Find Death Records in Downers Grove

Downers Grove death records are filed with the DuPage County Clerk, whose main office is in Wheaton. All of Downers Grove lies within DuPage County, so the county clerk is the primary source for certified death certificates. The DuPage County Health Department also issues death certificates and may offer a convenient alternative depending on your location. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or through VitalChek online. This page covers each method, the fees involved, and who qualifies to receive a certified copy.

DuPage County Clerk's Office

The DuPage County Clerk maintains all death records for Downers Grove and the rest of DuPage County. The clerk issues certified copies of death certificates for all deaths recorded in the county. The main office is in Wheaton, which is the county seat. Wheaton is adjacent to Downers Grove, so the office is easy to reach. Staff there can help you locate a specific record and tell you exactly what ID and documentation to bring.

DuPage County Clerk:
421 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone: 630-407-5500

For a complete overview of DuPage County vital records services, see the DuPage County death records page. That page covers the clerk's full range of services, including historical archives and online tools.

DuPage County Health Department

The DuPage County Health Department is a second source for certified death certificates in Downers Grove. The health department maintains records for deaths that occurred in DuPage County. Depending on your specific circumstances, the health department may process requests at a different pace or have slightly different procedures than the county clerk. Calling both offices to compare before submitting can help you choose the faster or more convenient option.

The DuPage County Health Department death certificates page covers how to request a certified death certificate from the health department for Downers Grove residents.

This page lists the health department's fees, required documents, and how to reach the vital records division.

How to Request Downers Grove Death Records

In Person

Visit the DuPage County Clerk at 421 N. County Farm Road in Wheaton. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Fill out the request form at the counter and pay the fee. In-person requests typically allow for same-day processing, which makes this the fastest option. You can also visit the DuPage County Health Department if it is more convenient for you.

By Mail

Write a request and send it to the DuPage County Clerk, 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187. Include a photocopy of your government-issued ID, the deceased's full legal name, the date of death, your relationship to the deceased, the purpose of the request, and a check or money order for the fee. Do not send cash. Allow additional time for mail processing and return delivery.

Online via VitalChek

DuPage County accepts online death certificate orders through VitalChek. You can place a request at any hour without visiting the office. VitalChek adds a service fee on top of the county fee. Payment is by credit or debit card. The certified copy is mailed to you once processing is complete.

The DuPage County VitalChek ordering portal handles online requests for Downers Grove death certificates.

VitalChek accepts major credit and debit cards and is available 24 hours a day.

Who Can Access Downers Grove Death Records

Illinois law controls who can get a certified copy of a death certificate. Under 410 ILCS 535/24, eligible requesters include the deceased's spouse, parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, and sibling. Others with a legal need may also qualify. This includes attorneys acting for an eligible party, people holding a court order, and those who can demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record.

If you are not certain whether you qualify, call the DuPage County Clerk at 630-407-5500 before making a trip. Staff can tell you what documentation you need and whether your situation meets the eligibility requirements. For older records used in genealogy research, ask specifically about genealogical copies. These are not certified for legal use but document the same information and serve research purposes. Records more than 50 years old may be available under broader access rules.

Death Certificate Fees

DuPage County sets its own fee schedule. Contact the county clerk at 630-407-5500 to confirm the current fee before submitting your request. The health department may charge a different fee, so compare if you are considering both options. VitalChek adds its own service charge on top of the county fee. All fees are non-refundable, including when no record is found.

At the state level, IDPH charges $19 for the first certified copy and $4 for each additional copy. Genealogical copies from IDPH are $10. If you need several copies, ordering them together is more cost-effective than submitting separate requests over time.

Illinois Department of Public Health

IDPH holds death records for all of Illinois from 1916 onward. If DuPage County cannot locate the record, or if the death may have been recorded elsewhere, IDPH is the backup. They can also help resolve confusion about which county holds a particular record.

IDPH Vital Records Office:
925 E. Ridgely Avenue
Springfield, IL 62702-2737
Phone: (217) 782-6554 (weekdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Email: DPH.VITALS@illinois.gov

Visit the IDPH death records page for forms and instructions. Regular mail requests take about 12 weeks. Urgent requests with overnight delivery and proof of need take 5 to 7 business days.

Nearby Cities

If you need death records from cities near Downers Grove, these pages cover the local county clerks and how to request records from each location.