Illinois Birth Records

Illinois mandated a state-wide record keeping of birth records from January 1916. Before this, some counties recorded births starting in 1877. However, the records were not consistently kept across the state. Birth records are official documents that register the birth of a child, providing legal proof of identity, age, parentage, and citizenship.

Illinois birth records are issued as long-form birth certificates and short-form birth certificates. The long-form birth certificate is a comprehensive document that includes detailed information collected at the time of birth, such as the individual's full name, birth weight, date and place of birth, parent's information, certificate number, gender, signature of the attending physician, and the official seal of the issuing vital records office. The long-form birth certificate is generally accepted for all legal purposes, including passport and driver's license applications and official identifications.

The short-form birth certificate is an abridged version of the birth record that includes only essential information, such as the individual's name, date and place of birth, gender, birth certificate file number, and the date the birth certificate was filed. It typically omits detailed information such as the parent's data and birth weight. The short-form birth certificate is suitable for school enrollment, employment verification, and basic identification purposes but may not be acceptable by all government agencies.

Illinois does not categorize birth certificates into "Authorized" and "Informational" copies. Both the short-form and long-form birth records are certified copies of the birth records. Uncertified copies of birth certificates are available after a predetermined period has passed.

How To Order an Illinois Birth Certificate?

You may obtain an Illinois birth certificate from January 1916 to the present at the Illinois Department of Public Health - Division of Vital Records. To order the record, complete the Application for Illinois Birth Record. Include a copy of your photo ID, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and the fees with the application form. There is a $15 fee for the first copy of the long-form birth certificate and $10 for the short-form birth certificate. Mail the complete application to:

The Clerk of Court issues birth certificates for birth recorded before 1916. You may visit the office or download the birth certificate request form from the county's website. The cost to obtain birth records at the county level varies. Generally, expect to pay between $16 to $20 for the first copy of the birth record.

The Illinois State Archives holds copies of birth records pre-1916 and maintains some historical birth indexes and records from counties across the state. To access the record, use the Illinois Statewide Vital Records index to locate birth records before 1916. If the record is found in the index, a full record may be requested from the county clerk's office.

Are Birth Records Public in Illinois?

No. Birth records are not public records in Illinois. Access to birth records is restricted to protect individuals' privacy and to comply with state laws. Illinois law considers birth records as confidential documents. Therefore, only specific individuals with a direct and tangible interest in the person named on the birth certificate are eligible to obtain copies of birth records.

Who Can Order A Birth Certificate in Illinois?

Access to birth certificates in Illinois is governed by the Illinois Vital Records Act 410 ILCS 535, which designates birth records as confidential. Consequently, only specific individuals are legally authorized to obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate. They include:

• The individual named on the birth record
• The parent listed on the record
• Legal guardian, with proper documentation
• Legal representatives with proper documentation
• Persons with a court order

How Long Does it Take to Get an Illinois Birth Certificate?

The Illinois Department of Public Health typically processes birth certificate requests within 12 weeks from the time the record request is received. The office does not offer expedited processing options. Birth certificates processed at the clerk of court office usually vary per county but usually take a shorter period. Generally, expect the records within 2 to 4 weeks of request.

Where Can I Find Illinois Birth Records Free?

In Illinois, like most states, access to certified birth records is restricted to authorized individuals and typically has a fee to obtain the record. However, you may still access birth records for free through alternative sources, including:

• The National Vital Records Archives: The database primarily holds federal records. However, it does provide free access to birth records that are over 100 years old.
• The Illinois Department of Public Health: It is the central repository for vital records in Illinois. It offers access to uncertified copies of birth records to individuals who do not meet the eligibility criteria for certified copies.
• Genealogy Websites: Genealogy websites such as FamilySearch.org and Ancestry.com have extensive genealogical and historical records, including birth records. While the former provides digitized images of genealogical records, the latter offers free access to libraries with historical birth records.
• Third-Party Websites: Websites like PublicRecords.us compile publicly available records from multiple sources, including birth records, into searchable databases. These records are made available for free or a small subscription fee. However, exercise caution when using these sources as they may be inaccurate or out of date.

When Would I Need My Illinois Birth Records?

Processing your birth certificate is essential for various life events and legal purposes, including:

• Obtaining a driver's license or state ID
• Enrolling in school to verify student age and identity
• Applying for a passport
• Employment verification to ascertain eligibility for employment
• Applying for marriage licenses to prove legal capacity to marry
• Applying for Social Security number or benefits, such as retirement or disability
• Accessing government programs or benefits, like Medicaid or public assistance
• Establishing inheritance rights in legal proceedings
• Personal identification where other forms of ID are lost or unavailable

How Much is A Replacement Birth Certificate in Illinois?

In Illinois, circumstances such as loss, theft, destruction, or damage of the original birth records necessitate obtaining a replacement. The cost for a replacement birth certificate varies based on the type of copy. It costs $15 to replace a copy of the long-form birth certificate and $10 to replace the short-form certificate.

Replacement birth certificates are also accessible at the county clerk's office. Replacement fees at the county level vary depending on the county. Expect to pay up to $20 to replace your birth certificate at the courthouse.

When Can the Public Access Illinois Birth Certificates?

Illinois birth certificates are not immediately accessible to the general public. Access is typically restricted to eligible persons per the Illinois Vital Records Act 410 ILCS 535/24. However, after a certain period, these records become publicly available. Per the Act, birth records become publicly accessible 75 years after birth. Therefore, the public may access birth certificates that are at least 75 years old without restrictions.

How To Correct an Error on an Illinois Birth Certificate?

The Illinois Department of Public Health manages the process of correcting errors on an Illinois birth certificate. The department permits correction under the following circumstances:

• Misspellings and typographical mistakes in names or other personal details
• Adding missing information like a parent's name or the child's middle name
• Legal name change

To correct the record, obtain and complete the Affidavit and Certificate of Correction Request form. Ensure the form is signed in the presence of a notary public. Gather supporting documentation, providing evidence that substantiates the requested correction, such as court orders in cases of legal name change or copies of government-issued identification. Include a check or money order for the fees, which is $15. Mail the documents to the Division of Vital Records.

Does Illinois Provide Non-binary Birth Certificates?

Yes. Illinois provides non-binary birth certificates. Since July 2020, individuals born in Illinois have the option to select a gender-neutral designation marked as "X" on their birth certificates, alongside the traditional "male" and "female" options. This permits persons who do not exclusively identify as male or female to have their gender accurately recorded on their official documents.

Effective July 2023, Illinois amended its law to permit individuals with existing Illinois birth certificates to change the gender marker on their birth record after signing a statement affirming their gender designation.