The Cook County Clerk's office is the official record keeper for births and deaths that occur in Chicago and suburban Cook County. Cook County Vital Records provides copies of these documents to eligible individuals upon request.
Visitors can find more information on each topic by selecting the corresponding topic to the left.
Birth Certificates ($15)
Cook County Vital Records keeps official records of births that occur in Chicago and suburban Cook County.
Additional copies of the same record cost $4 each at the time of request.
Free birth certificate now available if you are:
- Homeless
- Living in a domestic violence shelter
- Formerly incarcerated & released in last 90 days
Free birth certificates are only available when submitted with verification from a parole release form or a status certification from completed by an approved human services provider.
Death Certificates ($17*)
Under state law, you may legally obtain a copy of a death certificate if you are a relative or can prove a financial
interest in an individual's death.
Additional copies of the same record cost $6* each at the time of request.
*Effective July 1, 2012 per Public Act 97-0679