Illinois - Vital Record Retrieval Guide
Procurement of Vital Records Illinois
Certified Copy of Birth & Death Certificates
Where: Birth, Death, Other Records (illinois.gov)
Office in Charge: :
How do you order:
- Online : To order online, visit VitalChek Network.
- A major credit card is required.
- $15 - certified copy with all information collected at time of birth (information has varied throughout the years)
- $2 - each additional copy
- $12.95 - handling fee
- $3 - each additional person in a group order
- $19.50 - UPS fee if selected (U.S. only); additional fee (outside the U.S.)
- Fax: 217-523-2648
- By Mail: Requests for vital records may be submitted to the IDPH Division of Vital Records. Be advised that the processing time for requests is approximately 12 weeks from the time your paperwork is received. You will not receive an update from IDPH during the processing time.
Illinois Department of Public Health
Division of Vital Records
925 E. Ridgely Ave-2737.
Springfield, Illinois 62702
- $10 - certified copy with the following items: name, date of birth, sex, place of birth, mother/co-parent’s maiden name, mother/co-parent’s place of birth, mother/co-parent’s age, father/co-parent’s name, father/co-parent’s place of birth, father/co-parent’s age, file date, date issued and State File number
- $15 - certified copy with information collected at time of birth (information has varied throughout the years)
- $2 each additional copy
- $10 - genealogical copy
Requirements for ordering:
- In order to request a copy of a birth certificate you must complete the form Application for Search of Birth Record Files. Completely fill out the form. Submit it with the following information:
A valid government issued photo identification (ID) that must be readable and is not expired/out of date (if an ID is not provided, unreadable, or expired, the request will be returned unprocessed).
Who can apply for a birth or death certificate?
Birth records are not public records and only the following are entitled to receive certified copies:
- Person named on the record if 18 years of age or older
- Parent(s) shown on the record
- Legal guardian or legal representative of the child. Written evidence or guardianship or legal representation is required.
The Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records issues 2 types of certified copies of birth certificates, both of which are suitable for legal purposes.
If you need an Apostille, contact the Illinois Secretary of State, Index Department; see RESOURCES in the right-hand column or call 800-252-8980.
Death records are not public records and are only available to those who have a personal or property right interest with the decedent. If you are not a relative of the deceased person, a letter or document from the office or agency that needs the death certificate must accompany the request.
The Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records offers 2 types of copies of death certificates. A certified copy is suitable for legal purposes (e.g., to settle an estate, to claim a will or for insurance purposes) and the uncertified copy is for genealogical purposes.