Search Peoria County Death Records

Peoria County death records are handled by more than one office, which makes the process here a bit different from other Illinois counties. The Peoria City/County Health Department issues, records, and maintains death certificates for Peoria County, while the county coroner plays a role in the initial filing process. This page breaks down how each office fits into the picture and how to get the record you need.

Peoria County Death Certificate Process

In Peoria County, death certificates and cremation permits are issued by the Coroner's staff as needed, seven days a week, once information is received online from funeral home staff. The coroner's office plays a key role in the early stages of death documentation but does not issue certified copies of death certificates to the public.

A temporary death certificate is issued whenever possible within two business days following the death. This temporary certificate contains all information except cause and manner of death. The permanent death certificate is issued once cause and manner of death has been determined. If an autopsy was completed, results take four to six weeks, which delays the permanent certificate.

The Coroner's staff cannot issue certified copies to the public. If you need a certified copy of a death certificate, you must obtain it through the funeral home or through the Division of Vital Records at the Peoria City/County Health Department.

The Peoria County death certificates page explains the coroner's role in the local death record process and where to go for certified copies.

The county's online information is a good first stop for understanding the distinction between what the coroner handles and what the health department provides.

Peoria City/County Health Department

The Peoria City/County Health Department is the office that issues, records, and maintains birth certificates, death certificates, and burial permits for Peoria County. This is where you go if you need a certified copy of a death certificate. The health department's vital records division is located at 2116 N Sheridan Road, Peoria IL 61604. You can reach them at 309-679-6034.

Under Illinois State Law, specifically 410 ILCS 535, only specific individuals have legal access to death certificates. Vital records are not considered public information, and they are not subject to the Freedom of Information Act. No information will be given over the telephone regarding an individual's vital record.

The Peoria County records page provides additional contact information and guidance for records requests in this county.

The county records page lists office locations and can help you confirm which department handles the specific record type you need.

How to Request a Peoria County Death Certificate

Certified copies of Peoria County death certificates come from the health department's vital records division, not the coroner's office. You can visit in person at 2116 N Sheridan Road, submit a written request by mail, or order online. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID for any request method.

Eligible requesters include the spouse, parent, child, or sibling of the person who died, individuals with a direct personal or property interest, legal representatives, funeral homes, and genealogical researchers for records at least 20 years old. Genealogical copies are uncertified. All applicants must prove their eligibility and identity.

For online orders, VitalChek provides an electronic ordering option for Illinois vital records. A vendor service fee applies in addition to the certificate fee. If you have questions about the request process or eligibility, contact the health department at 309-679-6034 before submitting.

The Peoria County death records page has additional details about accessing death records within the county system.

Checking both the county clerk and health department pages will give you a clear picture of what each office handles and where to direct your request.

Peoria County Clerk's Office

The Peoria County Clerk is located at 324 Main Street, Room 101, Peoria, IL 61602, and can be reached at 309-672-6059. The clerk's office handles a range of county government functions. For death records specifically, the health department's vital records division is the primary contact, but the county clerk can help direct you to the right office if you are uncertain where to start.

The Peoria County official website at peoriacounty.gov provides current information about which office handles what and any updates to the death certificate request process.

Illinois Department of Public Health

IDPH holds statewide death records for all Illinois deaths and is a useful resource when the local office cannot locate a record. IDPH Vital Records is at 925 E. Ridgely Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702-2737, phone (217) 782-6554, available 10am to 3pm weekdays. Full details are on the IDPH death records page.

The Illinois Department of Public Health death records page details statewide request options for Peoria County residents who cannot locate a record locally.

IDPH standard mail requests take about 12 weeks. Urgent requests with proof of need are processed in 5 to 7 business days.

Cities in Peoria County

The city of Peoria is the county seat and largest city in Peoria County. Other communities in the county file death records through the same Peoria City/County Health Department vital records system.

Nearby Counties

If the death you are researching did not occur in Peoria County, check these neighboring counties, each of which maintains its own vital records office.