How do I get a copy of a birth certificate?

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

Step by Step

How to do it

Determine eligibility: Illinois birth records are restricted. Eligible requesters include the person named (if 18+), parents, legal guardian, legal representative, or others with a demonstrated direct interest.
Determine where to request:
STATE OFFICE (IDPH): has records from January 1916 to present for births registered statewide; processes by mail only (walk-in not available for records); processing time approximately 12 WEEKS for mail orders
COUNTY CLERK: the county where the birth occurred also maintains records; often faster; some counties can issue same-day; fees vary by county but often comparable to state
Choose your method:
BY MAIL TO STATE: Complete "Application for Search of Birth Record Files"; include legible photocopy of valid government-issued photo ID; include 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; allow approximately 12 weeks
IN PERSON OR BY MAIL TO COUNTY: Contact the County Clerk in the county where the birth occurred - many county clerks provide faster service and can issue same-day in person
EXPEDITED: If urgent, mail overnight with proof of immediate need and prepaid overnight return envelope to IDPH; or use county clerk for faster service
Submit application with valid photo ID (copy)
Pay the fee and receive certificate

Details

What you need to know

Required Docs

Completed birth certificate request form (Application for Search of Birth Record Files)
Legible/readable photocopy of valid government-issued photo ID (must be current; expired or unreadable = returned unprocessed)
Proof of qualifying relationship if requesting on behalf of another person
Payment (check or money order to "Illinois Department of Public Health" for state; county payee varies)

Online Option

VitalChek available for some counties; check dph.illinois.gov for options

Where to Go

County Clerk in the county where the birth occurred (faster); or IDPH Division of Vital Records by mail (Springfield)

County-specific variations apply

Cook County (Chicago) Vital Records issues birth certificates and is generally faster than IDPH. Many county clerks issue birth certificates for births in their county from records going back further than 1916. The 12-week IDPH state processing time is exceptionally long - use the county clerk whenever possible for speed. Counties maintain records alongside the state for births in their jurisdiction.

Illinois Notes

Important state-specific details

WARNING: IDPH state office mail processing currently approximately 12 WEEKS - plan far ahead or use the county clerk for faster service.
Two state certificate types: full certified copy ($15) and certified short-form certification ($10) - both accepted for legal purposes.
ID photocopy must be legible/readable with current, unexpired ID - unreadable or expired IDs returned unprocessed.
Records at state IDPH from January 1916; older records at county level only.
County clerks for births in their county often provide much faster same-day or next-day service.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

Illinois IDPH Division of Vital Records - dph.illinois.gov/vital-records | (217) 782-6553 (recorded message) | 925 E. Ridgely Ave., Springfield, IL 62702-2737