Access Akron Death Index

Akron death index records are managed by Summit County, not the city of Akron. Summit County Public Health is the office that issues death certificates for deaths in the Akron area. The county probate court holds older records from before the state system began. You can also search the Ohio death index online for free to find Akron-area death records from certain years. This guide explains where to look, which offices to contact, and how the process works for getting Akron death records.

Akron Death Records and Summit County

Akron does not have its own vital records office. Death certificates for people who died in Akron go through Summit County Public Health. This is standard across Ohio. Under Ohio Revised Code Title 37, vital records including death certificates are filed and maintained at the county level. The city government has no role in this process.

When someone dies in Akron, the funeral director or medical examiner files the death certificate with Summit County Public Health. The county sends a copy to the Ohio Department of Health. Both the county and the state can issue certified copies. The county office is usually faster for local requests since the records are right there in Akron.

Summit County Public Health has a vital records section that handles birth and death certificates. They are located in Akron, which is the county seat. Walk-in service is available. You can get same-day copies for recent deaths during regular business hours.

For full details on Summit County death index records and fees, see the Summit County Death Index page.

Summit County Public Health Death Certificates

The Summit County Public Health office is the main source for Akron death certificates from 1908 to the present. Their vital records section can search by name and pull certified copies. The cost is about $25 per certified copy. Payment methods include cash, check, and money order for in-person requests.

The screenshot below shows the City of Akron official website, which links to city services and can help you find the right county contacts.

Mail requests are also accepted. Send a letter to Summit County Public Health with the full name of the deceased, the date of death, your name and address, your relationship to the deceased, and payment. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return. Processing by mail takes about one to two weeks. For faster service, VitalChek offers online ordering with credit card payment, though they add processing fees on top of the base cost.

Akron Death Index at Probate Court

The Summit County Probate Court holds death records from before December 1908. These are the oldest official death records for the Akron area. The entries are in handwritten ledger books. Each record shows the name, date of death, age, cause, and sometimes the birthplace of the deceased. The level of detail varies by year. Earlier records tend to have less information.

The Summit County Public Health vital records page shown below is where you can find current information about ordering death certificates.

Akron grew rapidly during the rubber industry boom in the early 1900s. That means a large number of deaths were recorded in Summit County during that period. If you are researching a family member who worked in the Akron rubber factories, the probate court records and early health department files may have the information you need. Workers came from across the country and from overseas, so death records from this era often list diverse birthplaces.

Search Akron Death Index Online

The free Ohio Death Certificate Index covers 1913 to 1944 and 1954 to 1963. Search by name and look for Summit County entries. The results show the certificate number, which you need to order the full document. Akron deaths will appear under Summit County.

FamilySearch offers free access to Ohio death certificate images from 1908 to 1953. Create a free account and browse the Summit County collection. The Ohio Memory digital library has materials from Akron-area institutions, including the Akron-Summit County Public Library. The Ohio Genealogical Society has member-contributed indexes that may include Akron entries not found in the state database.

The Ohio local health districts directory can help you confirm current contact information and hours for Summit County Public Health before you visit or call.

How to Get Akron Death Records

Several options exist for getting Akron death records. Pick the one that fits your situation best.

• Summit County Public Health for deaths from 1908 to present (about $25 per copy)
• Summit County Probate Court for deaths before 1908
• Ohio Department of Health for any Ohio death from 1908 forward ($21.50 per copy)
• VitalChek for online credit card orders (additional fees)
• Ohio History Connection for uncertified research copies from 1908 to 1970

In-person requests at Summit County Public Health are the fastest option. They can process same-day copies during business hours. Ohio death records are public under state law, so anyone can request a copy. For deaths in the last five years, the social security number is removed from copies given to the general public. Spouses, children, and estate representatives can get the full version with all details included.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Akron. If you are not sure where a death occurred, check the surrounding areas.