There are three (3) ways to order a vital record:

1. Online

1. Fill out the online order form found here
2. If you have not supplied all the supporting documentation after checkout, please do so by clicking here

2. By mail

1. Print and fill out the necessary form(s) here
2. Mail the form(s) to the appropriate vital statistics unit, which will be listed on the application form, along with your payment (check or money order)

If you have questions regarding this method, please click here

3. In person

1. Visit a branch (click here to find the location nearest you)
2. Bring an acceptable form of identification
3. Pay the fee (cash, check, money order, credit or debit)

Certificates

• Birth: $15 (additional copies are $2 each)
• Death: not currently available

Our transaction fee starts at $14, but may vary depending on the delivery method.

Identification is required to establish proof of the requestor’s identity to ensure that they are qualified to obtain the vital record. The requestor must be able to provide identification in accordance with one of the following options:

• One unexpired form of primary photo ID
• One (less than six months) expired form of primary ID with an additional document showing the requestor’s name and current address

If either of these options are not available:

• Two forms of secondary ID (from the last six months); see the Secondary IDs list below

Primary Photo IDs - Submit a legible photocopy of ONE of the photo IDs listed below (must have a photo, the requestor’s name and date of birth, and an issue and expiration date):

1. Driver’s License
2. State Issued Photo ID
3. Passport
4. Tribal ID with DOB and Expiration date
5. Military ID with DOB and Expiration date
6. Matrícula Consular card issued after October 2006 and not currently expired

If your driver’s license has an extension sticker on the back, submit a copy of both sides. If expiration is no more than six months old, ONE ADDITIONAL document showing your name and your current address that matches what is listed on your application will be needed.

Secondary IDs - If the expiration date is more than six months old or you do not have a valid photo ID, you will need TWO pieces of documentation with your name, one of which must show your current address, to prove your identity . ONE piece of documentation can be a bill (electricity, cellular phone, water) or other mail. The OTHER piece of documentation must be one of the following items:

1. Medical/car insurance card
2. Car registration paperwork
3. Credit card statement
4. Bank statement
5. Paycheck stub with imprinted information
6. Public assistance card
7. Voter’s registration card
8. EBT Link Card (Illinois Electronic Benefit Transfer)

An unexpired Matrícula Consular card issued after October 2006 is acceptable on its own. However, if the card was issued prior to 10/06, you will need to submit ONE additional documentation showing your current address (as noted above). If you do not have any of the items listed above, you will need to submit a copy of a current utility bill (electricity, cellular phone, water) showing your name and your current address.

If you are currently incarcerated, you may submit a dated copy of a prison intake/ offender summary sheet containing your photo. If you have been released from prison within the last six months, a copy of your release papers along with your prison photo ID will be acceptable.

The following can order a birth certificate:

• Self (if 18 years or older)
• Parent (must be listed on the birth certificate)

The following should be able to provide legal documentation supporting the relationship or reason for the request:

• Legal Guardian or representative

None