Find Illinois Vital Records Online
Are Illinois Vital Records Available to the Public?
Yes, Illinois vital records become public after a certain confidentiality period. Members of the public can access these records once the statutory period has expired. Documents verifying life events such as marriages or divorces can also be obtained before this period ends. Access to certified copies of vital records is restricted to authorized individuals, including the person named on the record, immediate family members, legal representatives, and custodians.
What Information is Included in Illinois Vital Records?
Illinois vital records document significant life events and include:
- Birth certificates
- Death certificates
- Marriage records
- Divorce records
These records are maintained by government agencies and are crucial for demographic and policy planning.
How to Access Illinois Vital Records Online?
To access Illinois vital records online, requesters must provide specific information related to the record. While most government offices do not offer remote search options, third-party aggregate sites may provide access. Requesters should be prepared to supply:
- The subject’s name and birthdate
- Location and approximate date of the event
- Presiding judge (for marriage or divorce records)
- Case file number or license number, if applicable
Third-party sites may require additional details like the city, county, or state where the record was filed, and the name of an involved party, provided it is not a juvenile.
What Do I Need to Access Illinois Vital Records?
To obtain Illinois vital records, requesters must submit forms and fees to the Illinois Department of Public Health or local county health departments. The following details are typically required:
- Subject's name
- Date of the life event
- Location of the event
- Acceptable photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
- Payment for service fees
Requesters seeking records before the confidentiality period ends must also provide documentation proving eligibility, such as government-issued photo IDs.
Certified vs. Informational Copies: Key Differences
Certified copies of vital records are legal documents that can establish identity and are issued to eligible individuals. These copies are notarized and bear an embossed seal. Informational copies, however, do not have legal standing and are typically used for research or genealogical purposes.
Are Illinois Birth Records Available to the Public?
Illinois birth records become public 75 years after the birth. Until then, certified birth records are accessible only to the person named on the record (if 18 or older), their parents or legal guardian, legal representatives, and individuals authorized by court order.
How to Access Illinois Birth Records?
Eligible individuals can request birth records from the Division of Vital Records or the circuit clerk’s office in the county where the birth occurred. Requesters must:
- Complete the Illinois birth record application form
- Provide identification documents
- Pay the required fees
The completed application can be submitted in person or via mail.
Are Birth Certificates Public in Illinois?
Birth certificates in Illinois are not public until 75 years after the birth. Certified birth certificates are accessible only to the person named on the record, their parents or legal guardian, legal representatives, and those authorized by court order.
Are Illinois Death Records Available to the Public?
Death records in Illinois become public 25 years after the death. Before this period, certified death records are accessible only to the deceased’s immediate family, legal representatives, and individuals who can prove a personal or property interest.
How to Access Death Records in Illinois?
To obtain death records, requesters must:
- Complete the death record application
- Indicate whether they need an informational or certified copy
- Provide the deceased's personal information and event details
- Attach fees and ID requirements
The application can be submitted in person or via mail to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Are Illinois Marriage Records Available to the Public?
Yes. Marriage records in Illinois become public after 75 years. Before this period, certified copies are available only to the couple, immediate family members, legal representatives, and individuals authorized by court order.
How to Access Marriage Records in Illinois?
Marriage records can be obtained from the circuit clerk's office in the county where the marriage license was issued. Requesters must provide:
- Full names of the parties involved
- Place and date of the marriage
- License number (if known)
An application form, government-issued photo ID, and payment for the service are typically required.
How to Obtain a Marriage Certificate in Illinois
To obtain a marriage certificate, requesters must meet eligibility requirements and submit:
- An application form
- Government-issued photo ID
- Payment for the service
The application can be submitted in person or via mail to the circuit clerk’s office in the county where the license was issued.
Are Illinois Divorce Records Available to the Public?
Illinois divorce records are public information. Public requesters can obtain verification of marriage dissolution from the circuit clerk in the county where the divorce occurred. Certified copies are restricted to the persons named on the record, their legal representatives, and individuals with a direct interest in the record.
How to Get Divorce Records in Illinois?
To obtain divorce records, requesters must:
- Visit the circuit clerk’s office or send a mail request
- Complete an application for verification of dissolution of marriage
- Provide details such as the full names of the parties, date of the event, and court case file number
- Pay the applicable fees
How to Obtain a Certified Divorce Certificate in Illinois
To obtain a certified divorce certificate, eligible requesters must:
- Complete an application form
- Provide identification documents
- Pay the required fees
The application can be submitted in person or via mail to the circuit clerk’s office in the county where the divorce was filed.