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

You may obtain a death certificate in one of five ways:

Order Online
Order By Phone
- Call Toll-Free: (866) 252-8974
Write us
- Mail your request to:
  Cook County Clerk David Orr
  Bureau of Vital Records
  P.O. Box 641070
  Chicago, IL 60664-1070
  - Include the following items:
    - a completed Death Certificate Request Form*
    - 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). *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.
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.
Visit us in person at one of our six locations
- *Please note that some requests made at suburban locations may not be ready the same day.