09/18/2020
The have been devastating and many Oregon families have lost everything due to the wildfires including vital records. The Governor has signed Executive Order 20-35 enacting a new temporary rule waiving Oregon vital records fees for those affected by the wildfires. Under the temporary rule, up to three certified copies of Oregon vital records will be provided free of charge if requested in connection with Executive Order 20-35. The temporary rule remains in effect until March 1, 2021.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS as provided on website from the Oregon Health Department -> https://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/BIRTHDEATHCERTIFICATES/GETVITALRECORDS/Pages/Vital-Records-Fees-for-Oregonians-Affected-by-the-Wildfires-under-Executive-Oregon-No.-20-35.aspx
What does this mean?
The State Vital Records office will provide up to three (3) certified copies of a birth, death, marriage, divorce, domestic partnership or dissolution of domestic partnership free of charge if the record is requested in connection with Executive Order 20-35 related to wildfire response. The Executive Order only applies to fires that occurred in Oregon.
County Vital Records offices will provide up to three (3) certified copies of death or birth records free of charge if the record is requested in connection with Executive Order 20-35 related to wildfire response.
When does the fee waiver go into effect?
The fee waiver goes into effect September 14, 2020 and will remain in effect until March 1, 2021.
How do individuals get the vital records fees waived?
When ordering the certified copies of the vital record, the person ordering the certificates must state the reason for needing the record as “Executive Order 20-35” or “Oregon 2020 Wildfires”. It is important that this information is noted on the order so the fee can be waived appropriately.
Get ordering information.
What happens if I order by mail?
Complete and sign the order form. State the reason for needing the record as “Executive Order 20-35” or “Oregon 2020 Wildfires”. It is important that this information is noted on the order so we know why a fee is not included. Provide identification as required. We may request additional documentation if it appears the request for records is not in connection with the wildfires.
What happens if I order over the Internet or by phone?
If you are ordering via the Internet or phone, you will need to pay the entire fee upon ordering. The certificate fee will be refunded once the order is received by the Center for Health Statistics. State the reason for needing the record as “Executive Order 20-35” or “Oregon 2020 Wildfires” when completing the order. It is important that this information is noted on the order so the certificate fee can be waived appropriately, and a refund submitted. We may request additional documentation if it appears the request for records is not in connection with the wildfires.
Are other fees waived?
No. All other fees will still be charged.
Is the certified fee waived for all orders for certified copies?
No. This waiver is only for certified copies of vital records in connection with the Oregon 2020 Wildfires. The person requesting the certified copies must state that the reason they need the record is “Executive Order 20-35” or “Oregon 2020 Wildfires”. We may request additional documentation if it appears the request for records is not in connection with the wildfires.
Is identification still required?
Yes. Identification is required by law when submitting your order.
See the list of options for identity documents.
Can anyone get the free certified copies?
No. Only individuals eligible to receive the vital records as outlined in law can order the certificates. Only those affected by fires that occurred in Oregon are eligible.
Get information on who is eligible.
How many certified copies can I get for free?
You can receive up to three (3) certified copies of a birth, death, marriage, divorce, domestic partnership or dissolution of domestic partnership record. Make sure to specify how many certificates you want when ordering.
Do I have to order them at the same time?
No. The temporary rule allows up to three (3) free certified copies of any record until March 1, 2021 if the records are ordered in connection with Executive Order 20-35 pertaining to the wildfires. All orders must be received by March 1, 2021.
If I order one death record, one birth record, and one marriage record, does this count as the three free certificates?
Under the temporary rule you can get three certified copies of each record type. In this scenario, you can get two more certificates each record type free of charge. You will need to submit an order for them. The person ordering must be eligible to order the record and they must state the reason of needing the record in connection with “Executive Order 20-35” or “Oregon 2020 Wildfires” on each order. The orders must be received by March 1, 2021.
Does this waiver apply to marriage and divorce records issued by the County Clerks and Circuit Courts?
No. This waiver only applies to certified copies of marriage and divorce records issued at the state.
Vital records fees waived for Oregonians affected by wildfires
