Order official Illinois Birth Certificates and Vital Records online

A birth certificate is a vital document that certifies the birth of a person. It is essential for numerous purposes, such as applying for a passport, enrolling in school, and verifying one’s identity. This guide will walk you through the steps to obtain an Illinois birth certificate, including the application process, required documents, costs, and more.

Who Can Request a Birth Certificate?

In Illinois, the following individuals are eligible to request a birth certificate:

• • The person named on the certificate, if of legal age;
• • A parent listed on the birth certificate;
• • A legal guardian or legal representative with appropriate documentation.

What Documents Are Required?

To request an Illinois birth certificate, the following documents are typically required:

• • A completed birth certificate request form: Birth Certificate Request Form;
• • A valid government-issued photo ID;
• • Proof of relationship if you are not the person named on the certificate (e.g., court order, guardianship papers).

It is important to ensure that all information is accurate and complete to avoid delays in processing.

How to Obtain a Illinois Birth Certificate

There are several ways to obtain an Illinois birth certificate:

By Mail

Complete the request form and mail it along with the required documents and payment to the Illinois Department of Public Health. The address is:

• • Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records, 925 East Ridgely Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702-2737.

In Person

You can visit the Division of Vital Records at the same address listed above. Bring your completed form, a valid ID, and payment. It is advisable to check the current business hours before visiting.

Online

For a convenient and fast method, you can order an Illinois birth certificate online through an authorized service like VitalChek. Visit VitalChek and follow the instructions provided. Make sure to have your identification and payment method ready.

How Much Does a Birth Certificate Cost?

The cost for obtaining an Illinois birth certificate varies based on the method of request:

• • By Mail or In Person: The fee typically starts at $15 for the first copy and $2 for each additional copy;
• • Online (VitalChek): Additional processing and shipping fees may apply.

Expedited services may be available for an additional cost, ensuring faster processing and delivery.

Processing Time

• • By Mail: Typically 4 to 6 weeks;
• • In Person: Usually same-day service;
• • Online (VitalChek): Processing time can vary but often ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the service selected.

These are approximate times and may vary based on the volume of requests or specific case scenarios.

In conclusion, obtaining an Illinois birth certificate is a straightforward process if you follow the steps outlined above. Ensuring that you have all required documents and correctly complete the application will help to avoid any delays. For any specific questions or further assistance, do not hesitate to reach out directly to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

If the event was recorded locally or if you need immediate access to detailed records, it is preferable to contact your county vital records office directly. Find the contact details of your local county vital records office here.