Tazewell County Obituary Records

Tazewell County obituary and death records are managed by the county clerk and recorder office in Pekin, Illinois. Located just south of Peoria, Tazewell County has over 131,000 residents and is part of the greater Peoria metro area. The county clerk keeps vital records including death certificates that families and legal representatives may need. Searching for obituary records in Tazewell County can be done at the clerk office, through the state health department, or online. This guide covers the steps, fees, and requirements for getting the records you need from Tazewell County.

Tazewell County Clerk Obituary Services

The Tazewell County Clerk and Recorder office handles vital records for the county. This includes death certificates, birth records, marriage licenses, and civil union records. The office is in Pekin, the county seat. You can find forms and instructions on the Tazewell County vital records page.

To get a death certificate from Tazewell County, visit the clerk office with a valid photo ID. You need to show that you are a family member, legal representative, or someone with a personal or property right interest in the record. The clerk can search by name and date of death. Certified copies come with a raised seal for legal use. Contact the Tazewell County Clerk office for current fees, as they may differ from the state rates. Under 410 ILCS 535/25, the county clerk issues certified copies to those who qualify under the Vital Records Act.

Note: Bring the full name of the deceased and the approximate date of death to help the Tazewell County clerk find the right record quickly.

Tazewell County Obituary Record Page

The Tazewell County Clerk has an online page for vital records services. Below is a look at the Tazewell County vital records page that lists available services and how to make requests for obituary-related documents.

This page shows the types of records available, the forms to fill out, and the steps for submitting your request. Review it before visiting the office so you know what to bring for your Tazewell County obituary record request.

How to Search Tazewell County Death Records

Finding obituary records in Tazewell County starts with knowing where and when the death occurred. If it was in Tazewell County, the county clerk in Pekin is your first stop. For deaths anywhere in Illinois from 1916 to the present, the state health department has records too.

The Illinois Department of Public Health maintains a statewide death record database. You can request certified copies at $19 each or genealogical copies at $10. Mail your request to 925 E. Ridgely Avenue in Springfield. The state takes about 12 weeks for mail requests. If you need a Tazewell County record faster, the county clerk office is usually quicker.

For historical obituary research, the Illinois State Archives death index is a free online tool that covers 1916 to 1972. Search by name and you will find the date, county, and certificate number for deaths in that period. This can help you pinpoint a Tazewell County death before ordering the full certificate. Deaths more than 20 years old qualify for genealogical copies at a lower fee.

• Tazewell County Clerk in Pekin for local records
• IDPH in Springfield for statewide records from 1916 on
• VitalChek online for credit card orders with extra fees
• Illinois State Archives for free death index from 1916 to 1972

Tazewell County Death Record Access

Death records in Illinois are not public records. This is a key point for anyone trying to get a copy from Tazewell County. Under 410 ILCS 535/24, access to vital records is limited. You must have a personal or property right interest in the record. Family members like a spouse, parent, child, or sibling can request copies. Legal representatives and estate executors also qualify with proper paperwork.

You need valid photo ID for any request. An Illinois driver's license or state ID works best. The state also accepts a US passport or military ID. If you lack a photo ID, three forms of ID with your name and address may be enough. Vital records are exempt from the Freedom of Information Act under 5 ILCS 140/. FOIA requests for Tazewell County death records will be denied.

Genealogical copies are an option for older records. Deaths that occurred 20 or more years ago can be obtained as uncertified copies for research. The state charges $10 for these. They have the same details as a certified copy but cannot be used for legal matters. Death records over 50 years old may also be found at the Illinois State Archives in Springfield for genealogical study.

Death Registration in Tazewell County

Under 410 ILCS 535/18, every death in Tazewell County must be registered within 7 days. The funeral director files the death certificate with the local registrar. A physician or medical examiner completes the medical certification within 48 hours of the death. Once filed, the record is kept by both the Tazewell County Clerk and the Illinois state registrar.

Because Tazewell County is next to Peoria County, some residents may pass away in Peoria hospitals or medical facilities. In that case, the death certificate would be filed in Peoria County, not Tazewell. Always check where the death actually occurred. The certificate goes to the county where the death happened, regardless of where the person lived. If you are not sure, both the Tazewell County and Peoria County clerk offices can check their records for you.

Illinois State Obituary Resources

The state office for death records is at IDPH in Springfield. They have all Illinois deaths from 1916 to the present. The obtain death certificate page has the application form. You can also order through VitalChek with a credit card. Extra fees apply for online orders, including $15 for handling and $22 for UPS shipping. Urgent requests need proof of immediate need, such as a travel itinerary or insurance company letter.

Cities in Tazewell County

Tazewell County includes the cities of Pekin, East Peoria, Morton, Washington, and several smaller communities. None have a population above 50,000. All death certificates in Tazewell County are filed through the county clerk office in Pekin.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Tazewell County. Deaths near the county line may have been filed in a neighboring county. Confirm where the death took place before requesting records.