Apply for a Vital Record - Birth, Marriage/Civil Union or Death

Vital records are protected by the Vital Records Act, which does not provide for giving out information over the telephone. A search fee is required in advance, plus we must determine if the person is entitled to the record before issuing or releasing any information. Vital Records cannot be faxed.

For the Vital Records Application Form click here. 

We are now able to accept credit/debit cards for some services.  (There is an automatic additional fee to CourtMoney.com added to your transaction for this service.)   If you wish to pay by credit/debit card, print your application form in order to determine the correct fee, then please click the following link:                    https://www.courtmoney.com/makepayment/payment.php?testID=1617   

                                                            or call 800-352-9870 - Form Code is 1289. 

When you pay by credit/debit card, we will receive an email confirming payment.  Please be sure you are authorized to receive this vital record, as there is no refund for requests that we are not able to fill. 

You must still mail, email or fax the application form and a copy of your I.D. before we can procress your request.  If sending form and copy of I.D. by mail, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE).  If sending by fax or email, please add $1 to our fee for envelope and postage or we will hold until we receive a SASE from you.   Only requests pre-paid thru CourtMoney.com may fax or email their form and copy of I.D.

If you do not have photo identification, for acceptable proof per Illinois Department of Public Health click here.

To request a birth certificate of a deceased person, complete this State required form (click here) and send with all documents. 

If you use an "overnight" service, you must arrange for pick up.  (Some will charge us if we call even if it is pre-paid so we do not call those.)

CERTIFIED & GENEALOGY COPIES

*Written requests should be mailed to Jefferson County Clerk, 100 South 10th Street, Room 105, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864. Certified funds payment, a copy of photo identification, and a SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) must accompany request. 

MARRIAGE & CIVIL UNION RECORDS

Fee: $15 for first and $10 for each additional copy of the same record at the same time. Requirements: Name of Couple and date of marriage
Only couple and their parents listed on back can get full certified copy.  Local checks, cash or certified funds, plus SASE if mail return requested.  Vital Records cannot be faxed or emailed.

*Request in writing or in person with a copy of ID

“For Genealogy Purposes Only” copy may be issued to a person with a genealogical interest for a $10 fee either in person or by mail. Our marriage records begin with 1830, and must be 50 years old to obtain a full copy or 20 years old for the front only copy. (The front only copy does not show parents, etc., if available.) 

BIRTH RECORD

Fee: $15 for first and $10 for each additional copy of the same record at the same time.  Local checks, cash or certified funds, plus SASE if mail return requested.  Vital Records cannot be faxed or emailed.

Who may receive a certified copy:

• The person named on record if they are 18 years of age or older
• The parents whose names are listed on the record
• Relative with a notarized statement from one of the above, statement must list name and date on record and name of who is allowed to pick up (with ID)
• Legal guardian of person with Court papers and ID
• Legal representative (attorney) to whom the record related
• Veterans administration or an accredited veterans organization (no charge)