How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records (state level - Springfield) / County Clerk (county level - where death occurred)

Step by Step

How to do it

Determine eligibility: Illinois death records are restricted. Eligible requesters for certified copies include immediate family members and legal representatives with documented interest. Genealogical (uncertified) copies of records 20+ years old are available to anyone.
Determine where to request:
STATE OFFICE (IDPH): has records from January 1916 to present; mail only; approximately 12 weeks processing
COUNTY CLERK: the county where the death occurred - often faster; some issue same-day in person
Choose your method:
BY MAIL TO STATE: Complete the death certificate request form; include legible photocopy of valid government-issued photo ID; proof of qualifying relationship; check or money order payable to "Illinois Department of Public Health"; mail to: IDPH Division of Vital Records, 925 E. Ridgely Ave., Springfield, IL 62702-2737
IN PERSON OR BY MAIL TO COUNTY: Contact County Clerk where death occurred - typically faster
URGENT: Send overnight delivery with proof of immediate need and prepaid overnight return envelope to IDPH; or use county clerk
Submit with valid photo ID (copy) and proof of relationship
Pay the fee and receive certificate

Details

What you need to know

Required Docs

Completed death certificate request form
Legible photocopy of valid government-issued photo ID (current/unexpired)
Proof of qualifying relationship or legal interest (for certified copy)
Payment (check or money order to "Illinois Department of Public Health")

Online Option

VitalChek available for some orders; check dph.illinois.gov

Where to Go

County Clerk in the county where the death occurred (faster, especially for recent deaths); IDPH Division of Vital Records by mail (Springfield)

County-specific variations apply

Cook County (Chicago) Clerk issues death certificates for Cook County deaths and is faster than IDPH state office. County clerks are often much faster and more accessible for in-person service. Records 20+ years old: genealogical uncertified copies ($10 from IDPH) available to the public without proving relationship.

Illinois Notes

Important state-specific details

WARNING: IDPH state mail processing approximately 12 WEEKS - use county clerk for faster service.
GENEALOGICAL COPIES: For death records 20+ years old, IDPH issues uncertified genealogical copies ($10) to anyone; no relationship proof needed.
Order multiple certified copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, VA each require a copy.
Funeral homes assist with initial filing - contact them for recent deaths.
Certified copies ($19) required for legal/financial matters; genealogical copies ($10) for research.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

Illinois IDPH Division of Vital Records - dph.illinois.gov/vital-records | (217) 782-6553 | 925 E. Ridgely Ave., Springfield, IL 62702-2737 | Email: [email protected]