Find Lima Death Index

Lima death index records are handled by Allen County. Lima is the county seat of Allen County, so the offices that manage death records are right in town. Allen County Public Health issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths from 1908 forward. The probate court holds older records. Ohio runs a free death index online that lets you search some years at no cost. This page explains how to look up Lima death records, which offices to contact, and what each option costs.

Lima Death Records Through Allen County

Lima does not have its own vital records office. Allen County handles all death records for the area. The county government runs the health department and probate court that deal with death certificates for every death in the county, including Lima. This is standard across Ohio. Death registration is a county function under Ohio Revised Code Title 37. The city itself does not file or store death records.

Since Lima is the county seat, all Allen County offices are local. When someone dies in Lima, the funeral home or physician files the death certificate with the local registrar. That record goes to the Allen County office and up to the Ohio Department of Health. Both keep copies. You can order from either. The county is usually faster for recent records because the records are right there in Lima.

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

Allen County Public Health Office

Allen County Public Health issues death certificates for deaths that occurred in Allen County from 1908 to the present. The office is in Lima. Certified copies cost $27 each. Walk-in service is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Bring a valid ID and know the full name and date of death. Staff can pull records and print copies while you wait.

The screenshot below shows the City of Lima website, which provides local government contacts and community information.

Mail requests are also accepted. Send a written request with the deceased's full name, date of death, your name, relationship, contact information, and payment by check or money order. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Processing takes about a week. The Allen County health office accepts cash, check, and money order for in-person requests.

Ohio death records are public. Anyone can request a copy. For deaths within the last five years, the social security number is removed from copies given to the general public. Immediate family and legal representatives can get the full version with all fields showing. This is the same rule statewide.

Search Lima Death Index Online

The Ohio Death Certificate Index is free and covers 1913 to 1944 and 1954 to 1963. Enter a name and the database shows matches from all Ohio counties. Look for Allen County entries. The results include the date of death and certificate number. You need that number to order a copy from the county or state.

Ohio Memory has free digital collections from hundreds of Ohio institutions. Obituaries, cemetery records, and other documents for Allen County may appear in their search. The Ohio Genealogical Society has member-contributed records and indexes for many Ohio counties, including Allen County.

For records outside the free index, VitalChek lets you order certified death certificates online with a credit card. Processing fees apply on top of the base cost. It is more expensive but works if you cannot visit the office or send mail.

How to Get Lima Death Records

Lima residents can get death records without leaving town since the county offices are right here. Here is what each option looks like.

• Allen County Public Health for deaths from 1908 to present ($27 per certified copy, walk-in 8-4:15 M-F)
• Allen County Probate Court for deaths before 1908
• Ohio Department of Health for any Ohio death from 1908 forward ($21.50 per certified copy)
• VitalChek for online credit card orders (extra processing fees)
• Ohio History Connection for research copies from 1908 to 1970 (about $14, uncertified)

The probate court in Lima holds the oldest death records for Allen County. These are handwritten ledger entries from before the state started recording vital records in December 1908. They list the name, date, age, cause, and sometimes birthplace. The Ohio local health districts directory can help you verify the current contact info and hours for Allen County Public Health. Fees and hours do change, so checking ahead is a good idea.

Nearby Cities

This city is near Lima. If you are not sure where a death took place, check nearby areas.