Cook County IL Vital Records

Who Handles Vital Records in Cook County

In Cook County, Illinois, the Cook County Clerk's office handles birth, death, and marriage records for events that occurred within the county. This is the office that issues certified copies of birth and death certificates and records marriage licenses. Illinois state law governs which vital records are considered public and which are confidential, so eligibility and access rules are set by statute rather than by individual staff preference.

This website is an informational resource only. It does not sell, print, or display certificates, and it is not affiliated with the Cook County Clerk. To obtain an actual certified document, you must go directly to the Cook County Clerk's office. Always confirm current procedures, accepted identification, and fee amounts on the official Cook County Clerk pages before you order.

Birth Certificates

Birth certificates are among the most tightly protected vital records in Illinois. Recent birth records are generally confidential for a set number of years under state law, meaning they are not open to the general public. To request a certified copy, you typically must be an eligible requestor — for example, the person named on the record (an adult), a parent listed on the record, or a legal guardian or representative — and you must present valid government-issued photo identification.

Because the confidentiality period, the exact list of eligible requestors, and the acceptable forms of ID are defined by Illinois law and clerk policy, confirm these details directly with the Cook County Clerk before applying. Do not assume a friend or distant relative can order a copy on someone's behalf.

What you generally need

• Proof that you are an eligible requestor under Illinois law
• Valid government-issued photo identification
• The full name on the record and the date of birth
• Payment of the certificate fee (confirm the current amount with the Clerk)

Death Certificates

Certified death certificates for deaths occurring in Cook County are issued by the Cook County Clerk. Like birth records, recent death records are subject to confidentiality restrictions for a period defined by Illinois law, and certified copies are generally limited to eligible requestors such as immediate family members, the executor or administrator of the estate, or others with a documented legal interest.

You will normally need to provide identifying details about the deceased (full name and date of death), proof of your relationship or legal interest, and valid photo identification. Fees and the number of copies you may order should be confirmed on the official Cook County Clerk pages. Genealogical or older death records may have different access rules than recent ones.

Marriage Licenses and Records

The Cook County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for the county. A marriage license is obtained before the ceremony by the couple appearing together, while a certified marriage record documents a marriage that has already taken place. If you are planning to marry, both applicants generally must appear in person with valid identification; confirm the specific documents, waiting periods, and license validity window with the Clerk, because these are set by Illinois law and office policy.

Certified copies of marriage records are typically available to the parties named on the record and other eligible requestors. As with birth and death records, confirm eligibility rules and fees with the Cook County Clerk rather than relying on unofficial sources.

Assumed Names and Other Clerk Services

Beyond birth, death, and marriage records, the Cook County Clerk's office handles additional filings such as assumed business names (sometimes called "doing business as" registrations) and maintains other public records. The Clerk also records and maintains property records, including deeds and liens — that topic is covered on the separate Cook County property records page on this site.

Divorce is not a vital-records product. The Cook County Clerk does not issue divorce decrees. Divorce and dissolution-of-marriage records are handled through the court system by the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. If you are looking for divorce records, see the sibling divorce records page on this site or contact the Clerk of the Circuit Court directly.

How to Order Certified Copies

The Cook County Clerk generally offers more than one way to request certified vital records. Common options include ordering in person, by mail, or through an official online partner if one is available. Because methods, processing times, and fees change, verify the current options and any online partner directly on the official Cook County Clerk website.

1. In person: Bring valid government photo ID and your payment; confirm office locations and hours with the Clerk.
2. By mail: Follow the Clerk's mail instructions, including any required application form, a copy of your ID, and payment.
3. Online: Use only an official ordering partner listed by the Cook County Clerk — never a random third-party site.

This website does not process orders or display certificates. It exists to explain the process so you can go to the correct official office.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Cook County birth records public?

Recent birth records in Illinois are confidential for a period set by state law and are not open to the general public. Certified copies are limited to eligible requestors with valid ID. Confirm the exact rules with the Cook County Clerk.

How much does a certified copy cost?

Fee amounts are set by the Cook County Clerk and can change. This site does not list fees — check the official Cook County Clerk pages for current pricing before ordering.

Where do I get a divorce decree?

Divorce records are court records maintained by the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, not the Clerk's vital records office. See the divorce records page on this site or contact the Circuit Court Clerk.

Can I order for another person?

Only eligible requestors defined by Illinois law may order certified birth or death records. Confirm whether you qualify with the Cook County Clerk before applying.

Official & Public Resources

Cook County Clerk - Vital Records

Official Cook County Clerk office responsible for birth, death, and marriage records.

https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/

Cook County Sheriff's Office

Official home of the Cook County Sheriff's Office, which operates the Department of Corrections.

https://www.cookcountysheriffil.gov/

Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County

Official site of the Clerk of the Circuit Court maintaining Cook County court records.

https://www.cookcountyclerkofcourt.org/