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Researchers have 2 methods to obtain copies of death certificates:

Method 1

  1. Submit a copy of the National Death Index (NDI) Death Certificate Request Form that lists the name(s) of each individual for whom you are requesting a death certificate.
  2. A copy of an Institutional Review Board approval that is current for your research project.
  3. Payment of the fee in the form of a check made payable to the Illinois Department of Public Health. There is a $10 fee for each death certificate searched.
  4. A signed acknowledgment form (see FORMS in the right-hand column) – PDF

Send items 1-4 to:

Illinois Department of Public Health
Division of Vital Records
Attention: Research
925 E. Ridgely Avenue
Springfield, Illinois 62702-2737

In the event your request is not approved, your payment will be returned.

If a copy of the NDI Death Certificate Request form is not submitted, the researcher must complete and submit information outlined in Method 2.

Method 2

  1. Study protocol that contains objectives of the research; rationale for the research, including literature justifying the current proposal; and overall study methods, including copies of forms, questionnaires, and consent forms used to contact facilities, physicians or study objects.
  2. Methods for the processing of data.
  3. Storage and security measures taken to ensure confidentiality of the registrant and parental identifying information.
  4. Time frame of the study.
  5. Description of the funding source of the study (e.g., federal contract).
  6. The curriculum vitae of the principal investigator and a list of collaborators.
  7. The research request must specify what identifying information is needed and how the information will be used.
  8. A copy of an Institutional Review Board approval that is current for your research project.
  9. Payment of the fee in the form of a check made payable to the Illinois Department of Public Health. There is a $10 fee for each death certificate requested.
  10. A signed acknowledgment form (go to FORMS in the right-hand column) –  PDF

Send items 1-10 to:

Illinois Department of Public Health
Division of Vital Records
Attention: Research
925 E. Ridgely Avenue
Springfield, Illinois 62702-2737

In the event your request is not approved, your payment will be returned.

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