How to Order a Birth Certificate From Cook County, Illinois

Order your birth certificate from the Cook County Vital Records department.

The Cook County, Illinois clerk's office houses all birth records for individuals born in Chicago and suburban Cook County at its vital records' office. You must complete a request form, meet eligibility requirements and pay all required fees to obtain copies of a birth certificate. You must first confirm your eligibility to retrieve the birth certificate. According to Illinois state law, you must be the person named on the birth certificate or the parent of the individual identified on the certificate. If you're a legal guardian, provide certified copies of your guardianship papers to obtain copies of the birth certificate. Finally, whether you need a birth certificate for school enrollment or to apply for a passport, there are a variety of options available to get a Cook County birth certificate.

Instructions

By Phone

1. Gather your credit card information.

2. Call 866-252-8974 to access the automated system.

3. Follow the voice prompts and complete the instructions given.

By Mail

1. Complete a birth certificate request form. Include your phone number.

2. Make photocopies of your photo ID, such as a driver's licensee or state-issued ID and write a $15 check or money order made payable to: Cook County. As of 2011, additional birth certificate copies are $4 each.

3. Assemble all of these in a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail it to: Cook County Clerk David Orr, Bureau of Vital Records, P.O. Box 642570 Chicago, IL 60664-2570.

In Person

1. Assemble your documentation.

2. Visit one of the six Cook County vital records office locations. Contact the office nearest your location and ask about the days and times of operation before visiting the agency. Bring all required documents and fees.

3. Visit a local Currency Exchange office to obtain a birth certificate. This agency provides financial and government services to the general public. Contact a customer service agent at 847-759-8905 for days and hours of service and office locations.

Online

1. Access the Cook County clerk's office official birth certificate web page and click "Order Online."

2. Wait to be redirected. After selecting "Birth Certificate" and the birth city, you will be redirected to Vital Check's web page, a third-party credit card order site.

3. Follow the on-screen directions to order the birth certificate for $15. Additional copies are $4 each.

Tips & Warnings

• Review the list of acceptable forms of identification on the Cook County clerk's office official website.

• Legal guardians can only request a birth certificate in-person or by mail.

• All requests placed by phone, using a credit card, will be charged an additional fee.

• The Currency Exchange will charge an additional $5 for all birth certificate requests, as of April 2011.

References

• Cook County Clerk Vital Records: Birth Certificates
• Cook County Clerk's Office: Place an Order

Resources

• Cook County: Birth Certificate Request Form
• Cook County Clerk Vital Records: What do I Need?
• Cook County Clerk's Office: Vital Records
• Chicago Currency Exchange: Homepage