Find Death Records in Springfield

Springfield death records are available from two local sources: the Springfield City Clerk and the Sangamon County Clerk. Springfield is unusual among Illinois cities in that the city clerk issues certified death certificates for deaths recorded within the city limits from 1985 to the present. The county clerk handles records for deaths throughout Sangamon County, including those that occurred outside the city. This page covers both offices, what each one provides, and how to request a certified copy through each channel.

Springfield City Clerk

The Springfield City Clerk is one of only a few city clerks in Illinois that issues certified death certificates. The city holds records for deaths that occurred within Springfield city limits from 1985 through the present. If the death happened within that time frame and within city boundaries, the city clerk can issue a certified copy faster and at a lower cost than going through the state. This is the first place to try for recent Springfield deaths.

Springfield City Clerk:
300 S. Seventh Street, Room 106
Springfield, IL 62701
Phone: 217-789-2180

City Clerk Fee: $17 for the first copy; $7 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.

The Springfield City Clerk birth and death records page explains how to request a death certificate from the city.

This page covers what documents you need, how to request by mail, and what the current fees are.

The Springfield City Clerk about page explains the city clerk's role and the vital records services they provide.

The city clerk's office also handles election records and other municipal documents in addition to vital records.

Sangamon County Clerk

The Sangamon County Clerk maintains death records for all of Sangamon County, which includes Springfield. For deaths that occurred before 1985, or for deaths that happened outside the city limits but still within Sangamon County, the county clerk is the right office. The county also maintains records for those who want a county-issued certificate rather than a city-issued one.

Sangamon County Clerk:
200 S. Ninth Street, Room 201
Springfield, IL 62701

See the Sangamon County death records page for a full list of county resources, hours, fees, and how to submit a request.

The Sangamon County vital records death records page covers the county's process for issuing certified death certificates.

This page details how to request a certificate in person or by mail from the Sangamon County Clerk.

The Sangamon County Clerk contact page provides direct contact information for the clerk's vital records division.

Call or email the county clerk's office directly with questions about fees, record availability, or request procedures.

How to Request Springfield Death Records

In Person at the City Clerk

Go to Room 106 at 300 S. Seventh Street in Springfield. Bring a government-issued photo ID. Pay the fee at the counter. The city clerk can typically issue the certificate the same day for deaths in their records (1985 to present within city limits). This is the fastest and most affordable option for recent Springfield deaths.

In Person at the County Clerk

Visit the Sangamon County Clerk at 200 S. Ninth Street, Room 201. Bring ID and any details you have about the deceased. The county can help with older records, records from outside city limits, or when you need a county-issued rather than city-issued certificate.

By Mail

Both the city clerk and the county clerk accept mail requests. Send a written request with a photocopy of your ID, the deceased's full name, date of death, your relationship, and a check or money order for the appropriate fee. Allow extra time for mail processing. Do not send cash.

The Springfield City Clerk services page outlines all services the city clerk provides, including vital records and the full process for requesting them.

Review this page to understand the full range of vital records services available from the Springfield City Clerk.

Who Can Access Springfield Death Records

Illinois law limits who can receive 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, holders of a court order, and people who can show a direct and tangible interest in the record.

If you are doing genealogy research, ask specifically about genealogical copies. These are not certified for legal use, but they document the same information and can serve research purposes. Records more than 50 years old may be subject to different access rules. Both the city clerk and county clerk can explain what types of copies are available and who qualifies for each.

Death Certificate Fees

Springfield is one of the few Illinois cities where you have two local options with different fee schedules.

• Springfield City Clerk: $17 first copy; $7 each additional copy (same order)
• Sangamon County Clerk: Contact the office at 200 S. Ninth Street to confirm current fees
• IDPH (state): $19 first certified copy; $4 each additional; $10 genealogical copy

Fees are non-refundable. If no record is found, you will not receive a refund. Always confirm the full name, approximate date, and whether the death was recorded within city limits before submitting payment.

Illinois Department of Public Health

IDPH holds all Illinois death records from 1916 forward. If neither the city clerk nor the county clerk can locate the record, or if you believe the death may have been recorded elsewhere in Illinois, IDPH is the next step. Springfield is home to the IDPH headquarters, so you can visit their office in person if needed.

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 full instructions. Regular mail requests take about 12 weeks. Urgent requests with proof of need and overnight delivery take 5 to 7 business days.

Nearby Cities

If you need death records from cities near Springfield, these pages cover the local filing offices and request procedures.