How to obtain a birth certificate?

I was born in Salem Ohio and am trying to obtain a copy of my birth certificate. I called the office of vital statistics at the courthouse and they said it would be $21 for the certificate and $24 to mail. I think that this is a little ridiculous. Does anyone no of a less expensive more convenient method?

How to obtain a birth certificate?
As far as I know that is the only way to get it, but i would just go to the courthouse and pick it up. unless of course you don't live in that area any more, maybe family or friends still live there and they could pick it up for you. If you are just getting it to get it and you don't really need it, i just wouldn't get it, i don't have a copy of mine. I usually just use my SS card and drivers license as identification.
Reply:I don't know how/where you got your information, but here is a link directly to Oregon's Department of Human Services FAQ's about Vital Records and how to order a birth certificate - there are online instructions. All birth records for Oregon are housed at the state office in Portland. The fees listed are $32.50 total.





If you contacted the courthouse in Salem, the prices they quoted you may include additional fees for them above what the Office of Vital Statistics in Portland charges.
Reply:It used to be just $5.00 or so to get a copy from some states but no it is ridiculous. The mailing costs seem high which makes me wonder if you are trying to get it really fast. There are states that are cheaper but Ohio is just not one of them.





You will have to pay the money. Sorry.
Reply:Got mine in Massachusetts going strait to town hall of the city I was born, for 5 bucks.


From the counter I saw the old lady pull a piece of paper out of a file, made a copy, stamped and signed. Took 5 minutes to search and do the rest. Pretty fair I think. A Dollar a minute.
Reply:No, that is the only way I know. Indiana's price is comparable to that so I don't think Ohio is purposely trying to rip you off.
Reply:To obtain a certified birth certificate, the only source is the city or county clerks office where you were born. I know that is the only option the Passport office will accept.





$24 to mail it is outrageous. They sort have you by the b.... and know it.





good luck.
Reply:I was also born in Ohio and I had to get a certified birth certificate when I got my driver's license renewed. They told me I had to get it from the Health Department in the county I was born in. So I went there in person and got it for $16.50. You should call your birth county's Health Department instead of the Office of Vital Statistics and ask how much it would be for them to mail it to you because $21 is a little high.