Cook County Clerk’s Office: Bureau of Vital Records

Overview

Official Record Keeper

The Bureau of Vital Records, a division of the Cook County Clerk’s Office, serves as the official custodian of vital events that occur within Chicago and suburban Cook County. Located in the historic Cook County Building, this office is responsible for maintaining and issuing millions of records dating back to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. It is an essential resource for citizens requiring legal documentation for identification, travel, and geneaological research. 📜

Essential Services

Issuance of certified Birth Certificates
Processing and issuance of Death Certificates
Administration of Marriage Licenses and Civil Union Certificates
Genealogy research services and historical records access
Registration of Assumed Business Names (DBA)

Important Visitor Information

Visitors requesting certified copies must present valid government-issued photo identification. While walk-in service is available, lines can be long, so arriving early is recommended. Please note that for security reasons, personal checks are generally not accepted for vital records; payment should be made via cash, card, or money order.

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Category: Vital Records (Birth & Death Certificates) Chicago

Address: 118 N Clark St # 120
Chicago
Illinois
60602
United States

Map Directions

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 641070

Phone: +1 312-603-7790

Website

Year Founded: 1831

Mon:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tue:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wed:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thu:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Fri:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sat:

Closed

Sun:

Closed

Appointment & Visit Policy:

Walk-ins Welcome (Clerk Office / Counters)
Appointments Encouraged (Walk-ins limited)
E-Filing / Online Processing Available
Certified Interpreters Available

Payment Methods:

Cash (Accepted)
Cashier's Check / Certified Check
Money Order
Credit/Debit Cards

Parking, Transit & Accessibility:

Paid Parking Garage / Structure
Metered Street Parking (Coins/App)
Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
Elevators Available
ADA Compliant Restrooms

Security, Dress Code & Prohibited Items:

Airport-Style Screening (Metal Detectors)
Valid Photo ID Required for Entry
All Bags Subject to Search
No Cameras or Audio Recording
No Weapons (Firearms, Knives, Ammo)
No Outside Food or Drink

Department Services & Divisions:

Vital Records Division, Genealogy Unit, Ethics and Campaign Disclosure

Permits, Licenses & Records:

Birth Certificates, Death Certificates, Marriage Licenses, Civil Union Certificates, Business Registrations

Public Transit / Bus Lines:

Stop: Clark/Lake (Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple Lines), Stop: Washington/Wells (Brown, Orange, Pink, Purple Lines), Stop: Clark St & Randolph St (Bus Routes 22, 24)

Jurisdiction Level:

County Level (Serving the entire County)

Cook County Clerk’s Office: Bureau of Vital Records – Chicago, IL

Overview