Death Certificate Information

Funeral homes file all Death Certificates with the Health District Office of Vital Records. There are three types of Death Certificates:

• Medical Death Certificates (if the person died in a hospital)
• Temporary Death Certificates (if the an inquest or autopsy is pending)
• Permanent Coroner's Death Certificates (if the person died at home or in a nursing home)

Note: once an inquest or autopsy is completed, a Permanent Coroner's Death Certificate is filed.

How to obtain a copy of a Death Certificate

Funeral homes often take care of this for the families of the deceased. But family members who have a compelling need for a Death Certificate may call or write us for a copy. Come to the Health District Main Building at 201 W. Kenyon Rd., Champaign, and visit the Registrar at the front office. You must bring a photo ID (preferably a driver's license) or documents verifying that you have a legal need for the certificate (for example, if you are the executor of the estate of the deceased). You will be asked to complete an application for search of records. Death Certificates cost $12 for the first copy, $4 for each additional copy per child. You may also write to request a Death Certificate. You must provide a photocopy of a photo ID and evidence that you have a compelling need for the certificate. Fill out the application for search of records and mail it in with your request.

Send your request to:

Vital Records
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District
201 W. Kenyon Rd.
Champaign, IL 61820

Don't forget to include your return address!

All written requests will be processed within one business day of their receipt.

NOTE: The Health District keeps death certificates for those who died in Champaign County in the past 10 years. For death certificates of those who died in Champaign County more than 10 years ago, please contact the Champaign County Clerk's office.

Application for search of records
Sample death certificate
How to change incorrect information on a death certificate

In addition to keeping records of births and deaths occurring in the last 10 years, the Health District also records the leading causes of death in Champaign County.