Death Certificate Information

WHO CAN OBTAIN A CERTIFIED DEATH CERTIFICATE?

Death records are not public records. Certified copies are available to individuals who meet the eligibility requirements under Illinois law and have a personal or property right interest in the record.

REQUEST IN PERSON

Visit the Vermilion County Clerk’s office to request a certified death certificate. Applicants must provide a valid government-issued photo ID and complete an application.

REQUEST BY MAIL

Mail your completed application to:

Vermilion County Clerk’s Office

201 N. Vermilion St.

Danville, IL  61832

Include:

  • Completed Application
  • Copy of a valid government-issued photo ID
  • Check or money order payable to the Vermilion County Clerk
  • Self-addressed, stamped return envelope

MAIL REQUEST FORM

IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

A valid government-issued photo ID is required.

Acceptable forms of identification include:

  • Driver’s License
  • State ID
  • Passport

IF YOUR ID HAS EXPIRED

Proof of identity must be provided to request any vital records.  The following examples of identification are acceptable in person or by mail.

  1. Valid Government Issued Photo ID
    Provide 1 of the following as long as the item is not expired
  • Driver’s License
  • State Issued Photo ID
  • Passport
  1. Government Issued ID that has expired (if no more than 6 months)
    You must have an item in both of the following categories
  • A government issued photo ID that has expired &
  • One additional document showing your name and current address (insurance card, paycheck, membership card or piece of mail)
  1. No ID or Government Issue ID expired (more than 6 months)
    You must have an item in both of the following categories
  • One of the following:
    • Medical/Card Insurance Card
    • Car registration paperwork
    • Credit Card Statement
    • Bank Statement
    • Voter Registration Card & 
  • One additional document showing your name and current address (statement, mail, paycheck)

NOTE: SOCIAL SECURITY CARDS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE IDENTIFICATION

FEES

First Certified Copy $23.00

Each Additional Copy (same record, same order) $12.00

FEE WAIVERS

A death certificate for an active-duty service member or an honorably discharged veteran of the United States military is eligible for one free certified copy when the death occurred in Vermilion County, Illinois.

  • First copy free
  • Each additional certified copy: $6.00
  • Must provide copy of DD214
  • Identification requirements required

GENEALOGY REQUESTS

Death certificates may be issued for genealogy purposes if the death occurred in Vermilion County, Illinois.

  • On file at least 20 years
  • Identification requirements required

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS–https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/birth-death-other-records.html

*Note:  All vital records (birth certificate, death certificate and marriage license) are not public records, and therefore are not subject to the Freedom of Information Act.