How much do death certificates cost in Illinois?
| Source | First copy | Additional copies |
|---|---|---|
| IDPH (state, mail/fax) | $19 | $4 each |
| VitalChek (online) | $19 + $15 handling + shipping | $4 each |
| County clerks | Usually $15 to $20 | Varies |
VitalChek's handling fee and optional UPS shipping ($22) can bring online orders well above the base cost. County clerks are often cheaper and faster for recent deaths.
How to order
Through a funeral home (fastest)
Your funeral director handles the initial batch. This is the simplest option and avoids Illinois's long state processing times.
From a county clerk
County clerks issue death certificates for deaths that occurred in their county. Many offer same-day in-person service. This is often the best option if you need copies quickly.
From IDPH (state level)
- By mail: Send a written request with a copy of your valid photo ID and a check or money order for $19 per copy payable to IDPH. Mail to the Division of Vital Records, 925 E. Ridgely Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702.
- By fax: Urgent requests can be faxed to (217) 523-2648.
- Online: Through VitalChek, the only authorized online partner.
- In person: The IDPH Division of Vital Records in Springfield is open weekdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| County clerk (in person) | Same day |
| IDPH (standard mail) | About 12 weeks |
| IDPH (urgent, with proof) | 5 to 7 business days |
| VitalChek (online) | Expedited, varies |
The 12-week standard timeline is not a typo. Illinois's state-level processing is significantly slower than most states. If you need copies quickly, go through your county clerk or submit an urgent request.
Urgent requests
If you need copies faster than the standard 12-week timeline, you can submit an urgent request to IDPH with proof of immediate need, such as:
- A travel itinerary
- An insurance company letter with a deadline
- A court filing deadline
Urgent requests are processed in 5 to 7 business days for certified copies. Fax your request to (217) 523-2648 with the supporting documentation.
Who can order?
Illinois restricts certified copies to:
- Spouse or domestic partner
- Parent, child, or sibling
- The executor or administrator of the estate
- An attorney or legal representative
- Anyone with a court order or demonstrated legal need
You must provide a valid government-issued photo ID.
What to know about Illinois specifically
The county clerk is your best bet. Given IDPH's 12-week standard processing time, county clerks are faster for recent deaths. Most offer same-day or next-day service.
Cook County (Chicago). Cook County has its own processes and may have different forms and slightly different fees than other counties. Contact the Cook County Clerk's office directly.
The small estate threshold connection. Illinois's small estate affidavit threshold is $100,000 (increasing to $150,000 for deaths on or after August 15, 2025). You will need a certified death certificate to use the affidavit, even though formal probate is not required.
For a broader overview of the death certificate process, see our guide on how to get death certificates. If you are handling probate, see our guide on how probate works in Illinois.
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