The paperwork · Illinois
Almost everything that comes after a death, from the bank to the life insurance company, asks for a certified copy. Here is what a copy costs in Illinois, where to order it, and how many to get.
Order about 10 certified copies at the start. It costs less to buy them together than to come back for more later, and nearly every office will want an original, not a photocopy.
From the state vital records office
Cost of a certified copy: certified copy: $19.00 genealogical copy: $10.00
Mail requests to: Division of Vital Records Illinois Department of Public Health 925 E Ridgely Avenue Springfield, IL 62702
State office has records since January 1916. For earlier records and for copies of State records since January 1916, write to County Clerk in county where event occurred (county fees vary). Genealogical (uncertified) copies are available from the state for death records 20 years or older for $10.00. Additional genealogical copies of the same record ordered at the same time are $2.00 each. The fee for a full certified copy is $19.00. Additional certified copies of the same record ordered at the same time are $4.00 each. Money orders, certified checks, or personal checks should be made payable to Illinois Department of Public Health. To verify current fees, the telephone number is (217) 782-6553. This will be a recorded message. Information on how to obtain certified copies is also available via the Illinois Department of Public Health website.
If the family cannot afford a funeral, call the county burial assistance program before signing anything with a funeral home. Find your county on the Illinois help page, and see what else is owed to you in the first 48 hours checklist.
Questions families ask
The state vital records office lists the cost of a certified copy as: certified copy: $19.00 genealogical copy: $10.00 Fees can change, so confirm on the official site before you send payment.
Most families need about 10. Banks, life insurance, Social Security, the vehicle title office, retirement accounts, and property transfers each tend to want an original certified copy, and many will not accept a photocopy.
Yes. Funeral homes file the death record for you and can usually order certified copies at the same time. If you are using a county burial program instead, ask the caseworker how copies are ordered.
Eligibility rules are set by Illinois. Spouses, children, parents, and the executor named in the will are commonly eligible, and you may be asked for photo ID and proof of your relationship. The state office confirms the exact rules.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Costs and rules come from the official Illinois vital records listing and can change; confirm with the office before you send payment.
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Reviewed by the Final Steps Help research team.
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