If the death was in Cook, start with the county Clerk, not Springfield. Confirm the town registrar if the funeral home filed outside the county bureau.
Who may request
A relative, or someone who can prove a financial interest in the death, under Illinois law. Bring proof of relationship or interest.
What to bring
A photocopy of photo identification with a mail request. In person, bring valid photo ID. See the Clerk's identification page before you go.
Where to write or visit
Mail: Cook County Clerk's Office, Bureau of Vital Records, P.O. Box A3390, Chicago, IL 60690. In person at downtown Vital Records and suburban courthouse locations listed on the Clerk's site.
Notes from the desk
The Clerk keeps deaths that occurred in Chicago and suburban Cook County. Some suburban towns have their own registrar. Mail averages about 20 working days. Additional copies of the same record are $6 when you ask for them on the first request. Illinois state extras are also inexpensive. Order enough the first time. Online orders, where offered, go through a vendor. This desk takes no cut.