Birth Certificates

The Cook County Clerk's office keeps official records of births that occur in Chicago and suburban Cook County.

Under state law, you may legally obtain a certified copy of your own birth certificate if of legal age and/or the birth certificate of your child (your name must appear on the child's birth certificate).

Court-appointed legal guardians may obtain birth certificates of the children under their care if they submit a certified copy of the appointment. Certified copies of appointments can be obtained from the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Requests made with legal guardianship papers must be made in person or through the mail.

Requesting a birth certificate

You may obtain a birth certificate in one of 5 methods:

1. Order Online
2. Order By Phone
• Call Toll-Free: (866) 252-8974
3. 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 Birth Certificate Request Form*
• a photocopy of your photo identification
• a check or money order payable to the Cook County Clerk for $15 (additional copies of the same record cost $4 each)
• a self-addressed stamped envelope
• Note: Be sure to include your phone number with your mail request.
4. 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.
5. Visit us in person at one of six locations