How to Find Indiana Death Records

How to Find United States Deaths Indiana Deaths

Indiana became a state on 11 December 1816. Death records were recorded by the county health office beginning in 1882, where they remained before mandatory recording with the state board of health began in January 1900.

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Next Step: When did the death occur?

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 * Death Records
 * Choose a time period:


 * Before 1882
 * 1882 thru 1900
 * 1900 thru 1920
 * After 1920 to the present
 * Death year unknown


 * }

Deaths before 1882
Before 1882, no deaths were recorded by the county or state. For deaths that occurred before 1882, try the following database.

If the death was not found in the above database, you must search substitute records to locate your ancestor’s death date and place.

Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths from 1882-1900
From 1882 to 1900, Indiana records of death are filed only with the local health department in the county where the death actually occurred.

For deaths that exist during the time period, try the following databases.

Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths from 1900-1920
Death records in the Indiana State Department of Health Vital Records office begin with 1900. For deaths occurring from 1900 to 1917, the city and/or county of death is required in order to locate the record.

STEP ONE: Find Death Information
For deaths that exist during this time period, try the following databases. Try each link.

STEP TWO: Obtain the Certificate
PART A: You know the exact date of death 

If the image was not included in the index entry above, you can order a copy of the death record for a fee from the following locations:

See list of restrictions for ordering death records

If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information.

PART B: You don't know the exact date of death

If you do not know the exact date or place of death: The Indiana Department of Health will do a 5 year search, included in the cost of the copy.

See list of restrictions for ordering death records

If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information. Return to top: Choose another death year

Deaths after 1920
NOTE: If you are not a direct relative of the person named on the certificate, the date of death must be more than 75 years ago in order to obtain a death certificate for genealogical purposes. See list of restrictions for ordering death records.

PART A: You know the exact date of death 

With an exact date (from your records), you can order a copy of the death record for a fee from the following locations:

See list of restrictions for ordering death records

If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information.

PART B: You don't know the exact date of death

Return to top: Choose another death year

Restrictions for Obtaining Death Records
Restrictions for ordering death certificates from the state of Indiana: To obtain a copy of the death certificate, you must be one of the following and provide proof of relationship:


 * The parent or grandparent of the person on the certificate
 * The spouse of the person on the certificate
 * The child or grandchild of the person on the certificate
 * The sibling of the person on the certificate
 * The aunt or uncle of the person on the certificate
 * The niece or nephew of the person on the certificate
 * Funeral director
 * NOTE: If you are not one of the above, a copy of the death record may be obtained for genealogical purposes only if the death occurred more than 75 years ago.

If you do not want to order the death record, you can search other records with death information. Return to top: Choose another death year

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