The State of Oregon began recording births and deaths in July 1903 and marriages in 1906. Divorce certificates were recorded at the state level beginning in 1925. These all may be obtained from Oregon Health Services, Center for Health Statistics, 800NE Oregon St., Ste. 205, Portland, OR 97232; P.O. Box 14050,Portland, OR 97293-0050 .
The Oregon State Archives (through the online Oregon Historical Records Index) and Oregon State Library (see Archives, Libraries, and Societies) have growing collections of vital records. The Oregon Historical Society (see Archives, Libraries, and Societies) has a complete death index and the later divorce and marriage indexes. Microfilmed vital records at the Family History Library (FHL) in Salt Lake City include death indexes (1903–2000) and marriages (1906–24) as well as some indexed county records.
Indexes to Oregon deaths (1903–98) and marriages (1906–20) are online through subscription database <www.ancestry.com>.
The Center for Health Statistics (Vital Records) provides direct services to customers throughout the globe by providing vital records as needed. The Center is responsible for registering, certifying, amending, and issuing Oregon vital records. These records are the legal records documenting a vital event and, in the case of birth certificates, are the primary documents used to establish identity.