Obtaining important records like birth and death certificates is now more convenient than ever for Ohio residents. Summit County Public Health (SCPH) has introduced a streamlined system that makes the process quick, simple, and accessible.

Residents can now request certified copies of birth and death certificates for any person born or deceased in the State of Ohio, regardless of which county the event occurred in. Birth records are available from December 20, 1908, to the present, and death records are available from January 1, 1971, to the present.

Simple, Same-Day Service

For those who prefer an in-person visit, SCPH offers same-day service at their office located at 1867 W. Market St. in Akron. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and most requests are completed in less than 10 minutes.

No appointment or identification is required to purchase a certified copy, making the process even easier. The cost is $22 per copy, and a variety of payment methods are accepted, including cash, checks, money orders, and major debit/credit cards.

Flexible Ordering Options

In addition to in-person service, SCPH offers several convenient ways to order records:

• Online: Visit Summit County Public Health’s ordering portal at vitals.scph.org
• By Phone: Call (330) 812-3845 for express same-day pickup
• By Mail: Expedited delivery options are available, with some orders arriving as soon as the next business day (additional fees apply)
• Self-Service Kiosks: Available at select locations, including local medical facilities and WIC offices

Accessible services, including curbside delivery, are also available upon request to better serve all residents.

A Helpful Resource for Life’s Important Moments

While birth certificates are often needed for milestones like school enrollment, travel, or new employment, death certificates are typically required for handling important matters such as estate management or family records. This improved system is designed to make accessing these documents as straightforward and stress-free as possible during both routine and more sensitive times.

A Convenient Option Close to Home

Ohio residents also have the flexibility to request these records from any local health department or through the Ohio Department of Health, regardless of where the birth or death occurred within the state.

This updated system helps ensure that when you need important records, the process is quick, respectful, and easy to navigate.