Vital Statistics - Health DepartmentReturn to Home Page
The
Vital Statistics division at the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department
maintains records of all birthsand deaths in Richland County since 1908 (excluding
Shelby). Certificates for births and deaths occurring in the city of Shelby
after 1968 are kept at the City Building in Shelby. If a birth or
death was in Shelby, but prior to 1968, these certificates are on file
at the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department. Richland County
births and deaths occurring before 1908 in are kept at the Probate Courthouse. Births and deaths occurring in other counties or states must be obtained from those counties and/or states. If you do not know the location of an Ohio birth or death, you may obtain those certificates from the Ohio Department of Health in Columbus. All original Ohio birth and death certificates are permanently placed on file at the Ohio Department of Health in Columbus.
Certified copies of certificates are available at the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department. Certified copies cost $20.00. Birth or death certificates may be obtained through our walk-in service or by mail. No appointment is necessary. We accept cash, checks, VISA or Mastercard. All questions regarding birth and death certificate copies or spelling corrections should be directed to the Registrar at 419-774-4500. The toll free number is 1-800-473-2335.
The Ohio Adoption Registry was established by the Ohio Legislature to provide a confidential and voluntary way for adopted Ohioans and their biological families to find one another. Birth records of adopted people born after January 1, 1964 are not available to the public in Ohio. The Adoption Registry acts as a clearinghouse between the adoptee and their biological families enabling them to contact one another.
Another service provided by the Vital Statistics division is acknowledgement of paternity affidavits. The completion of a paternity affidavit is voluntary and acknowledges that a parent and child relationship exists. The affidavit places responsibility for support of the child on the alleged father.
The Vital Statistics Department also issues burial-transit permits to area funeral directors.
The Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department does not maintain marriage or divorce records. These records are available at the the Probate Court.
The department keeps statistics on Richland County births, causes of death and incidence of disease. This information is used to assist in planning health programs and services that meet the needs of our community.