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.
Administering agency
Illinois Department of Public Health - Division of Vital Records
State Vital Records in Illinois: key facts
- Administering office
- Illinois Department of Public Health - Division of Vital Records.
- Contact
- Phone 217-782-6554.
- Office location
- 925 E. Ridgely Ave., Springfield, IL. 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM weekdays.
- Mail orders
- Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records, 925 E. Ridgely Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702-2737.
- Certificate fee
- $19 for the first certified copy; $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Processing time
- Approximately 12 weeks. Expedited: 5-7 business days with overnight delivery and proof of immediate need.
- Who may order
- Person with personal or property right interest with the decedent.
- Filing deadline
- The death certificate must be filed within 7 days.
- Public record
- Death records become public 20 years after the death.
- Records available from
- 1916.
Steps to take when someone dies
- Confirm the death occurred in Illinois — the record belongs to the state where the death occurred, regardless of where the deceased lived.
- 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: Visit Division of Vital Records office (birth and death records only)
- Include what the office requires with the order:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (must be readable and not expired)
- Allow the office's processing time (approximately 12 weeks); expedited handling is available.
Illinois Department of Public Health - Division of Vital Records
Phone: 217-782-6554
Visit the agency website →Frequently asked questions
by mail: Mail request with check or money order payable to IDPH. in person: Visit Division of Vital Records office (birth and death records only). Mail orders go to Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records, 925 E. Ridgely Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702-2737.
The death certificate must be filed within 7 days. The funeral director or person in charge of disposition files the certificate with the state; the family orders certified copies once the record is registered.
Valid government-issued photo ID (must be readable and not expired). The office also asks for the deceased's full name, date of death, and place of death to locate the record.
The record belongs to the state where the death occurred, not the state of residence. Order from the state of death, following its fees and eligibility rules.
Sources
Data sourced from State Vital Records in Illinois primary sources (1 page reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
Illinois Department of Public Health - Division of Vital Records