Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get a birth or death certificate?
You can get a birth or death certificate by either coming into our office or by mailing a
request. You will need to provide birth/death information, payment and identification for
yourself.  Print out the form and fill it out, return it to our office, or provide the following
information.

For a birth certificate: Name at birth, date of birth, parents' names, mother's maiden
name and the state each parent was born in. Include identification for yourself. A copy of
a current driver's license is sufficient or send other signature/picture identification.
Include payment for the certificate: $10.00 for a combo certificate (includes regular size and laminated wallet size). Passport office does not recommend lamination of birth certificates if applying for a passport.

For a death certificate: Provide the name of deceased and date of death. Indicate the
number of copies needed. Include payment: $10.00 for each copy requested.

How can I add the father of my child to his birth certificate?
If the birth occurred in Hancock County, you will need to call and set up an appointment
to come into the office to complete a Paternity Affidavit to make this correction. Both
parents will need to come in. If mother was married before. she will need to provide a
copy of her divorce decree. If the parents have married since the child's birth you may
both come into the office to fill out a Paternity Affidavit upon Marriage. You will need
to call for an appointment and be sure to bring your marriage certificate. Another way to
add father's name is by contacting the Prosecutor's office and following their procedure.
If the name is wrong on a birth or death certificate. how can get it changed? Call our
office for an appointment. On a birth certificate (as long as the person is still living) we
need three documents at least 10 years old showing the correct way the name should be. We then file an affidavit of amendment and change the record.

How can I get a copy of my birth certificate if I don't have any identification?
A family member can get a copy for you by providing their identification. We can issue to
parents, grandparents, or siblings (must be 18 years of age).

How do I find genealogy records?
Come into our office between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to check our indexes to see if the records are available. Our records go back to 1882 for births and deaths. Or you can write to our once with a list of records that you are looking for. We will check the indexes and provide you with a list of what is available. We do not photocopy records. We charge $5.00 for each birth certificate and $10.00 for each death certificate.

These are certified copies that we type from the birth/death registers. All information
will be typed on the certificate as listed in the register. Other sources for genealogy
records are:

Greenfield Public Library
900 W. McKenzie Road.
Greenfield, IN 46140
(317) 477-5141

Indiana State Library
Genealogy Division
140 N. Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Hancock County Historical Society
28 N. Apple Street
Greenfield, IN 46140
(317) 326-5255, Elayne Stewart

We also have a book of Tombstone Inscriptions, 1833-1933. This is also available at the Greenfield Public Library.

What is the procedure for installation of a septic system? See copies of The
Application Process for Septic Systems and Requirement for Plot Plan.

What is the cost of soil borings?
Soil borings cost $225.00 if contracted through the Health Department office. If contracted by an outside source, a $50.00 application fee is charged by our department.

Is there a time limit on soil boring results?
No, not as long as the soil is not disturbed.

What is the cost of Septic Permits?
Septic Permits cost $50.00.

Is there a time limit on Septic Permits?
Yes, one year from the time it is obtained.