore, the state set up this page to provide guidelines on how to change an Oregon death record.

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

No, all death certificate searches are non-refundable.

Oregon Marriage Records

Oregon has been keeping marriage records since 1906, and the Oregon Center for Health Statistics is the agency in charge of storing them and issuing marriage certificates. For 50 years, marriage records are kept confidential then they are opened up to the public. For the first 50 years, only certain people can get copies. Marriage records come in handy when you need to change your name, apply for insurance, or prove your marital state. The Oregon Center for Health Statistics offers eligible people a few different ways to get copies of a marriage certificate. You can visit in person, order through the mail, or use the VitalChek service for online and phone orders.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oregon Marriage Records

Are Oregon marriage records public?

Not right away. For the first 50 years, marriage records in Oregon are kept private, and only certain people can get copies.

What Oregon marriage records are available?

The Oregon Center for Health Statistics has records dating back to 1906. Each county Clerk of the Court may have older records, but there is no guarantee.

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

If you order through the mail, it may take between 3-5 weeks to get copies. They do offer expedited shipping. If you order through the VitalChek service, it will take a few days (between 5-7 business days). If you visit in person, you can get one while you wait.

How much does an Oregon marriage certificate cost?

The cost of each marriage certificate is $25. The first one includes the search fee.

When requesting records, what information do I need?

When you request a copy of your marriage record, you will need the following information:

  • Spouse 1's1's full name.
  • Spouse 2's2's full name.
  • Date of the marriage.
  • Place of the marriage.
  • Your relationship to the person listed on the certificate.
  • The reason for the request.

As the requestor, you must also supply your name, address, phone number, and a signature along with a valid photo ID and proof of eligibility.

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

You must contact the Oregon Center for Health Statistics. They offer four ways to get a copy: in person, by mail, phone, and online using VitalCheck.

What if I didn't get married in Oregon?

If you were not married in Oregon, you should contact the vital records office or the Clerk of the Court in the county/state where you were married.

Who can get a copy of my marriage certificate?

Marriage records are not public records; therefore, only the following people can get a copy:

  • The registrant (person named on record).
  • The registrant's husband or wife or domestic partnership who is registered by the state.
  • Children aged 18 or older.
  • Parent.
  • Brother or sister.
  • Grandparent.
  • Grandchild.
  • Legal guardian or legal representative.
  • An authorized representative.
  • A government agency acting in the conduct of its official duties.

How do I correct a marriage certificate in Oregon?

The process of changing marriage records depends on the situation. The Oregon Center for Health Statistics does not process changes. Instead, you must contact the local county marriage office that issued the license to get the certificate changed.

Oregon Divorce Records

The state of Oregon has been keeping divorce records since 1925. The Oregon Center for Health Statistics is the government agency responsible for filing and storing them and issuing divorce certificates (not divorce decrees). Divorce certificates are helpful when you need to prove you are divorced before getting remarried, applying for insurance, or other instances where your marital state comes into question. The Oregon Center for Health Statistics allows eligible parties to get copies through the mail, by phone and internet (using VitalChek) and in person at their office. Divorce records are not public records. They are kept private for 50 years then opened up to the public.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oregon Divorce Records

Can I find divorce records online in Oregon?

Not through the state. Divorce records are private for 50 years then opened up to the public. However, some third-party websites may have public divorce records for Oregon.

How do I find old divorce records?

You must contact the Oregon Center for Health Statistics. They have divorce records dating back to 1925.

How do I get a copy of my divorce certificate?

You can order them online and phone using VitalCheck, through the mail or walk-in service with the Oregon Center for Health Statistics. You must provide an ID, prove your eligibility, and pay a fee.

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

When requesting divorce records, you will need to provide the following information:

  • Spouse 1's1's full name.
  • Spouse 2s full maiden name.
  • Date of divorce.
  • Place of divorce (county).
  • Your relationship to the person on the record.
  • The reason for the request.

As the requestor, you must also supply your name, address, phone number, and a signature along with a valid photo ID and proof of eligibility.

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 Oregon?

If you were not divorced in Oregon, contact either the vital records office or the Clerk of the Court in the county where you were divorced.