Ohio Department of Health- Office of Vital Statistics

Five stars? For a government office? Yes. In brief:
–great service
–short lines
–free parking downtown
I went to get an updated copy of my birth certificate, allowing plenty of time since it is a bureacracy, of course. There is plenty of meter and lot parking nearby, but wonder of wonders, right across the street are half a dozen free spots. The building is massive, but the office is small. When I went, early afternoon on a Tuesday, there was one person in line and a few people waiting to be called back up. I filled out the form, and by the time I was done the window was open. I had to wait a few minutes for the staff to enter info, and resolve a few questions, but I doubt I was there for 15 minutes total. The staff were friendly and helpful, the waiting area is clean, and I wish all government office visits went as well as this one did. (I have noticed the BMV and even the post office improving over the past 5 or 10 years; remember how it used to be?)
It’s not someplace I have to go often, or perhaps ever again, but I would gladly go back if I needed to. They do have special birth certificate formats, so if you want a cool one to frame for your kids, parents, etc., that’s a nice option. Here’s the link for those: