Find Highland County Death Records

Highland County death records are available from the Highland County Health Department in Hillsboro, Ohio. You can search for death certificates for people who died in this county from 1909 onward. The health department issues certified copies that you can use for legal, personal, or research purposes. Ordering is done in person, by mail, by phone, or online through VitalChek. Ohio law classifies these as public records, and anyone can request a copy with just a few basic details about the deceased person.

Highland County Death Certificate Office

The Highland County Health Department issues death certificates at 1487 North High St., Suite 400, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Phone: (937) 393-1941 ext. 4. Fax: 937-393-4694. Each death certificate costs $25. There is a $2 fee if you pay with a credit or debit card. They also accept cash, check, and money order.

Highland County keeps death records for deaths that occurred in Ohio from 1909 forward. Signed death certificates are available about seven days after the date of death. If you are looking for a death record from before 1909, you might not find one. Ohio did not require healthcare facilities and funeral homes to file death certificates until 1909. Records from before that date may not exist at all.

Research and genealogy records are available on Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. If you plan to visit for genealogy purposes, call ahead to confirm the schedule. The office staff can help you search their records for family history research during those hours.

Below is the Highland County Health Department vital statistics page.

This page has the forms, fees, and contact details you need to request Highland County death records.

Ordering Highland County Death Records

You can order Highland County death certificates four ways:

• Online at VitalChek
• By mail with the Certificate Request Form and $25 per copy
• By phone at (937) 393-1941 ext. 4
• In person at 1487 N. High Street, Suite 400, Hillsboro

Mail requests must include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Payments by mail need to be money orders or local checks. Out-of-area checks may not be accepted. The request form asks for the full name of the deceased, the date of death, and your contact information. If you need a correction on a death certificate, contact the funeral home that filed it. They handle Death Affidavits and Supplementary Medical Certifications for changes to the record.

The Ohio Court Records page for Highland County also has information about death records and how to access them. Applicants can send a mail-based request that includes a completed application form, a copy of valid photo ID, and $25 by money order or check payable to HCHD.

Here is the VitalChek ordering portal for Highland County death records.

VitalChek lets you pay by card and have the certificate shipped to your home. An extra processing fee applies.

Highland County Death Records Laws

Highland County death records fall under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3705. Section 3705.01 defines vital records and sets out the state's system for tracking births, deaths, and other vital events. The funeral director files the personal portion of the death certificate, and the attending physician or coroner certifies the cause of death within 48 hours.

Under Section 149.43, Highland County death certificates are public records. Anyone can request one. Section 3705.23 requires the social security number to be hidden for the first five years unless the requestor is on the authorized list. That list includes spouses, children, grandchildren, funeral directors, law enforcement, attorneys, and estate executors. After five years, the full record is available to everyone.

The screenshot below shows the Ohio Court Records page for Highland County.

This resource covers court and vital records access for Highland County, including death records and related documents.

What Highland County Death Certificates Contain

Highland County death certificates contain the full name of the deceased, date of birth, date and place of death, and the cause and manner of death. The parents' names are listed, along with the decedent's marital status and usual residence. A physician or coroner certifies the medical portion. The funeral director files the personal facts with the local registrar in Hillsboro.

Certified copies serve as legal proof of death. You need them for estate settlements, insurance claims, bank account closures, and property transfers. Courts and agencies accept them at face value. Genealogy researchers use Highland County death records to trace family lines and find dates that connect to other records like marriage and birth certificates.

Historical Death Records in Highland County

For death records from 1908 through 1953, check the Ohio History Connection. They have a searchable death record index. The Ohio Department of Health keeps records from 1954 onward. Either of these state resources can fill in gaps when the local health department does not have what you need.

Section 3705.24 of the Ohio Revised Code sets fee rules for vital records. Highland County charges $25 per copy, which is above the state minimum of $12. Part of each fee supports the statewide vital records system. Fees can change, so check with the office before sending payment by mail.

Nearby Counties

Highland County borders several Ohio counties. Contact the neighboring county health department if the death happened outside Highland County.