Akron Birth Records
Akron birth records are handled by Summit County Public Health at the Fairway Center on West Market Street. The office issues certified birth certificates for anyone born in Ohio, not just Summit County. They charge $22.00 per copy and offer several ways to order, including a walk-up window, self-service kiosk, online portal, phone, and mail. Pre-1909 records sit at the Summit County Probate Court, though many of those older files have been moved to the University of Akron. This page covers every way to search for and get an Akron birth certificate.
Akron Birth Records at a Glance
Summit County Handles Akron Filings
Akron is the county seat of Summit County. Summit County Public Health runs the vital records office for the entire county. The main location is at the Fairway Center, Building A, 1867 West Market Street in Akron. There is also a satellite office in Barberton at 571 West Tuscarawas Avenue for people in that part of the county.
The office issues same-day certified birth certificate copies for all Ohio counties. That means you can get a birth certificate here even if you were born in Cleveland, Cincinnati, or anywhere else in the state. Death certificates are limited to deaths that happened in Summit County. The fee is $22.00 per copy at both locations.
How to Order Akron Birth Certificates
Summit County Public Health gives you more ways to order than most offices in Ohio. You can use the outdoor walk-up window, a self-service kiosk in the lobby, the online web portal, phone orders at (330) 812-3845, or regular mail through USPS. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The outdoor walk-up window has limited hours between noon and 2:00 PM, so plan around that if you are going in person.
For mail orders, send a completed application form with payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Phone orders need a credit card. The online portal is the quickest option if you cannot visit in person. All methods cost $22.00 per certified copy.
Note: The Barberton satellite office has different hours, including a late close on Wednesdays at 5:30 PM.
Akron Birth Certificate Resources
The Akron-Summit County Public Library Special Collections Division at the Main Library holds genealogy materials and historical records for Akron and Summit County.
The library keeps Summit County Probate Court estate records on microfilm for 1841 to 1944, city directories from 1859, and the Akron Beacon Journal on microfilm from 1841.
Pre-1909 Akron Birth Records
The Summit County Probate Court at 209 South High Street originally held birth and death records from 1867 to 1908. Many of these records have been transferred to the University of Akron Archival Services in the Polsky Building at 225 South Main Street. The university now holds the original birth record volumes 1 through 8 covering 1867 to 1908, death records volumes 1 through 5, and marriage records from 1809 to 1916 on microfilm. The archives also has naturalization records from 1861 to 1903.
The University of Akron is one of six sites in the Ohio Network of American History Research Centers. They hold government records for nine counties including Summit. Contact them at (330) 972-7670 or visit during regular hours. The court itself still handles current probate matters, marriage licenses, and delayed birth registrations. The Records Center can be reached at (330) 451-7753. Court hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays.
Akron Birth Certificate Fees
Each certified copy from Summit County Public Health costs $22.00. The Ohio Department of Health charges $21.50 per copy if you order from the state. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 3705.24, the state base fee is twelve dollars with a five-dollar surcharge for the general fund. Local offices add their own fees on top. Online orders through VitalChek or the state portal carry processing and shipping fees beyond the base cost.
Birth Record Research in Akron
The Akron-Summit County Public Library Special Collections Division has a strong genealogy collection focused on Ohio and surrounding states. Digital city directories from 1859 to 1969 are on the library's website. The Summit Memory project makes historical photos and documents from local organizations available online. The library provides free access to Ancestry Library Edition, HeritageQuest, and other databases.
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 3705.23, certified copies of Ohio vital records carry the same legal weight as originals in all courts. Each copy must bear the date of issue, the signature of the issuing officer, and the seal of the office. Anyone can request a birth record by filling out an application and paying the fee. Vital records in Ohio are public records.
Nearby Cities
These qualifying cities near Akron have their own birth record pages: