Frequently Asked Questions

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: $15 for a combo certificate (includes regular size and laminated wallet size). The passport office does not recommend lamination of birth certificates if applying for a passport.

For a Death Certificate

Provide the name of the deceased and date of death. Indicate the number of copies needed. Include payment: $15 for each copy requested.

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 the mother was married before she will need to provide a copy of her divorce decree. If the parents have been 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 the 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 the amendment and change the record.

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).

Come into our office between the hours of 8:30 am and 3:30 pm 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 $15 for each birth certificate and $15 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
  Phone: 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
  Elayne Stewart, Phone: 317-326-5255

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

See copies of The Application Process for Septic Systems and Requirement for Plot Plan.

Soil Borings are the responsibility of the Homeowner or Contractor. A Septic Application is required. The fee for this application is $50.

No, not as long as the soil is not disturbed.

Septic Permits cost $50.

Yes, one year from the time it is obtained.