Where Can I Get a Birth Certificate in Columbus, Ohio?

Residents of Columbus can obtain a birth certificate through the Franklin County Vital Statistics office, located at 280 E. Broad St. in Downtown Columbus, inside the Franklin County Government Center.

Ohio birth certificates come in two forms: a certified copy (required for legal purposes like passports and driver's licenses) and an informational copy. As of the most recent fee schedule, certified copies cost $25 for the first copy and $15 for each additional copy ordered at the same time — confirm the current fee at the Franklin County Public Health website before your visit, as these figures are updated periodically.

To pick up a copy in person, bring a valid government-issued photo ID and be prepared to complete a request form showing your relationship to the person named on the record. The office is open Monday through Friday; hours have been listed as 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., though you should verify current hours directly with Franklin County Public Health before making the trip.

If the birth occurred in another Ohio county or state, Franklin County can't issue that record. For births elsewhere in Ohio, you'd go through the Ohio Department of Health Vital Statistics, which also accepts mail-in and online requests through VitalChek.

For Columbus residents who need a certificate quickly, VitalChek's online ordering option through Ohio Department of Health typically allows expedited processing with shipping directly to your address.