Normal Death Records

Normal death records are filed with the McLean County Clerk, whose office is in the adjacent city of Bloomington. Normal is a town within McLean County, and the county clerk handles death certificates for all deaths that occur in the county, including Normal. Requests are made in person or by mail at the Bloomington courthouse location. This page covers the full process: where to go, what to bring, how much to pay, and who qualifies to receive a certified copy of a death certificate.

McLean County Clerk's Office

The McLean County Clerk is the official keeper of death records for all of McLean County, including Normal. The clerk's office is in Bloomington, which is the county seat. Bloomington and Normal are adjacent and connected cities, so the office is easy to reach from Normal. Staff there can help you locate the record you need and explain the steps for submitting a request.

McLean County Clerk:
115 E. Washington Street, Room 102
Bloomington, IL 61701
Phone: 309-888-5190

See the McLean County death records page for a full list of county resources, genealogy tools, and links to the clerk's online services.

The PassportsAndVisas Normal certificate guide provides background on how to use a Normal death certificate for passports and other legal purposes.

This resource explains common uses for certified death certificates and the types of documents needed to obtain one.

The McLean County certified copies of vital records page lists all requirements for requesting a death certificate in Normal.

This page covers the current fee, what ID is required, and how to submit by mail.

How to Request Normal Death Records

In Person

Visit Room 102 at 115 E. Washington Street in Bloomington. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Fill out the request form and pay the fee at the counter. This is usually the fastest way to get a certified copy. Same-day processing is typical for in-person requests made during regular business hours.

By Mail

Write a request and send it to: McLean County Clerk, 115 E. Washington Street, Room 102, Bloomington, IL 61701. Include a photocopy of your government-issued ID, the full name of the deceased, the date of death, your relationship to the deceased, the reason for the request, and a check or money order for the fee. Cash should not be sent through the mail. Processing times depend on current office volume, so allow extra time.

Phone Inquiries

Call 309-888-5190 to ask about current fees, office hours, or whether a specific record is in the McLean County files. Calling ahead can save you a trip if you are unsure whether the record exists or which county to contact. Staff can also tell you what documentation you need before visiting.

The McLean County Clerk main page provides a full overview of all services the clerk's office offers, including vital records for Normal residents.

This page also links to office contacts, forms, and online resources for certificate requests.

Town of Normal Resources

The Town of Normal operates its own municipal website where residents can find local service information. The town clerk does not issue death certificates, but the town site can help you confirm local contacts and direct you to the county office if needed.

The Town of Normal official website provides municipal contact information and links to local government services for Normal residents.

Check the town site if you need to confirm local service contacts or find other municipal records.

Genealogy Resources for Normal

McLean County has solid genealogical resources that can supplement what the county clerk holds for older records. Historical death records, cemetery indexes, and research guides are available through local organizations and online databases.

The McLean County IllinoisGenWeb research page offers free genealogical data, indexed records, and research guides for McLean County including Normal.

IllinoisGenWeb provides cemetery transcriptions, obituary indexes, and links to other McLean County research collections.

Who Can Access Normal Death Records

Certified death certificates in Illinois are restricted by law. Under 410 ILCS 535/24, eligible requesters include the deceased's spouse, parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, and sibling. Others with a legal need can also qualify. This includes attorneys acting for an eligible party, people with a court order, and those who can show a direct and tangible interest in the record.

The McLean County Clerk will ask about your relationship to the deceased. Be ready to provide documentation if asked. If you do not qualify for a certified copy, you may still be able to get a genealogical copy for research purposes. These are not certified for legal use. Ask the clerk specifically about genealogical copies and what records they have available for older deaths.

Death Certificate Fees

McLean County sets its own fees. Call 309-888-5190 or visit the county's website to confirm the current fee before you submit a request. Fees are non-refundable, including when no record is found. Confirm the deceased's full legal name, the approximate date of death, and that McLean County is the correct county before paying.

IDPH charges $19 for the first certified copy and $4 for each additional copy at the same time. Genealogical copies from IDPH are $10. If you need multiple copies, ordering them together is more cost-effective than placing separate requests.

Illinois Department of Public Health

IDPH holds death records for all of Illinois from 1916 to the present. If McLean County cannot find the record you need, or if you are looking for a record from another county, IDPH can help. They are also useful when the correct county is unclear.

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 current forms and instructions. Standard mail requests take about 12 weeks. Urgent processing with overnight delivery takes 5 to 7 business days with proof of need.

Nearby Cities

Need records from cities near Normal? These pages cover the right offices and procedures for each location.