Illinois Department of Public Health - Division of Vital Records

Illinois · Vital Records

dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/birth-death-other-records/death-records/obtain-death-certificate.html

State Vital Records in Illinois

The Illinois Department of Public Health - Division of Vital Records issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Illinois. Executors and surviving family order certified copies to close accounts, file insurance claims, and transfer titles; the office sets the fees, eligibility rules, and processing times.

Steps to takeKey facts

Steps to take when someone dies

1
Confirm the death occurred in Illinois; the record belongs to the state where the death occurred, regardless of where the deceased lived.
2
Order certified copies through any of the office's channels:
  • •Online: Order through VitalChek with a major credit card
  • •By mail: Mail request with check or money order payable to IDPH
  • •In person: Drop off a request at the Division of Vital Records office in Springfield
3
Include what the office requires with the order:
  • •Valid government-issued photo ID (must be readable and not expired)
  • •Letter or document from the requesting office or agency when the requester is not a relative
4
Allow the office's processing time (approximately 12 weeks); expedited handling is available.

State Vital Records in Illinois: key facts

What Illinois says9

Administering office

Illinois Department of Public Health - Division of Vital Records.1

Office location and hours

110 W Lawrence Ave., Springfield, IL 62704-2610. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.1

Mail orders

Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records, 110 W Lawrence Ave., Springfield, IL 62704-2610.1

Certificate fee

$19 for the first certified copy; $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.1

Processing time

Approximately 12 weeks. Expedited: 5-7 business days with overnight delivery and proof of immediate need.1

Who may order

Person with personal or property right interest with the decedent; Person with a genealogical interest, for deaths at least 20 years old (uncertified copy stamped for genealogical purposes).1

Filing deadline

The death certificate must be filed within 7 days.2

Public record

Death records become public 20 years after the death.1

Records available from

1916. Prior to 1916, contact the county clerk in the county where the death occurred.1

Governing law: 410 ILCS 5/2

Sources2

  1. 1.Illinois Department of Public Health - Division of Vital Records
  2. 2.Illinois death-certificate filing rule (410 ILCS 5/2; 410 ILCS 535/18; 410 ILCS 535/21; 225 ILCS 411/5-20; 760 ILCS 100/8; 755 ILCS 65/5)

Illinois vital records offices

Illinois Department of Public Health - Division of Vital Records

Phone

217-782-6554

Hours

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays

Mailing address

Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records, 110 W Lawrence Ave., Springfield, IL 62704-2610
Verified Oct 2026

Tools for Settling an Estate in Illinois

Free tools for settling an estate in Illinois: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.

How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?

In Illinois, certified death certificates come from the Illinois Department of Public Health - Division of Vital RecordsIllinois Department of Public Health - Division of Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $19Illinois Department of Public Health - Division of Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source, additional copies $4Illinois Department of Public Health - Division of Vital RecordsVerified Oct 15, 2026View source each.

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How Do I Settle an Estate?

Settling an estate in Illinois: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 60 days755 ILCS 5/14-1Verified Oct 10, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 6 months755 ILCS 5/18-3, 5/18-10, 5/18-11, 5/18-12Verified Oct 18, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 6 months to 9 months.

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