Springfield Obituary Records
Springfield obituary records can be found through both the city clerk and the county clerk. Springfield is the state capital and the county seat of Sangamon County. What makes Springfield unique is that the City Clerk's office has its own death records from 1985 to the present. For older records, the Sangamon County Clerk handles requests. The Illinois Department of Public Health is also based in Springfield, giving residents direct access to the state vital records office.
Springfield Quick Facts
Springfield City Clerk Death Records
The Springfield City Clerk's Office is one of the few city offices in Illinois that keeps its own death records. They have records from 1985 to the present for deaths that occurred within Sangamon County. This is a valuable resource for Springfield residents because the fees are lower than the county rate and the office is easy to reach in downtown Springfield.
| Office | Springfield City Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 300 S. 7th Street, Room 106 Springfield, IL 62701 |
| Vital.Records@Springfield.IL.US | |
| Website | cityclerk.springfield.il.us |
The Springfield City Clerk charges $17 for the first copy and $7 for each additional copy. Credit card payments are accepted with a 2.10% plus $0.25 convenience fee. Only family members with valid ID, legal representatives, and those with a court order can get death records. The city clerk's office is a good first stop for Springfield obituary records if the death happened after 1985.
Note: The Springfield City Clerk only has death records from 1985 forward for deaths in Sangamon County.
Sangamon County Obituary Records
For deaths before 1985 or if you prefer the county route, the Sangamon County Clerk handles those records. The office is at 200 S. Ninth Street, Room 101, in Springfield. You can call them at (217) 753-6700 or email vitalrecords@sangamonil.gov. Sangamon County has death records from 1877 to the present.
The county charges $29 for the first certified copy and $11 for each additional copy. That is higher than the city rate, so if the death is from 1985 or later, the city clerk is the cheaper option for Springfield obituary records. The Sangamon County vital records page has information on ordering and what forms of ID you need to bring.
Sangamon County accepts requests online, by mail, and in person. Immediate family members are the main group that can order certified copies. That includes a mother, father, brother, sister, spouse, or child. The informant listed on the death record can also request a copy. Anyone with a personal or property right interest needs to provide documentation. The county follows the same rules as the rest of the state under the Illinois Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535).
Sangamon County Vital Records Page
The Sangamon County government website has a vital records section. Springfield residents can check the Sangamon County vital records page for the latest details on ordering death certificates.
The page covers all vital record types, including death, birth, and marriage certificates. It lists fees, accepted forms of ID, and the methods for submitting requests. Springfield residents who need to order by mail or online will find instructions on this page.
Illinois IDPH Office in Springfield
Springfield has a unique advantage. The Illinois Department of Public Health Division of Vital Records is based right in the city at 925 E. Ridgely Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702. This means Springfield residents can visit the state office in person during business hours from 10 AM to 3 PM on weekdays. Most people in other parts of Illinois have to deal with the state by mail.
The IDPH death records page explains the process. The state charges $19 for a certified copy and $4 for each additional. Genealogical copies for deaths 20 or more years old cost $10 for the first and $2 for each extra. In-person requests at the Springfield office may be processed faster than mail requests, which take about 12 weeks. Call (217) 782-6554 to check on current wait times.
The state office also handles urgent requests. If you need a Springfield obituary record fast, send your paperwork via overnight delivery with proof of immediate need. The IDPH processes urgent requests in 5 to 7 business days. Proof of immediate need includes things like travel itineraries, insurance company letters, or immigration agency notices.
Sangamon County Death Records
Sangamon County has a page specifically for death records. The Sangamon County death records page provides focused information on obtaining death certificates in Springfield and the surrounding area.
This page is more specific than the general vital records page. It covers just death certificates and has details on the types of copies available, who can order them, and the steps to complete a request. Springfield residents who know they need a death certificate can go straight to this page.
Note: Sangamon County death records go back to 1877, nearly 40 years before the state started keeping records in 1916.
Illinois Law on Springfield Death Records
Death records in Springfield follow Illinois state law. Under 410 ILCS 535/18, each death must be registered by filing a certificate with the local registrar within seven days. The funeral director files the completed certificate, and the attending physician must complete the medical portion within 48 hours. These rules apply to all deaths in Springfield regardless of whether you get the record from the city clerk, county clerk, or state office.
Access restrictions under 410 ILCS 535/24 protect the privacy of death records. They are not public records. The Freedom of Information Act does not apply to them per 5 ILCS 140/7(1)(a). Only people with a qualifying relationship or interest can get copies. Under 410 ILCS 535/25, the state offers fee waivers for victims of domestic violence who have a certification letter. Organizations chartered by Congress for death verification are also exempt from fees.
Finding Springfield Obituary Records
Springfield residents have three main options for death records. The city clerk is cheapest at $17 for records from 1985 onward. The county clerk has the deepest archive going back to 1877 but charges $29. The state office is in the middle at $19 and sits right in Springfield. For genealogical research, the Illinois State Archives death index covering 1916 to 1972 is free to search online.
The Illinois State Archives building is also in Springfield at the Capitol Complex. Their phone is (217) 782-4866. Death records older than 50 years may be available there for research under 410 ILCS 535/24. Springfield is one of the best places in Illinois to do in-person genealogical research because the state archives, the IDPH office, and the county clerk are all within a short drive of each other.
Sangamon County Obituary Records
Springfield is the county seat of Sangamon County. The county clerk handles death certificates for all of Sangamon County, which has about 196,000 residents. For a complete look at Sangamon County obituary resources and related offices, visit the county page.
Nearby Illinois Cities
Other Illinois cities with obituary record resources through their county clerk offices.