Vital Records Online is a safe and secure, US-based online service that facilitates the process of requesting birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates. With guaranteed confidentiality, your documents are delivered safely while your personal data stays private.
Summary:
Illinois, “the Prairie State,” has a population of almost 13 million, of which 9 million live in Chicago, the third largest city in the country.
In 1877, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) was established and since has been responsible for registering, preserving, amending, and certifying all vital events. Illinois’s vital records are not available to the public. The person named on the birth certificate (18 years or older), parents named on the document, legal guardian or representative, or person with cause may order a certified copy. Death records are only available to those with a personal or property interest in the decedent. Certified copies of marriage records become public information after 75 years. Until then, certified Illinois marriage records are only open to the couple, immediate family members, legal representatives, and persons authorized by court order.
If you’re doing an ancestry search, the Division of Public Records may be able to help or try the many publicly available archives. Find out what information they contain, where to obtain them, and how they are used.
Start your application online for IL vital records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
Birth, death, and marriage certificates are significant documents in our lives. These vital records verify identity, citizenship, and familial ties. Vital records serve purposes related to legal issues, inheritance claims, and tracing family histories. They also offer valuable insights into our ancestors’ lives, including names, birth and death dates, and residences. If your birth, marriage, or death certificate is misplaced or stolen, report the loss to the local authorities and promptly request a certified replacement.
Vital records can be requested in Illinois online, by mail, fax, or in person at the county health department that issued the original record. You can search the directory below of record-issuing agencies for all Illinois counties, including locations, contact details, and online applications for birth, death, and marriage certificates. Birth and death certificates are issued centrally by the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Division of Vital Records. In contrast, marriage certificates are issued by the county that recorded the marriage.
❗️ If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in Illinois, they can be found through various public archives.
Visiting Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
Illinois residents have several options for ordering vital records. The most reliable and accessible method is applying online, but in-person, fax, or mail services are also viable options. The IDPH Division of Vital Records currently does not offer in-person services, so if you wish to make your request in person, you must check with your local County Clerk’s office. Eligible individuals can obtain certified copies of birth or death certificates from The Illinois Department of Public Health’s Division of Vital Records. You can determine your eligibility by reviewing the specific instructions for each certificate type. Once these criteria are clear, the replacement certificate application process is straightforward.
The Illinois Division of Vital Records does not issue certified copies of marriage certificates; they only produce marriage verifications. If you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate, you can order it online with Vital Records Online. Otherwise, you must contact the County Clerk’s office in the county in which the marriage occurred.
The cost, eligibility requirements, necessary documents, and processing times for vital records requests vary based on the certificate type and ordering method. Reviewing the procedures and terms before requesting a vital record copy from the IDPH Division of Vital Records is crucial.
Ordering Illinois Vital Records online is quick and effortless and involves two simple steps:
(Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.)
To obtain an Illinois birth, death, or marriage certificate online, confirm that you are authorized and have all necessary documents ready to upload before beginning the secure application.
Vital Records Online simplifies the process of gathering and generating the required documents. The online application is accessible from any internet-enabled device and can be completed in five minutes. It also helps prevent typical mistakes or missing information that could lead to application rejection.
✔︎ Our $29 processing fee includes automated document processing and shipping & handling.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.
✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning, printing, and providing an online notary for your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and premium handling process works.
Those who live within reasonable driving distance of the vital records office that issued the original may visit for in-person requests. Some applicants do not reside near the state health department offices that issued the original certified vital record. Be mindful to confirm that the local office is open to the public and account for additional time in case of long queues.
The Illinois Department of Public Health does not provide in-person requests for vital record certificates. Applicants must go to the issuing agency that provided the original record. Ordering via mail or online can help bypass the inconveniences associated with walk-in orders.
The requirements for applying for vital records are generally the same whether you apply in person or by mail. If you decide to apply at the vital records office, be prepared to complete the following tasks:
Additionally, by mail, you will need the following:
❗️ To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the requirements for each vital record before mailing it.
❗️Ensure that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies of the preserved original record.
❗️ Before submitting the application, confirm if you must also have your documents and application notarized with a sworn statement for identity verification.
❗️ If you choose to mail your application packet, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking to confirm its arrival at the correct office.
Before you request vital record copies, reviewing and understanding the process and requirements is essential.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization
Review the table below for the required documents and information to request Illinois vital records replacements. If you do not possess a valid government-issued ID, two secondary forms of identification may be accepted.
The Illinois Department of Public Health’s Division of Vital Records requires all applicants to verify their identity with a valid, government-issued photo ID. This can be a driver’s license, a state-issued photo ID, or a passport. If your ID expires in less than six months, you may submit it with an additional secondary form of ID. If your ID expired more than six months ago or you do not have it, you must submit two secondary forms of identification.
What Documents Are Required to Order Vital Records in Illinois?
The IDPH: Division of Vital Records defines specific criteria for each certificate type and personal circumstance, and each county may also define particular criteria. Check the eligibility conditions and requirements to confirm you are authorized before requesting replacement birth, death, and marriage certificates in Illinois.
| Certificate | Required Information | ID Requirements Options | Secondary IDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Date of Birth, Email, Full Name of Person of Record, Mailing Address, Parents Names, Phone Number, Place of Birth, Purpose for the Certificate, Sex, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Driver's License, FOID Card, Passport, State ID, Tribal ID, US Military ID, Veteran ID |
Bank Statement, Credit Card Statement, EBT Link Card, Insurance Record, Medical Card, Pay Stub, Prison ID, Public Assistance Card, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration, Voter Registration Card, Work ID |
| Death Certificate | Date of Birth, Date of Death, Date of Last Known to be Alive, Email, Full Name at Birth, Full Name of Person of Record, Parents Names, Phone Number, Place of Birth, Place of Death, Place of Residence, Purpose for the Certificate, SSN, Sex, Surviving Spouse Name, Your Address, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record |
Driver's License, FOID Card, Passport, State ID, Tribal ID, US Military ID, Veteran ID |
Bank Statement, Credit Card Statement, EBT Link Card, Insurance Record, Medical Card, Pay Stub, Prison ID, Public Assistance Card, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration, Voter Registration Card, Work ID |
| Marriage Certificate | Bride Name, Bride's Date of Birth, Date of Marriage, Groom Name, Groom's Date of Birth, Mailing Address, Place of Marriage, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature |
Driver's License, FOID Card, Passport, State ID, Tribal ID, US Military ID, Veteran ID |
Bank Statement, Credit Card Statement, EBT Link Card, Insurance Record, Medical Card, Pay Stub, Prison ID, Public Assistance Card, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration, Voter Registration Card, Work ID |
Who can request vital records in Illinois?
The individual on record can request a certified copy of their vital records. The record holder must provide proof of identity with the application.
To obtain a vital record for someone else, you must first review the eligibility criteria for each birth, death, or marriage certificate to confirm that you’re authorized to submit an application on their behalf. A third party, such as a parent or legal representative of the individual on record, can legally order a certified copy of a vital record declared by the IDPH – Division of Vital Records. A notarized statement of permission from the individual on record may be required.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Legal Guardian, Legal Representative, Parents, Person on Record |
| Death Certificate | Legal Guardian, Legal Representative, Parents |
| Marriage Certificate | Not Restricted |
✔︎ If you can provide documentation of legal interest or hold a Power of Attorney from the person on record, you are eligible to request the vital record for that person.
Do I need a notary with my application?
If you request copies of your vital records, the Illinois Department of Public Health – Division of Vital Records generally does not require you to obtain a notarized statement as part of your application. If you request a certified vital record on behalf of someone else, you may be required to get a notarized statement of permission to prove you are authorized.
❗️ A Notarized sworn statement may be required when the individual requesting the certificate is not the record holder nor a parent of the record holder.
❗️ The IDPH – Division of Vital Records requires a photocopy of your ID to verify your identity.
✔︎ Vital Records Online includes an online notary service as an additional step in your application packet. Otherwise, you must bring your ID when creating this document at a local public notary.
The total cost of ordering your vital record replacements depends on several factors: the IDPH – Division of Vital Records’ fees for each type of certificate, the method you use to submit your application, and whether or not a notary is required.
When ordering your Illinois birth, marriage, divorce, or death records through Vital Records Online, the Application Assistant starts at $29. The Division of Vital Records charges $15.00 for each certified long-form copy of a birth certificate ($2.00 per additional copy) and $19.00 for each certified death certificate ($4.00 per additional copy). Marriage certificate replacement fees may vary by county.
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested during the same order at reduced prices to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
| Certificate | Fee | Additional Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $15.00 | $2.00 |
| Death Certificate | $19.00 | $4.00 |
VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $29.
How long will it take to receive my vital records from Illinois?
Processing times for birth, death, or marriage certificates can vary. You can opt for online notarization with Vital Record Online during checkout if a notary is required. Otherwise, permit additional time to visit a local notary.
| Certificate | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Death Certificate | 4 to 6 weeks |
❗️ We also advise allowing 2-3 additional days in your application process to ensure you obtain a notary (if necessary) and meet your state’s application submission deadline.
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
After processing your application through Vital Records Online, you can monitor the status of your order. First-class mail tracking is included with your order to ensure your application successfully arrives at the correct Illinois Health Department. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) ships all vital records via USPS first-class mail for security reasons. However, they are not responsible for any misdirected or lost certificates. In the unfortunate event of a lost certificate, report the loss immediately and request another replacement.
❗️ If you fill out and submit your vital records application manually, it is recommended to purchase mail tracking that is addressed to the correct health department to ensure successful delivery.
An apostille is typically needed when filing a vital record with a foreign government. Apostilles are issued for vital records initially filed with the Division of Vital Records. They can be requested for birth, death, and marriage certificates.
How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
Apostilles for Illinois vital records can be obtained online through Vital Records Online or through the Secretary of State Index Department.
Vital Records Online provides apostille services for all 50 US states, is recognized by governments and organizations, and is legally valid in over 100 countries. Vital Records Online provides apostille services for Birth, Death, Marriage, and Divorce Certificates, with professional support. The cost for the apostille service starts at $149 (plus government fees) and can be completed entirely online in three steps.
In many cases, we will not need to receive a physical copy of your documents, so you may be able to complete the process 100% online. Once your apostille document is ready, we will mail it to you via FedEx or DHL. It doesn’t matter if you live in the U.S. or not—we use recognized shipping companies to deliver your documents anywhere in the world.
If you are manually sending your certificates to the Secretary of State Index Department, you will need to submit the following documents:
If you are submitting your request via mail (express or standard), you must send it to the Chicago Index Department at the following address:
Illinois Secretary of State,
Index Department,
17 N. State St., Ste 1010,
Chicago, IL 60602
If you are submitting your request in person, walk-in service is available at the Chicago Index Department listed above, as well as at the Springfield Index Department at the following address:
Secretary of State,
Index Department,
111 E. Monroe,
Springfield, IL 62756
You can reach the offices at (312) 814-8218 (Chicago) or (217) 782-6554 (Springfield) or online at https://www.ilsos.gov/departments/index/apostilles.html.
The IDPH: Division of Vital Records has provided a list of common circumstances that necessitate an amendment to a birth or marriage certificate.
The IDPH: Division of Vital Records’ process for correcting or amending an individual’s birth, marriage, or death certificate is straightforward. The forms required depend on the information that needs to be amended. When a vital record is changed, an amendment is necessary. Supplemental changes become addendums to the original vital record; however, it is impossible to alter the original document.
The requirements for requesting the changes or amendments vary depending on which vital record needs changing.
Generally, to correct or amend a vital record, you will need:
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
Where can I search for free public records?
Public access to a certificate depends on the certificate type and the year in which the event occurred. In Illinois, birth certificates are made public after 75 years, death certificates are made public after 20 years, and marriage certificates are made public after 50 years. Finding free public records is not always easy, but many vital records in Illinois are freely and readily available to the public. You can find the information you need if you have sufficient time to search through Illinois’s vital records archives.
Are Illinois Vital Records Open to the Public?
In Illinois, most state records are public, but access depends on the type of record and the year when the birth, death, or marriage occurred.
Numerous third-party websites can assist you in researching specific types of records. These websites, typically not limited by geographic location, can be an excellent reference point when analyzing records. However, the data on third-party sites may vary from official government records. To find a record on a third-party website, the person requesting must provide the following:
Illinois residents have the right to inspect or obtain copies of public vital records under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).
Every state, county, and city maintains unique vital records. Your birth, death, or marriage certificate’s appearance may vary based on the issuing authority, so verifying that you hold an official certified copy is essential. You can distinguish informational copies of these records by a stamp or bold print across the document stating “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or a similar phrase.
Authorized Copy:
Authorized copies are certified legal documents that can be used as official identification in procedures such as obtaining a passport. Informational copies cannot be used for these purposes and are typically uncertified. Due to the legal power of certified vital record copies, these documents can only be issued to individuals with a “direct and tangible interest” in the record.
You must provide a valid, government-issued photo ID to obtain an authorized copy of a birth, death, or marriage certificate. This confirms your legal entitlement to the authorized copy. If you request an authorized copy of a certificate for another person, you may need a notarized statement of authorization from the individual on record (declaring under penalty of perjury that you are entitled by law to receive an authorized copy). If you do not provide the required documentation, your request will be considered incomplete, rejected, and returned to you, causing additional delays.
Informational Copy:
Informational copies of vital records in Illinois are typically used for research or personal records. For birth certificates older than 75 years and death certificates older than 20 years, the IDPH offers informational copies called “genealogical certificates.” These copies are uncertified and therefore are not considered official documents and cannot be used to establish identity, citizenship, or eligibility for benefits. They usually bear a stamp or large print across the face of the document that reads “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or something similar. Individuals who are not authorized to receive a certified copy can request Genealogical birth and death certificates. Although the IDPH does not issue certified copies of marriage certificates, they can provide “marriage verifications” for informational purposes. Certified copies can only be obtained from the county where the marriage occurred. Anyone who can provide the information necessary to locate the record can request marriage verification.
Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Illinois residents have the right to access and inspect public records, including informational copies of vital records. However, certain restrictions may apply, particularly for more recent records containing sensitive information. Always check with the relevant agency or department for specific rules and regulations regarding access to these records.
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.
Visit the official Illinois government website at https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/birth-death-other-records.html
