Fort Wayne Death Index Search

Fort Wayne death index records are kept by the Allen County Department of Health. As the second largest city in Indiana with a population over 268,000, Fort Wayne sees a high volume of death certificate requests every year. The Allen County health department handles all vital records for Fort Wayne and the surrounding communities. There is no separate city office for death records. Whether you need a copy for legal proceedings, an estate, or personal reasons, this page shows you exactly how to search the Fort Wayne death index and get certified copies.

Fort Wayne Death Records Office

The Allen County Department of Health issues death certificates for all deaths in Fort Wayne and Allen County. Their office is at 4813 New Haven Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46803. Call (260) 449-7561 or fax (260) 449-7895. You can also email questions to health@allencountyhealth.com. The department issues certified birth and death certificates for all births and deaths that happened in Fort Wayne and Allen County.

The vital records page on the Allen County website says birth and death certificates can be obtained through walk-in, mail-in, or online service. The department accepts cash, money orders, debit cards, and credit cards. Having multiple payment options makes things easier, especially for walk-in visitors who might not carry cash.

How to Get Fort Wayne Death Certificates

Walk-in service is the fastest route. Go to the Allen County health department at 4813 New Haven Ave. during business hours. Bring your photo ID, the name and date of death, and $15.00 for the fee. If the record is on file, you can leave with a certified copy the same day. Fort Wayne is the county seat, so the office is right in the city.

Mail orders work too. Send a written request to the Allen County Department of Health with the deceased person's full name, date of death, your relationship, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order for $15.00. Allow extra time for mail delivery and processing.

Online orders go through VitalChek. This is the authorized third-party service for the county. VitalChek adds its own fee on top of the certificate cost. Phone orders through VitalChek are available at (866) 601-0891 around the clock. This works well when the office is closed or you cannot visit in person.

Fort Wayne Death Index Search

When you request a Fort Wayne death record, the staff searches the Allen County death index. Under IC 16-37-1-11, search fees are not refundable. The $15.00 pays for the search itself. If a record is found, one certified copy is included. If nothing turns up, you still pay. This is Indiana law, not an Allen County rule.

Fort Wayne death records go back to 1882 through Allen County. The state office only has records from 1900 forward. So for deaths between 1882 and 1899, the county is the only source. Allen County is one of the largest counties in Indiana, and its death index covers a lot of ground.

The screenshot above shows the Allen County Department of Health website where Fort Wayne residents can find contact details and directions.

Death Certificate Eligibility

Under IC 16-37-1-10, Indiana limits who can get a certified death certificate. The Allen County office checks your ID and relationship before releasing any copy. You must have a direct connection to the deceased person.

Eligible requesters include parents, grandparents, siblings age 18 and up, adult children and grandchildren, the surviving spouse, aunts, uncles, attorneys, and court-appointed guardians. One primary photo ID is required plus two secondary documents. A driver's license or passport counts as primary. A Social Security card or voter registration card works as secondary.

Genealogy and Fort Wayne Death Index

Fort Wayne has a long history as a major northeastern Indiana city. Death records dating to 1882 make the Allen County death index valuable for genealogy research. Older certificates can list the person's birthplace, parents, and occupation. For genealogy access, the person must have been dead at least 75 years and you need proof they have passed.

The Indiana State Library in Indianapolis holds genealogy materials covering all 92 counties. Their collection has over 40,000 items. The library is at 315 W. Ohio Street, Indianapolis. Call 317-232-3689. Indiana's electronic death registration system under IC 16-37-1-3.1 speeds up newer filings.

State Resources for Fort Wayne

The Indiana Department of Health keeps Fort Wayne death records from 1900 forward. The state fee is $8.00 per search. The state order page has forms and links. Mail orders use State Form 49606. Send to P.O. Box 7125, Indianapolis, IN 46206-7125. For more details, visit the Allen County page. Under IC 5-14-3, Indiana's public records act supports access to government records with certain eligibility limits for death certificates.