Birth Certificates

Cook County Clerk's Office provides birth records free of charge for verified homeless, domestic violence victims, and formerly incarcerated. Others can obtain a birth certificate for a fee.

Date of Last Formal Update

11/28/2022

Data provided by

211 Metro Chicago

Physical Address

118 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60602

Hours

Mon 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Tue 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Wed 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Thu 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM;

Application process

Check the website to submit a Free Birth Record Request Form and Status Certification if you are homeless, victim of domestic violence, or formerly incarcerated.For others to apply and charge your credit card, call (866) 252-8974 or go to https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/vital-records. You can also order by mail or apply in person at one of Cook County's clerk offices or a currency exchange.

Eligibility

A free birth record is available to persons born in Cook County who are verified as either: homeless, residents of shelters for victims of domestic abuse/violence, and/or formerly incarcerated (released in the last 90 days) or soon-to-be-released inmates and detainees from IDOC or Cook County Jail. Verification from a parole release form or a status certification form completed by a qualified human services staff is required. An individual cannot submit a form without proper verification from an approved human services provider.Others can apply for a birth certificate for a fee.

Languages

English

Service area

Cook county, IL

Agency info

Cook County Clerk

The Cook County Clerk's Office facilitates coordinating various social services to those in need.