Tazewell County Death Records

Death records in Tazewell County, Illinois are maintained by the Tazewell County Clerk and Recorder's Office in Pekin. If you need a certified copy of a death certificate or want to look up a death that occurred in this county, the clerk's office is where you start. This page covers the request process, fees, who qualifies, and statewide options through the Illinois Department of Public Health for records the county office may not hold.

Tazewell County Clerk and Recorder

The Tazewell County Clerk and Recorder handles vital records for deaths that occur within Tazewell County. The office is inside the McKenzie Building at 11 S. 4th Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 203, Pekin, IL 61554. County Clerk John C. Ackerman oversees the office. You can reach the office at 309-477-2264. The fax number is 309-477-2244, and email inquiries can be sent to countyclerk@tazewell-il.gov. For full details about the office and its services, visit the Tazewell County Clerk and Recorder website.

Office hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Recording is accepted until 4:00 PM. Staff can answer questions about what documentation is required, current fees, and turnaround times. Calling ahead before a visit is always a good idea, especially if you are requesting an older record that may take time to locate.

The Tazewell County Clerk and Recorder official page provides contact details, office hours, and information about requesting death certificates and other vital records.

The Tazewell County Clerk is the primary source for certified death certificates covering deaths that occurred within the county.

Death Certificate Fees in Tazewell County

Tazewell County has clearly posted fees for death certificate copies. One record search, including one certified copy, costs $24.00. Each additional certified copy ordered at the same time is $15.00. An uncertified copy of a record that is 20 or more years old, marked "For Genealogical Purposes Only," costs $5.00 per search.

Pay by personal check, cashier's check, or money order when submitting a mail request. Make payment out to "Tazewell County Clerk." Do not send cash through the mail. If you pay by credit or debit card, an additional convenience fee applies. Online payments can be processed through the LexisNexis payment system at the Tazewell County online payment portal.

Note: Fees may change, so call 309-477-2264 or check the county website before sending payment to confirm current rates.

How to Request a Death Certificate in Tazewell County

Walk-in requests are handled during regular office hours at Suite 203 in the McKenzie Building, Pekin. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, the full name of the person who died, the date and place of death, and your relationship to the deceased. Have your payment ready. Staff can usually process requests the same day.

Mail-in requests require a completed request form, a copy of your photo ID, all identifying details about the deceased, and a check or money order for the correct fee. Write your return address clearly on the request. Send everything to the Tazewell County Clerk, 11 S. 4th Street, 2nd Floor, Suite 203, Pekin, IL 61554. Allow additional time beyond normal processing for delivery in both directions.

You can also visit the Tazewell County vital records page for more detail on procedures, forms, and what identification is acceptable. The clerk's email, countyclerk@tazewell-il.gov, can answer preliminary questions before you submit a formal request.

The Tazewell County vital records page provides specific instructions for requesting death certificates, including acceptable forms of identification and payment options.

The county vital records page is the most up-to-date source for fee schedules and procedures at the Tazewell County Clerk's Office.

Who May Request Tazewell County Death Records

Illinois law under 410 ILCS 535/24 limits access to certified death certificates. Death records are not public records in Illinois. They are excluded from the Freedom of Information Act.

People who qualify include the spouse, parent, child, or sibling of the deceased. Others who may be eligible are individuals with a legal or financial interest in the record, a licensed attorney acting on behalf of an eligible person, a funeral director involved in the case, and genealogical researchers who are requesting records that are at least 20 years old. Genealogical copies are uncertified. Everyone requesting a certificate must show a valid photo ID. If you have questions about whether you qualify, call the Tazewell County Clerk at 309-477-2264 before submitting your request.

Illinois Department of Public Health

The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains death records for deaths throughout the state. If the Tazewell County Clerk cannot locate a record, or if the death happened outside the county, IDPH is the next place to check. The IDPH Vital Records office is at 925 E. Ridgely Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702-2737, phone (217) 782-6554. Full details are on the IDPH death records page.

IDPH charges $19 for the first certified copy, $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time, and $10 for uncertified genealogical copies. Standard mail requests take around 12 weeks. Expedited processing takes 5 to 7 business days. All requesters must meet the same eligibility rules that apply at the county level.

Towns in Tazewell County

Tazewell County includes Pekin, East Peoria, Washington, Morton, and many other communities. Deaths that occur in any of these towns are recorded with the Tazewell County Clerk. Contact the office in Pekin for any record tied to an event within the county boundaries.

Nearby Counties

Tazewell County borders several other counties. If a death happened near a county line, the record may have been filed in a neighboring jurisdiction.