The Vital Records division is responsible for collecting, preserving and certifying records of vital events in La Porte County. Records available from the Health Department include records of birth and records of death as well as affidavits of paternity. These records are collected from hospitals, funeral directors and the clerks of the courts. Each record received is inspected for completeness, accuracy and legibility.
For your convenience, expedited service allows us to process online requests through an independent company that LPCHD has worked closely with to provide you this service; VitalChek Network, Inc. VitalChek, can be reached through their website. An additional fee is charged by VitalChek for this service, and all major credit cards are accepted by VitalChek, including American Express®, Discover®, MasterCard® or Visa®. Click www.vitalchek.com to submit your online/expedited order.
Birth Certificate-$15 per copy
- Must be at least 18 yrs. of age. Only immediate family members may purchase a minor’s birth certificate. (Ex: Grandparents, parents, or brothers and sisters with the same last name or proof of same maiden name). Applicant must have been born in La Porte County.
- Photo ID required. (Driver’s license, state ID, work badge, copy of D.L. *Note: If using a work badge, other ID is required: SS card, car registration, bill w/ name, insurance card, etc.)
- We have birth records for La Porte County from 1882 to the present.
Paternity Affidavits
Paternity Affidavits – $35.00
Vital Records now provides voluntary paternity establishment for mothers and fathers who are not married at the time of birth, and NO father is listed on the birth certificate. An appointment for this process may be scheduled in advance with the Registrar. If mother and father marry after the birth of a child we can establish voluntary paternity upon marriage. Both parents must appear at the health department with proper identification and papers. The process is easy and takes about 30 minutes and cost $35.00 for this amendment, unless it has been handled through the courts, then the cost is just $15.00 for a new birth certificate.
Correction Affidavits
Correction Affidavits – $35.00
Certain changes may be made to birth records in the form of a Correction Affidavit. Please contact our office if you find a discrepancy on your birth record.
Name Changes
A birth name can be changed through a legal change of name process that is only done with a court order.
Death Certificates
Death Certificates-$15
To obtain a death certificate you must have a direct interest in the death. Deceased must have passed in La Porte County. We have death records from 1882 to the present. Death records are recorded by year of the death and last name.
Genealogy
Genealogy $5
Genealogy requests are for records over 75 years of age. La Porte County has birth and death records beginning in 1882. Genealogy records provided are not certified.