Is this birth certificate a legal document?

Yes. All East Chicago birth certificates are stamped with the Health Officer signature, and given a textured seal. This certificate is legal and can be used for:

  • Bureau of Motor Vehicles / Department of Motor Vehicles
  • Government Assistance Program Verification
  • Government Verification
  • Job Verification
  • Passports

This certificate does NOT include mother's maiden name or time of birth.

This certificate is NOT a long form certificate and NOT valid for an Apostille seal application. 

This certificate is NOT valid for dual citizenship applications.

Show All Answers

1. What the new birth registry means for you.
2. Is this birth certificate a legal document?
3. Does this birth certificate include my time of birth and mother’s maiden name?
4. Is this a long form birth certificate? How can I obtain a long form birth certificate?
5. Can I request an Apostille seal from East Chicago?
6. Can I come to the East Chicago Health Department office for my birth certificate?
7. Can I get a social security card from here?
8. Do I need an appointment to get my birth certificate?
9. How long will the in office visit take?
10. My child was recently born, when will the certificate be ready?
11. I was adopted. Can I get my certificate here?
12. What will I need to get my birth certificate?
13. I do not have a valid driver’s license or state ID. What can I do?
14. Is the BMV issued temp paper ID accepted?
15. Who can pick up my birth certificate in the case I cannot pick up my own?
16. I am recently incarcerated, recently released from incarceration, in a shelter, in an institute, or am homeless. How can I request my birth certificate?
17. I am a social worker, shelter representative, or lawyer firm requesting a certificate for my client. What do I need?
18. Can I call ahead for my birth certificate and can I pay over the phone?
19. Can I request my certificate through the mail?
20. Can I purchase my certificate online?
21. What will my relative need to get my certificate?
22. My name and/or other information on my birth certificate is incorrect. What can I do?
23. My name has been changed, how do I get a new certificate?
24. The name on my birth certificate is different than my current documents. Can i get this name on my certificate?
25. Can I request a birth certificate from any Health Department?
26. I was born in Lake County can I request a birth certificate from East Chicago?
27. What is considered genealogy?