Vital Records & Certificates in Griffith, IndianaArapahoe County Clerk & Recorder

Griffith residents regularly need vital records for various life events and administrative purposes. From enrolling children in Griffith Public Schools to applying for passports at the nearby Chicago-area offices, obtaining driver’s licenses, purchasing homes in the town’s growing neighborhoods, or settling family estates, certified vital records serve as essential legal documentation for our community members.

Residents of Griffith obtain birth certificates through the Lake County Health Department’s Vital Records Division, located in Crown Point, the county seat. Many Griffith babies are born at nearby Community Hospital or St. Catherine Hospital in East Chicago, requiring official documentation for school registration in Griffith Public Schools. The Lake County office processes requests for births occurring anywhere within the county boundaries. Indiana state law requires certified copies for passport applications, driver’s license renewals, and sports league participation. Parents moving to Griffith’s family-friendly neighborhoods often need multiple copies for various enrollment purposes.

Couples planning weddings at popular Griffith venues like the Avalon Manor or outdoor ceremonies at Oak Ridge Prairie County Park must obtain marriage licenses from the Lake County Clerk in Crown Point. Indiana requires a 60-day waiting period from application to ceremony, though this can be waived with pre-marital counseling. Many couples choose to marry at St. Mary Catholic Church or host receptions at local venues before honeymooning via Chicago’s airports, making certified marriage certificates essential for name changes and travel documentation.

When Lake County residents pass away in Griffith, death certificates are processed through the Lake County Health Department. Families working with local funeral homes like Hillside Funeral Home need certified copies for insurance claims, estate settlements, and Social Security benefits. The county registrar maintains records for deaths occurring at Community Hospital or in private residences, ensuring proper documentation for legal proceedings.

Divorce records for Griffith residents are maintained by the Lake County Superior Court system. Former spouses often need certified copies when remarrying, refinancing homes in Griffith’s established neighborhoods, or updating beneficiary information. The Crown Point courthouse handles divorce proceedings for all Lake County residents, including those living in Griffith’s various subdivisions and apartment complexes.

Lake County vital records are processed at the Health Department in Crown Point, approximately 15 minutes south of Griffith via Route 41. The office operates Monday through Friday with ample parking available in the government complex lot. Walk-in service is available, though calling ahead during busy summer months is recommended. Payment accepted includes cash, checks, and major credit cards. Online ordering is also available through the county’s official website for added convenience.

From Griffith, take Broad Street south to Route 41, then continue south to Crown Point. The Lake County Government Complex is located on North Court Street.