Public Illinois Birth Records

There are many things you should know about Illinois Birth Records. This vital information is helpful for those of you conducting family history research. A copy of it is likewise useful in applying for a passport or establishing identity for the purpose of attending school abroad, getting a job and more. As a standard, this document contains germane pieces of data on someone such as his complete legal name, date and place of birth, attending physician’s names, parent’s names and so on.

In Illinois, this type of file is not open for public viewing. It’s only accessible to the person named on the certificate and immediate family members for a period of 75 years from the date of birth. Other individuals are allowed to get uncertified copies of these accounts for genealogical purposes only after 75 years since the event occurred. Authorized applicants must complete the application form with relevant specifics and show a copy of a current photo I.D.

Birth records filed since January 1916 can be ordered from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records. Or you may contact the county clerk’s office in the county where the person was born to obtain documents dated prior to 1916. The IDPH offers two kinds of certified birth records; both of which are apt for all legitimate purposes. These are the certified copy or long form and the certification or short form.

The first type is the exact copy of the birth certificate as arranged by the hospital. Its cost per copy is $15 while an additional $2 is needed for each extra copy of the same file ordered at the same time. The usual turnaround time for mailed requests is roughly three to four weeks from the date the order is received.

The second type is a computer abstract or summary of the birth certificate. This may include parent information depending on your year of birth. It’s much cheaper than the former at only $10 for each copy and $2 for each additional copy requested. For those who are below 16 years old asking for the document for a passport application, a $15 certified copy will be demanded by the passport office.

Compared to the old days, finding Public Birth Records is more effortless these days. By maximizing the Internet, you can get hold of the needed information without exerting too much effort or taking a lot of your valuable time and money. Reliable search sites online may require you to dispense a small amount, but the kind of service you’ll get will surely pay off.