Where to Request Your Replacement Birth Certificate

In Illinois, you request a replacement birth certificate from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records. This is the only state office that issues certified copies. You cannot get one from your local county clerk, hospital, or any other agency — they will direct you back to the state.

The Division of Vital Records accepts requests by mail, in person, or online. The online option is the fastest if you have a credit card and know the exact date and place of birth. Mail requests take longer because they are processed in the order received, and in-person visits require a trip to Springfield, which is practical only if you live nearby or are already in the area.

Key Takeaways

  • Request your replacement birth certificate from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records — no other office can issue one.
  • You will need to provide your full name at birth, date of birth, place of birth, and your parents' full names as they appear on the original certificate.
  • A certified copy costs $15 for the first copy and $2 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, payable by check, money order, or credit card.
  • Online requests typically process within one to two weeks; mail requests take two to four weeks depending on volume.
  • You must prove your identity with a government-issued photo ID if you request the certificate in person.

What Information You Need Before You Request

Gather these details before you contact the Division of Vital Records: your full name as it appears on the birth certificate, your date of birth, the city and county where you were born, and your parents' full names exactly as they appear on the original certificate. If you do not know your parents' names or the exact spelling, the office can sometimes search by your name and birth date alone, but the search takes longer and may not find the record.

If your name has changed since birth — through marriage, court order, or other legal means — you will need to provide both your birth name and your current name. The Division will issue the certificate in the name that appears on the original record, unless you also submit a certified copy of a court order or marriage certificate showing the legal change.

Requesting Online Through VitalChek

The fastest way to order is through VitalChek, the state's official online ordering service. Go to vitalchek.com, select Illinois, and choose "Birth Certificate." You will enter your information, select how many copies you need, and pay by credit or debit card. The fee is $15 for the first certified copy, $2 for each additional copy, plus a $7.50 VitalChek processing fee and shipping cost (usually $5.50 to $15 depending on delivery speed).

VitalChek processes orders within one to two weeks and ships by mail or overnight delivery depending on which option you choose. You will receive a tracking number by email. This method works well if you need the certificate within two weeks and do not mind paying the extra processing and shipping fees.

Requesting by Mail

To request by mail, read the process for Certified Copy of Birth Certificate form from the Illinois Department of Public Health website, or call 217-782-6553 to request one by phone. Fill out the form completely with your name, date of birth, place of birth, and parents' names. Include a copy of your government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) to verify your identity.

Mail the form, your ID copy, and a check or money order for $15 (first copy) or $17 (two copies) to: Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records, 69 W. Washington Street, Suite 1100, Chicago, IL 60602. Do not send cash. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the certificate returned by regular mail. Mail requests typically take two to four weeks to process, depending on how busy the office is.

Requesting in Person in Springfield

If you live in or near Springfield, you can visit the Division of Vital Records office at 69 W. Washington Street, Suite 1100, Chicago, IL 60602 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed state holidays). Bring your government-issued photo ID, fill out the process form on site, and pay the $15 fee by check, money order, or credit card. You will receive your certified copy the same day or within a few business days.

Call 217-782-6553 before you visit to confirm hours and to check whether the office has any temporary closures. Processing times can vary, so ask when you call whether you should expect your certificate the same day or if you need to return to pick it up later.

What Happens If Your Birth Was Not Registered in Illinois

If you were born outside Illinois, you cannot order from the Illinois Department of Public Health. Instead, contact the vital records office in the state or country where you were born. Each state and country has its own process, fees, and wait times. You can find contact information for every U.S. state through the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics website, which lists the vital records office for each state.

If you were born in another country, contact the government office responsible for vital records in that country. Some countries require you to request through their embassy or consulate in the United States. If you do not know where you were born, check your passport, naturalization papers, or any other official document that lists a birthplace.

Common Reasons Your Request May Be Delayed

The Division of Vital Records may not find your record if you provide incorrect information — especially if the spelling of your name or your parents' names is wrong, or if the birth date or place is off by even a year. If your record is not found, the office will contact you to ask for more details or to confirm the information you provided.

Requests also take longer during high-volume periods, such as early in the year when many people need certificates for tax returns or passport applications. If you need the certificate urgently, use VitalChek's overnight shipping option or request in person. If the office cannot locate your record after a thorough search, you may need to contact the hospital where you were born or the county health department to request a delayed birth certificate, which is a separate process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a replacement birth certificate cost in Illinois?

A certified copy costs $15 for the first certificate and $2 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. If you order through VitalChek online, add $7.50 for processing and $5.50 to $15 for shipping depending on delivery speed. Mail and in-person requests have no extra fees beyond the certificate cost.

Can I get a birth certificate the same day?

Only if you visit the Division of Vital Records office in person in Chicago during business hours. You will receive your copy the same day or within a few business days. Online orders through VitalChek take one to two weeks; mail requests take two to four weeks.

What if I do not know my exact birth date?

Call the Division of Vital Records at 217-782-6553 and provide your name and approximate birth date. The office can search by name and year of birth, though the search may take longer. If you have other documents with your birth date — a passport, driver's license, or school records — bring those to help narrow the search.

Do I need an original or certified copy?

Most uses require a certified copy, which has an official seal and signature from the state. That is what the Division of Vital Records issues. An uncertified photocopy is not acceptable for government IDs, passports, or legal documents. Always order certified copies unless you are told otherwise.

Can someone else request my birth certificate for me?

Yes, if they are a parent, legal guardian, or spouse, or if they have a power of attorney. They will need to submit proof of their relationship and a copy of your government-issued ID along with the process. Call 217-782-6553 to ask what documents are needed for your specific situation.