To request a death certificate for a death that occurred in Columbia County less than six months ago, please follow the steps outlined below. 

For an event that occurred more than six months ago, or in a different county, request a death certificate through the Oregon Health Authority.

In person:

• visit Vital Records at the Columbia County Clerk’s office at 230 Strand St., St. Helens, OR 97051 to complete a death certificate order form or complete the form before you arrive
• you must provide a copy of your current photo ID. See the list of valid forms of ID here
• the application must be signed by the person who is ordering the certificate
• pay $25 for each copy of the certificate. We accept check or money order, payable to Columbia County Vital Statistics
• processing times can vary, although in-person requests could yield the certificate the same day.

Through the mail:

• complete a death certificate order form and mail it to Columbia County Clerk, 230 Strand St., St Helens, OR 97051
• include a copy of your current photo ID. See the list of valid forms of ID here.
• the application must be signed by the person who is ordering the certificate
• include a check or money order payable to Columbia County Vital Statistics at the address listed above. Certified copies are $25.00 each.
• processing times can vary.

Information you should know:

• By law, only immediate family members or legal representatives may order death certificates for another individual. Learn more here.