In Illinois, certified death certificates are issued by Division of Vital Records, Illinois Department of Public Health. The state fee is $19 for the first certified copy and $4 for each additional copy.
Here is who can order a certified copy, how to order it, and how long it takes, taken from the office’s own pages. Fees and times change, so check the office’s page before you pay.
How much a death certificate costs in Illinois
| Item | State fee |
|---|---|
| First certified copy | $19 |
| Each additional copy | $4 |
$19 full certified copy, $4 each additional copy in the same order. Genealogical copy (records 20+ years old) $10, $2 each additional. VitalChek adds a $15 handling fee and an optional $22 UPS fee.
Who can order a certified copy
A person, or their authorized agent, with a personal or property-right interest in the record, or a genealogical interest if the record is over 20 years old (410 ILCS 535/25(4)(d)). Requesters must state their relationship and the intended use.
A non-certified informational copy is also available. It cannot be used for legal or financial purposes such as closing accounts or claiming benefits.
How to order
- Online (official vendor: VitalChek)
- In person
- County/local office
IDPH directs requesters to the county clerk where the death occurred.
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How long it takes
IDPH: mail requests take "approximately 12 weeks from the time your paperwork is received"; urgent requests with proof of immediate need are "processed within 5 to 7 business days for a certified copy.".
The funeral home’s role
The office’s pages do not describe the funeral home’s role. Many families ask the funeral director to order the first copies when arrangements are made.
The IDPH Springfield office moved to 110 W Lawrence Ave. (opened Sept. 14, 2026). State records since 1916 (per CDC); a 1916-1972 death index is on the Illinois State Archives site.
How many copies to order
Most banks, insurers, pension plans and government agencies each want their own certified copy. Count the accounts and policies before you order, because ordering more later means another application and fee. How many death certificates you need has a worksheet.
Who decides the funeral in Illinois
State law sets who has the right to make funeral arrangements. See who has the right to make funeral decisions in Illinois.
Related guides
- What to do when someone dies: the first 24 hours
- Who to call when someone dies, and in what order
- How much a funeral costs, line by line
- Help paying for a funeral: Social Security, VA and FEMA
- Official funeral resources for every state
Sources
- Division of Vital Records, Illinois Department of Public Health
- CDC: Where to Write for Vital Records (Illinois)
- Division of Vital Records, Illinois Department of Public Health (PDF)
Checked 2026-09-24. General information, not legal advice.