Where to Order a Death Certificate in Illinois

You order a death certificate from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Vital Records office, not from a funeral home or hospital. The office is in Springfield. You can order by mail, in person, or online through the state's VitalChek system. The death must have occurred in Illinois and been registered with the state for you to receive a certified copy.

If the death happened in Cook County (Chicago), you can also order directly from the Cook County Clerk's office in Chicago, which maintains its own records. For deaths in other Illinois counties, the state vital records office is your only source for certified copies. Funeral homes can help you understand the process, but they cannot issue the certificate themselves.

Key Takeaways

  • The Illinois Department of Public Health in Springfield issues death certificates for all Illinois deaths except those in Cook County, which uses the Cook County Clerk's office.
  • You can order online through VitalChek, by mail with a check or money order, or in person at the Springfield office with cash or card.
  • A certified copy costs $20 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, plus a $5.50 VitalChek fee if ordering online.
  • Processing takes 5 to 10 business days by mail and 1 to 2 business days in person, though rush options are available for an extra fee.
  • You will need to show a valid ID and proof of your relationship to the deceased, or a court order, depending on who is requesting the certificate.

Ordering Online Through VitalChek

The fastest way to order is through VitalChek, the state's official online system. Go to vitalchek.com, select Illinois, and search for the death record by the deceased person's name and date of death. You will need a credit or debit card. The fee is $20 for the first certified copy, $4 for each additional copy, plus $5.50 for the VitalChek service charge.

VitalChek offers two shipping speeds: standard (5 to 10 business days) and expedited (1 to 2 business days). Expedited costs an extra $15. You can also choose to pick up the certificate in person at the Springfield office if you live nearby. The system will email you a confirmation and tracking information once your order is placed.

Ordering by Mail

To order by mail, send a letter to the Illinois Department of Public Health, Vital Records, 925 East Ridgely Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702. Include the deceased person's full name, date of death, date of birth, and the county where the death occurred. State how many certified copies you need. Include a check or money order for $20 per copy, plus $4 for each additional copy ordered together.

Include a copy of your ID and a brief statement of your relationship to the deceased (spouse, child, parent, sibling, or other). If you are not a family member, include a court order or other legal document showing you have the right to the record. Mail processing takes 5 to 10 business days from the date the office receives your letter. There is no rush option for mail orders.

Ordering in Person in Springfield

The vital records office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at 925 East Ridgely Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702. Bring a valid photo ID and proof of your relationship to the deceased. You can pay with cash, check, debit card, or credit card. The cost is the same: $20 for the first copy, $4 for each additional copy.

In-person orders are processed the same day or within 1 to 2 business days. If you cannot wait, ask the staff whether a same-day copy is possible — they sometimes can print one while you wait, but this is not may provide. Call ahead at (217) 782-2098 if you have questions about what documents to bring or whether the death has been registered.

Who Can Order a Death Certificate

The deceased person's when ready family members — spouse, parent, child, or sibling — can order a certified copy with a photo ID and proof of relationship (such as a birth certificate, marriage license, or ID showing the same last name). The state does not require you to prove relationship if your ID shows the same address as the deceased.

If you are not a family member, you will need a court order or a legal document showing you have the right to the record. This includes funeral directors, estate executors, and others handling the deceased person's affairs. Call the vital records office to ask what specific documents they need before you visit or mail your request.

What to Do if the Death Was Not Registered

If you cannot find the death record online or the office tells you it has not been registered, the death may not yet be in the system. Deaths are typically registered within a few days, but delays happen. Call the vital records office at (217) 782-2098 and provide the deceased person's name, date of death, and the county. They can tell you whether the record exists and when it will be available.

If the death occurred more than a few weeks ago and still has not been registered, contact the funeral home that handled the arrangements. They are responsible for filing the death certificate with the state. If you cannot reach the funeral home, contact the county health department where the death occurred — they can investigate the delay and help you file the record if it was never submitted.

Cook County Deaths (Chicago Area)

If the death occurred in Cook County, order from the Cook County Clerk's office instead of the state vital records office. You can order online at cookcountyclerk.com, by mail, or in person at the Clerk's office in Chicago. The process and fees are similar to the state system, but the office and address are different.

The Cook County Clerk's office is at 69 West Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602. Phone: (312) 603-7644. They accept online orders through their website, mail orders with a check, and in-person orders with cash or card. Processing times are comparable to the state office: 5 to 10 business days by mail, 1 to 2 business days in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a death certificate in Illinois?

By mail, 5 to 10 business days. In person at the Springfield office, 1 to 2 business days or sometimes the same day. Online through VitalChek, 5 to 10 business days standard or 1 to 2 business days expedited. Expedited shipping costs an extra $15.

Can I order a death certificate if I am not related to the deceased?

Yes, but you will need a court order or legal document showing you have the right to the record. This includes funeral directors, estate executors, and creditors. Call the vital records office to ask what specific documents they need before you submit your request.

What if I do not know the exact date of death?

Call the vital records office at (217) 782-2098 and provide the deceased person's name and the approximate date or year. They can search their records and help you locate the correct entry. You may also search online through VitalChek by name alone, though results are faster if you have the date.

Do I need multiple copies of the death certificate?

Yes, most people need at least 3 to 5 copies. Banks, insurance companies, Social Security, and the probate court each may ask for an original certified copy. Order extra copies at the same time — they cost only $4 each instead of $20 for a single order later.

What if the death certificate has an error on it?

Contact the vital records office or the Cook County Clerk's office to report the error. You will need to file an amendment request with the county health department where the death occurred. The process varies by error type. Call (217) 782-2098 to ask what documents you need to submit and what the fee is.