Mason County Obituary Records

Mason County obituary records are maintained at the County Clerk office in Havana, Illinois. Situated along the Illinois River in central Illinois, Mason County has a population of about 13,100. The clerk keeps death certificates for all deaths that occurred within county lines. The Illinois Department of Public Health also has Mason County death records going back to 1916. To get a copy, you need a valid photo ID and must show a qualifying reason under Illinois law. You can search for Mason County obituary records in person at the Havana courthouse, through the mail, or using the VitalChek online service. The county clerk offers the fastest turnaround for recent records.

Mason County Clerk for Death Records

The Mason County Clerk in Havana handles all vital records for the county. Death certificates for deaths that happened in Mason County are kept here. Contact the clerk to ask about what documents you need and the current fee schedule for Mason County obituary records.

Under 410 ILCS 535/18, each death in Mason County must be registered within 7 days. The funeral director files the death certificate. The physician completes the medical section within 48 hours. Records go to both the Mason County Clerk and the state. The clerk in Havana is typically faster for recent Mason County obituary records than IDPH, where mail processing takes about 12 weeks.

How to Search Mason County Obituary Records

Going to the courthouse in Havana is the quickest method. Bring your photo ID and tell the clerk who you need records for. Have the name and date of death ready. Staff can pull the record and make copies for you on the spot.

For mail requests, write to the Mason County Clerk in Havana. Include the deceased's name, date of death, your name and address, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order for the fee. Allow a couple of weeks. You can also use VitalChek to order online for a $15 handling fee. The IDPH request page has forms for state mail requests. State processing takes about 12 weeks for Mason County obituary records. Urgent requests with proof of immediate need get 5 to 7 business day processing from IDPH.

Note: Havana is a small town, so the clerk office may have shorter lines and more time for personal help with your search.

Mason County Death Certificate Fees

State rates are $19 for a certified copy and $4 for extras. Genealogical copies cost $10 first and $2 each. Mason County likely charges its own local rate, which for most Illinois counties falls between $16 and $29 for a first certified copy. VitalChek adds $15 plus $22 optional UPS delivery.

Fee waivers under 410 ILCS 535/25 apply to domestic violence victims with a certification letter. Certain organizations chartered by Congress also qualify for free death verification through Mason County or the state.

Illinois Obituary Resources

The IDPH death records portal covers how to get obituary records from any Illinois county, including Mason.

This page walks through each request method and explains what ID you need. The Illinois State Archives has a free death index from 1916 to 1972 for older Mason County obituary records. The IACCR directory lists all county clerks in Illinois. FamilySearch offers free access to Illinois deaths from 1916 to 1947.

Who Can Get Mason County Records

Illinois limits access to death certificates. Under 410 ILCS 535/24, you need a personal or property right interest to request Mason County obituary records. Family members, legal reps, and estate administrators can get copies with proper ID or documentation. A court order also works.

Genealogical copies for deaths 20 or more years old are available at a reduced fee. These uncertified copies are good for family history but not legal matters. Vital records are exempt from FOIA under 5 ILCS 140/7(1)(a). You cannot use a public records request for Mason County death certificates. Valid photo IDs include a driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, or military ID. Without a photo ID, three forms showing your current name and address may be accepted. Check with the Mason County Clerk in Havana before you visit to be sure you bring the right documents.

Nearby Counties

These counties are next to Mason County. Check with the right clerk if the death may have been recorded in a neighboring county.