Get INSTRUCTIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF AN OHIO BIRTH

In Ohio, if a child's parents are not married to each other when the child is born, that child does not have a legal father. Paternity must be established for the person to be called the legal father of a child. Once this happens the father's name can appear on the birth certificate.

Completing the paternity affidavit form is the quickest and easiest way for unmarried parents to establish legal fatherhood and have the father's name placed on the birth certificate. Establishing paternity gives you and your child the rights and opportunities you need and deserve.

Certified copies of birth or death certificates are issued at a fee of $25.00 per certificate.

An Application for Correction of Birth Record can only be filed for someone born in OHIO. The procedure to correct a birth record requires an application to be filed in the Probate Court. The Application for Correction of Birth Record must be filled out completely and properly notarized before filing.

Under Ohio Revised Code, if a child is born to an unmarried mother, the mother is the sole residential parent and legal guardian of the child unless a court order is issued. Once paternity is established, the father may seek visitation or custody rights through the court system.

Ohio law provides that whoever claims to have been born in Ohio, and whose registration of birth has not been properly or accurately recorded, may file an application to correct their birth record: In the Probate Court of the county of birth. In the Probate Court of the county of current residence.

Adding a Father to a Birth Certificate Single, unmarried mothers wishing to add a father to a birth certificate must complete an Acknowledgement of Paternity Affidavit that can be obtained from any hospital, child support enforcement agency, or local vital statistics office.

The simplest way to get a certified copy of a birth or death record is to order online using a credit card. Our online order portal now accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express cards. Orders are processed in our office within five business days.