Illinois Birth Records

To begin, add a birth record or view a list of locations and resources for Illinois birth records.

Those searching for Illinois birth records may be in luck, as Illinois has, in some ways, very extensive archives and databases.

All modern records are kept by the Vital Records Office of the Illinois Department of Public Health. This agency has statewide records that date back to 1917. Various county clerks have records that can be much older, stretching back into the 1800s.

In the state of Illinois, all birth records are considered public record 75 years after the event they denote, which is good news for genealogists and other historical researchers. While request for more recent records(since 1917) can be directed to the Vital Records Office, finding older records can be more tricky, because you'll need to know which county clerk to submit your request to. However, online databases such as those within public records finders can be a great way to find all the birth records one might need in a much quicker method.

To receive a birth certificate fill out the Illinois Birth Certificate Mail-in Form. Mail your application to:

Illinois birth certificates are available as far back as 1916 from the state office. If you need one that is dated for an earlier year you can write to the county clerk in the county of birth. The fee for an Illinois birth certificate from the state is $15.00 for a certified copy, and $10.00 for a genealogical copy. You must be 18 years or older, and prove that you are eligible to receive the copy you request. You must provide ID and the reason you need the copy. For more information visit: Illinois Department of Public Health