Death Certificates

The Cook County Clerk's office keeps official records of deaths that occur in Chicago and suburban Cook County.

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.

Requesting a death certificate

There are five ways to obtain a death certificate:

1. Order Online

Order online via VitalChek.

  • You will need to know the place of death (City, Town, or Village in Cook County), the decedent’s full name, and the date of death.
  • In addition to the standard record fees, VitalChek online orders charge $12.45 for processing and standard postage.
  • After the order has been approved, processing time averages 10-15 business days for regular mail orders and 5-10 business days for UPS orders. 
  • Credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express & Discover) and checks are accepted.
2. Order By Phone

Call Toll-Free: (866) 252-8974

3. Order By Mail
Mail your request to:
Cook County Clerk's Office
Bureau of Vital Records
P.O. Box 641070
Chicago, IL 60664-1070
 
  • Include the following items:
    • proof of immediate relationship and or financial interest in the death certificate
    • a photocopy of your photo identification
    • a check or money order payable to the Cook County Clerk for $17* (additional copies of the same record cost $6* each at the time of request) *Effective July 1, 2012 per PA 97-0679. 
    • a self-addressed stamped envelope
    • Note: Be sure to include your phone number with your mail request.
4. Go to a local Currency Exchange
  • Call (847) 759-8905 for Currency Exchange hours and locations in Chicago and suburban Cook County, or visit www.mycurrencyexchange.com.
  • There is a $5 surcharge for records obtained at Currency Exchanges.
5. Visit us in person at one of our locations 

Most records are printed on demand while you wait at any of our locations (downtown and three suburban courthouses).

  • Records are $17 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy of the same record.
  • Cash, debit cards and credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express & Discover) are accepted. A $1.25 processing fee is charged for debit cards; a $1.75 processing fee for credit cards. Checks are not accepted.