DuPage County Death Records Search

DuPage County death records are issued by the DuPage County Clerk's Office in Wheaton, Illinois. The clerk can provide certified death certificates for any death that occurred within DuPage County. This page covers how to request those records, what the fees are, who is allowed to receive them, and where to find help through state-level resources if needed.

DuPage County Clerk's Office

The DuPage County Clerk's Office is the primary source for certified death certificates in DuPage County. The office can only issue records for deaths that occurred within DuPage County. As the county makes clear in its own materials, DuPage County can provide certified death records for deceased individuals if the death occurred in DuPage County only. For deaths that took place elsewhere, you will need to contact the clerk in the county where the death happened, or reach out to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The office is at 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187. Mailing address: P.O. Box 1028, Wheaton, IL 60187. Phone: 630-407-5500. Fax: 630-407-5501. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Staff cannot process requests received by phone, email, or fax. You must complete a request form before coming to the office in person or before submitting by mail.

The DuPage County Health Department at 111 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, also issues death certificates. You can reach that office at 630-682-7400. Hours there are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. More information is available on the DuPage County Clerk vital records page and the DuPage County Health Department death certificates page.

How to Request Death Records in DuPage County

There are three ways to get a DuPage County death certificate: visit the office in Wheaton, mail a written request, or order online through VitalChek. The office does not take orders by phone, fax, or email.

For in-person requests, you must complete the request form before you arrive. Bring your completed form, a valid government-issued photo ID, and your payment. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM at 421 N. County Farm Road in Wheaton. Same-day service is typical for in-person visits when the office is not backed up. Acceptable forms of ID include an Illinois Driver's License, Illinois State ID, U.S. Military ID, U.S. Passport, Out-of-State Driver's License, U.S. Naturalization Certificate, or U.S. Immigration Card.

Mail requests should include your completed request form, a copy of your photo ID, your full name and relationship to the deceased, the name of the deceased, the date and place of death, and a check or money order made payable to the DuPage County Clerk. Send everything to P.O. Box 1028, Wheaton, IL 60187. Mail requests take longer than in-person visits, so plan accordingly.

Online orders can be placed at VitalChek's DuPage County Clerk page. VitalChek charges an additional $10 service fee on top of the certificate cost. The certificate is mailed to you after processing. This is a good option if you cannot come to Wheaton or prefer not to mail documents.

The VitalChek DuPage County Clerk page provides a direct portal for ordering DuPage County death certificates online.

VitalChek adds a $10 service fee to the standard DuPage County certificate cost when ordering online.

Who Can Get a DuPage County Death Certificate

Illinois law limits who can receive a certified death certificate. Under 410 ILCS 535, vital records including death certificates are not public records and are not subject to the Freedom of Information Act. Only people with a qualifying relationship or legal interest can request a certified copy.

DuPage County recognizes the following eligible requesters: immediate relatives, specifically the spouse, parent, child, or sibling of the deceased; the informant listed on the death certificate; the executor or administrator of the estate (court documentation required); and any individual with a documented personal or property right interest in the record. A court order granting access also qualifies. All requesters must present an acceptable government-issued photo ID when submitting a request.

If you are requesting as the executor or administrator of an estate, bring your court-issued letters of office or other documentation. If you are claiming a property or legal interest, you may need to provide written explanation or supporting documents.

Death Certificate Fees in DuPage County

DuPage County charges $18 for the first certified copy of a death certificate. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $6. If you are requesting genealogical records that are 75 years old or older, the fee is $5 per record.

If you order through VitalChek online, add the $10 VitalChek service fee on top of the $18 base cost. Payment at the DuPage County Clerk's office can be made by check or money order payable to the DuPage County Clerk. The office does not accept phone, fax, or email payments. For mail orders, include your payment with the completed request form.

Note: The DuPage County Health Department may have its own fee schedule. Contact them at 630-682-7400 to confirm before you visit.

Illinois Vital Records and State Resources

The Illinois Department of Public Health serves as the statewide repository for all vital records. If the DuPage County Clerk cannot locate the record you need, or if the death occurred in a different county, the IDPH is the place to go. The IDPH office is at 925 E. Ridgely Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702-2737. Phone: (217) 782-6554. Email: DPH.VITALS@illinois.gov. Certificate issuance hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Details are on the IDPH death records page.

Regular mail requests through IDPH take about 12 weeks. Urgent processing in 5 to 7 days is possible if you can document your need and arrange overnight delivery. You can also order through VitalChek at the VitalChek Illinois portal, which links to the IDPH system as well as county clerk offices.

Genealogical researchers have a separate access path under Illinois law. Uncertified copies of death records are available for deaths that occurred 20 or more years ago. Records that are 50 or more years old may be inspected in person at the IDPH office in Springfield. For records 75 or more years old, DuPage County charges $5 per genealogical record. The Illinois Vital Records Act, 410 ILCS 535, governs all of these rules, with Section 535/25 covering search fees statewide.

Cities in DuPage County

DuPage County is one of the most populous counties in Illinois, and several cities within its borders qualify for dedicated pages on this site.

Other communities in DuPage County, including Lisle, Carol Stream, Lombard, Elmhurst, Addison, and Glen Ellyn, are served by the county clerk's office in Wheaton for death record requests.

Nearby Counties

If you are not sure which county a death occurred in, check the clerk's offices in adjacent counties as well.