Search Chicago Death Records

Death records for Chicago are maintained by the Cook County Clerk's Bureau of Vital Records and, for older files, the Illinois Department of Public Health. Certified copies of death certificates can be requested in person at the downtown Chicago office, by mail, or online through VitalChek. Chicago also has unique resources including the Cook County Medical Examiner's office, which handles cases involving unattended or suspicious deaths and can provide autopsy and toxicology reports to authorized parties.

Cook County Clerk's Bureau of Vital Records

Chicago death records are filed and maintained by the Cook County Clerk through the Bureau of Vital Records. This office holds records for deaths that occurred within Cook County, which includes all of Chicago. The main office is located in the heart of the Loop, making it accessible for most city residents.

The office address is 118 N. Clark Street, Room 120, Chicago, IL 60602. You can reach them by phone at (312) 603-7790 or toll-free at 866-252-8974. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The office is closed on state holidays.

The City of Chicago vital records page provides guidance for Chicago residents on how to get death certificates and other vital documents.

The city page links out to the Cook County Clerk and explains which office handles each type of vital record for Chicago residents.

You can also visit the Cook County service portal for more details on the death certificate process. The county page at Cook County Death Records covers countywide procedures, fees, and contact information for all offices including Chicago.

The Cook County death certificates service page outlines the full process for requesting a certified copy of a death record.

This county page covers eligibility rules, required documents, and all three request methods available to Chicago applicants.

How to Request Chicago Death Records

There are three ways to request a certified copy of a Chicago death certificate. Each method works for the same records. Choose the one that fits your situation best.

In Person

Walk-in requests are handled at 118 N. Clark Street, Room 120, Chicago, IL 60602. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the required fee. In-person requests are generally processed the same day. This is the fastest option if you need the record right away.

By Mail

Mail requests to the Cook County Clerk's Bureau of Vital Records at the Clark Street address above. Include a completed application, a copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order made out to the Cook County Clerk. Processing by mail takes longer than in-person visits, so plan ahead. The office does not accept cash through the mail.

Online via VitalChek

The Cook County Clerk partners with VitalChek to accept online orders. Go to the Cook County VitalChek page and fill out the request form. You will pay by credit card. VitalChek charges a service fee on top of the county fee. Orders are mailed once processed.

The Cook County Clerk vital records page shows all request options and required documentation for Chicago death certificate orders.

The clerk's page also lists what documents you need to prove your identity and your relationship to the deceased.

The VitalChek Cook County ordering portal lets Chicago residents request certified death certificates from home.

Credit and debit cards are accepted through VitalChek. Your order is fulfilled and mailed by the Cook County Clerk after processing.

Who Can Access Chicago Death Records

Illinois law controls who can get a certified copy of a death record. Under 410 ILCS 535/24, certified copies are available to the deceased person's spouse, parent, child, grandparent, or sibling. Other people with a direct and tangible interest may also qualify. This includes legal representatives, those with a financial claim tied to the estate, and people with a court order.

Funeral directors and those acting on behalf of a government agency can also access records when needed. If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact the Cook County Clerk's office before submitting a request. They can tell you what documents you will need to show.

Genealogical copies are available for deaths that occurred more than 20 years ago. These copies are not certified and cannot be used for legal purposes, but they work well for family research.

Death Certificate Fees

The Cook County Clerk charges $15 for the first certified copy of a death certificate. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $4. So if you need three copies in one order, the total is $23.

These fees are set by state law under 410 ILCS 535/25. Fees apply whether you request in person, by mail, or through VitalChek. VitalChek adds its own service and processing fees on top of the county fee.

Pay by check, money order, or cash (in person only). Make checks and money orders payable to the Cook County Clerk. Do not send cash by mail.

The Cook County guide on obtaining death records covers fees and how the process works from start to finish.

This resource also explains the difference between certified copies and informational copies, and when each type is appropriate.

Cook County Medical Examiner

For deaths that were sudden, unattended, or possibly related to criminal activity, the Cook County Medical Examiner's office handles the case. The Medical Examiner is located at 2121 West Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60612. Phone: (312) 997-4425.

The Medical Examiner can provide autopsy reports and toxicology reports to authorized requesters. These are separate from death certificates and must be requested directly from that office. Authorized parties generally include next of kin, attorneys of record, and law enforcement.

The cause and manner of death on a death certificate issued by the Cook County Clerk may reference the Medical Examiner's findings if the case was investigated by that office.

Probate and Court Records

Death often triggers probate proceedings. If a Chicago resident died with an estate, the case may be filed in Cook County's Probate Division. Court records from probate cases can help confirm a death and may include the death certificate as an exhibit.

The Cook County Clerk of Circuit Court handles these filings. You can search probate records at the Cook County Clerk of Circuit Court probate division.

The Cook County probate division page allows searchers to find estate and probate cases tied to deceased Chicago residents.

Probate case records are public and may be searched by the deceased's name or case number through the court's online system.

Illinois Department of Public Health

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) holds death records for all Illinois counties, including Cook. IDPH is a good backup source if the Cook County Clerk cannot fulfill your request, or if you need a record from a different Illinois county at the same time.

IDPH Vital Records is located at 925 E. Ridgely Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702-2737. Phone: (217) 782-6554, weekdays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. You can also email DPH.VITALS@illinois.gov. Their full resource is at dph.illinois.gov death records.

IDPH fees differ from Cook County. The first certified copy costs $19. Each additional copy is $4. A genealogical copy costs $10. Standard mail requests take about 12 weeks. If you need faster service, IDPH offers expedited processing in 5 to 7 business days with overnight delivery and proof of urgent need.

Nearby Cities

These nearby cities also have Cook County death record pages on this site with location-specific information and resources.