The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) provides certified copies of birth certificates, suitable for legal purposes. This comprehensive guide outlines the process of obtaining a birth certificate in Illinois, including what you need to provide, how to order, associated costs, and available resources.
While some online systems may experience occasional disruptions due to technology outages, the IDPH is committed to providing continuous service and diligently works to restore any interrupted services. You can always submit requests for vital records via regular mail. Please be aware that processing times for mail requests are approximately 12 weeks from the receipt of your paperwork. You will not receive updates from IDPH during this processing period.
Required Information for a Birth Certificate Application
To request a copy of a birth certificate in Illinois, you must complete the “Application for Search of Birth Record Files” form. This form can be found in the “Forms” section below. Ensure the form is filled out completely and accurately. Along with the completed application, you will also need to provide:
- Valid Government-Issued Photo Identification: Your ID must be current (not expired) and clearly readable. Requests submitted with an expired, unreadable, or missing ID will be returned unprocessed.
For further details on acceptable forms of identification and associated costs, refer to the “Resources” section.
Ordering Your Illinois Birth Certificate
There are several ways to order your Illinois birth certificate: through your local County Clerk, by mail, fax, online, or in person. Each method has specific requirements and fees.
Ordering through your County Clerk:
You can contact the County Clerk in the county where the birth occurred. This can often be the quickest and most convenient option.
Ordering by Mail, Fax, Online or In-Person:
The following table details the different methods, their descriptions, and associated costs:
| Method | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Vital Records 925 E. Ridgely Ave-2737. Springfield, Illinois 62702 Submit check or money order payable to IDPH | $10 – Certified copy with basic information (name, date of birth, sex, place of birth, parents’ names, parents’ places of birth, parents’ ages, file date, date issued, and State File number) $15 – Certified copy with all information collected at the time of birth (information varies over time) $2 – Each additional copy $10 – Genealogical copy | |
| Fax | 217-523-2648 | Contact IDPH for fax ordering costs |
| Online | VitalChek Network A major credit card is required. | $15 – Certified copy with all information collected at time of birth $2 – Each additional copy $15.00 – Handling fee $22 – UPS fee (U.S. only); additional fee (outside the U.S.) |
| In Person | Contact IDPH for in-person ordering locations and fees | Contact IDPH for details |
Understanding Birth Certificate Types and Costs
The IDPH offers different types of birth certificates at varying costs.
Certified Copy with Basic Information:
For $10, you receive a certified copy containing the following information: child’s name, date of birth, sex, place of birth (city, county, state), mother/co-parent’s maiden name, mother/co-parent’s place of birth (state/country), mother/co-parent’s age, father/co-parent’s name, father/co-parent’s place of birth (state/country), father/co-parent’s age, file date, date issued, and state file number. Each additional copy requested at the same time costs $2.
Certified Copy with All Information:
For $15, you receive a certified copy containing all information collected at the time of birth. This information can vary depending on the year of birth. Each additional copy requested at the same time costs $2.
Other Certificate Options:
- Birth Record of a Deceased Individual: Contact IDPH for information on obtaining a birth record for a deceased individual.
- Birth Record of a Deceased Infant: Contact IDPH for information on obtaining a birth record for a deceased infant.
- Commemorative Birth Certificates: These certificates are available for $40 per copy. The proceeds are equally divided between the Illinois Child Abuse Prevention Fund and the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
Available Resources for Obtaining Birth Certificates in Illinois
The following resources provide additional information and assistance:
- VitalChek Network – Order birth certificates online.
- List of County Clerks – Find your local County Clerk.
- List of Circuit Court Clerks
- Costs/Fees – Detailed fee schedule.
- Valid Government Issued Photo I.D. – Acceptable forms of ID.
Necessary Forms for Obtaining a Birth Certificate
Download and complete the appropriate form for your specific needs:
- Application for Illinois Birth Record
- Application for Birth Record of Deceased Individual
- Application for Search of Birth Record Files of a Deceased Infant
Relevant Laws and Rules Governing Birth Certificates in Illinois
Familiarize yourself with the legal framework surrounding vital records:
Conclusion
Obtaining a birth certificate in Illinois is a straightforward process with various options to suit individual needs. By understanding the requirements and utilizing the available resources, you can easily acquire the necessary documentation. Remember to check the IDPH website for the most up-to-date information and any potential service disruptions.
FAQ
Q: How long does it take to receive a birth certificate by mail?
A: The processing time for mail requests is approximately 12 weeks from the date IDPH receives your paperwork.
Q: What if my birth certificate request is returned?
A: The most common reasons for returned requests are an expired, unreadable, or missing ID. Ensure your provided ID is valid and clearly legible. Contact IDPH if you need further clarification.
Q: Can I expedite the processing of my birth certificate request?
A: While standard mail requests take approximately 12 weeks, using online services like VitalChek or contacting your County Clerk might offer faster options. Contact IDPH or your County Clerk for specific details on expedited processing.
We encourage you to share this guide and submit any further questions you may have regarding obtaining a birth certificate in Illinois.
