Information about Birth Certificates

Please see our new price list effective December 1, 2018 on the General Information tab.

• Under Illinois State Law (410 ILCS 535-Vital Records Act) only specific individuals have legal access to birth, death, or marriage certificates. The Ford County Clerk’s Office will issue certificates to authorized individuals only. Vital Records are not considered public information, nor are they subject to the Freedom of Information Act.
• Absolutely no information can be given over the telephone regarding any Vital Record.
• The earliest Birth Records available in Ford County are from 1878.
• If you were not born in Ford County, please contact either the county of your birth or contact the State Department of Vital Records at (217) 782-6553.
• If the certificate has been on file for 75 years or longer, anyone with a genealogical interest may have a non-certified copy of the certificate, stamped “for genealogical purposes only”.

Note: Any person who with the intention to deceive, willfully uses or attempts to use any certificate of birth or certified copy of a record of birth knowing that such certificate or certified copy was issued upon a record that is false in whole or in part or that relates to the birth of another person, is guilty of a Class 4 felony in the state of Illinois.

How to Obtain A Certified Copy of A Birth Certificate

• Of legal age (18 or an emancipated minor with certified court documentation) if requesting your own.
• The mother or father (if listed on the certificate) of the child whose certificate is being requested.
• A Legal Guardian with certified court documentation proving verification of guardianship.
• An Agent having a Notarized letter from any of the above authorizing your access to the record.
• A Legal Representative, i.e. an attorney acting on behalf of the person named on the Birth Certificate (must have authorized documentation).
• An Agent authorized by power of attorney that specifically states that the record can be obtained.
• An Agent approved by the State Registrar.

Requests Made In Person at the Office

• Only Cash or Check (credit/debit card not accepted)
• Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except for county holidays). The cost per visit is $17.00 for first copy, $8.00 each additional copy of the same Birth Certificate. Please make your check payable to Ford County Clerk.
  All transactions must be completed before 4:15 PM.
• Requests made in the office require a valid Driver’s License, State-issued ID, or a Passport (Authorized English translation must accompany identification that is not U.S. issued).
  *For a request of a deceased individual, you must also include a copy of the death certificate or obituary, send a copy of your State Issued I.D. and fill out the Request for Birth Record of Deceased Individual.

Requests Made Through Mail

• All Mail Requests must include a copy of a signature ID. (The extension of the expiration date must be copied if applicable).The cost per visit is $17.00 for first copy, $8.00 each additional copy of the same Birth Certificate. Please make your check payable to Ford County Clerk.
  *For a request of a deceased individual, you must also include a copy of the death certificate or obituary, send a copy of your State Issued I.D. and fill out the Request for Birth Record of Deceased Individual.
• IL Law (ILCS410/535/25(1)) requires advance payment for the searching of genealogical search of files that occurred 75 years ago or more. This $10.00 search fee is per visit, per birth and non-refundable and must be a separate check or money order. The cost per visit is $10.00 for first copy, $5.00 each additional copy of the same Birth Certificate. Please make your check payable to Ford County Clerk.

ANY RETURNED CHECK MAY RESULT IN A $25.00 CHARGE