Obtaining Records from the
Illinois Department of Public Health

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) preserves the state's records on births, deaths, marriages, divorces, adoptions and abortions. Since birth and death records first began to be collected in 1916, twenty-seven million have been placed on file, including some delayed records dating back to the mid 1800s.

Address:	Hours:
Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Vital Records 925 East Ridgely Ave. Springfield, IL 62702-2737 Phone: 217 782-6553 Fax:     217 785-3209 TTY:     800 547-0466 Email:  DPH.Vitals@illinois.gov	Monday-Friday, except State Holidays 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Restrictions:

Generally, these records are available only to the individual or to a member of his or her immediate family.

Requests:

Make all money orders, certified checks, or personal checks payable to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Credit Cards orders may be made online or by fax - substantial additional charges for use of the credit card will be applied

Written requests should contain the type of record needed, subject name(s), date and location of event, reason for acquiring the record, applicant's signature, applicant's address, and applicant's relationship to the subject. For birth and death requests also include the parent's names, if known.

Downloadable applications are available on the Illinois Department of Public Health website.

If your request is mailed via regular U.S. Mail, you should receive a response within 3-4 weeks.  If your request is sent by a faster service (e.g.: Priority Mail, Overnight, Second Day) it will be processed immediately and the requested document will be sent to you within two business days by regular mail.  Next day delivery via UPS is available for an extra fee.

Telephone and Email requests are not currently supported.

Onsite Research:

You may get copies of records in person at the Illinois Department of Health building.

Waiting time varies slightly because some records are kept at remote locations but most people are in and out within 15-20 minutes.

Additional Information:

For additional information, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health's website.

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