Sangamon County Birth Records Search
Sangamon County birth records go back to 1877. The County Clerk's office in Springfield is the main place to search for and get copies of birth certificates filed in this county. Springfield is both the county seat and the state capital, which means you have extra options for getting birth records here. The Sangamon County Clerk handles all birth records from 1877 to present. The Springfield City Clerk also keeps a separate set of records, but only for births that took place in the city from 1985 forward. Knowing which office to use can save time and sometimes money when you search for a Sangamon County birth certificate.
Sangamon County Quick Facts
Sangamon County Clerk Birth Certificate Office
The Sangamon County Clerk at 200 S. Ninth Street, 1st Floor, Springfield, IL 62701, is the primary office for birth records. This is where you go for any birth that took place in Sangamon County from 1877 to the present. Staff process requests in person, by mail, and through an online system. Call (217) 753-6700 for general questions. You can also reach the vital records division by email at vitalrecords@sangamonil.gov.
One thing to know: birth certificates are confidential records in Sangamon County. No information will be provided over the telephone. The office will not confirm whether a record exists, give out dates, or share any details by phone. You must submit a written request with proper ID. This rule comes from the Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535), which treats birth records as restricted documents statewide.
The Sangamon County birth records page has forms, fee details, and instructions for all ordering methods.
| Address |
200 S. Ninth Street, 1st Floor Springfield, IL 62701 Phone: (217) 753-6700 |
|---|---|
| vitalrecords@sangamonil.gov | |
| Website | sangamonil.gov |
Sangamon County Birth Records Online
The Sangamon County government website has a page dedicated to birth record requests. You can view it at sangamonil.gov for the latest forms and ordering instructions.
That page walks you through every step for requesting a Sangamon County birth certificate. It covers the online system, mail-in process, and what to bring for in-person visits. The site also lists the ID types the clerk accepts and explains the fee structure.
Springfield City Clerk Birth Records
People born in Springfield have a second option. The Springfield City Clerk keeps birth records from 1985 to the present for births that took place within city limits. This office is at 300 S. 7th Street, Room 106, Springfield, IL 62701-1688. The City Clerk charges $17 for the first copy, which is $8 less than the County Clerk. Additional copies cost $7 each from either office.
There are some limits with the City Clerk. Their office only has birth records from 1985 to current. If the birth happened before January 1, 1985, you need to contact the Sangamon County Clerk's office instead. The City Clerk also enforces strict confidentiality. Absolutely no information can be given over the telephone regarding vital records. You can email Vital.Records@Springfield.IL.US with questions, but do not expect them to share record details electronically. Submit your formal request in writing.
You can find more about the Springfield City Clerk's birth record services at cityclerk.springfield.il.us.
The Springfield City Clerk page shown above explains which records are on file and how to request them. It is a useful resource if the birth took place in Springfield after 1985.
Sangamon County Birth Certificate Fees
The cost to get a birth certificate depends on which office you use. The Sangamon County Clerk charges $25 for the first certified copy and $7 for each additional copy. The Springfield City Clerk charges $17 for the first copy and $7 for extras. If price matters and the birth happened in Springfield after 1985, the City Clerk saves you a few dollars.
At the state level, the Illinois Department of Public Health charges $10 for a short-form copy and $15 for a long-form copy. Extra copies from IDPH are $2 each. The trade-off is time. State mail orders take about 12 weeks. Sangamon County processes most requests much faster, especially walk-ins.
ID Needed for Sangamon County Birth Records
The Sangamon County Clerk requires valid identification with every birth record request. Accepted forms of ID include a driver's license, state-issued ID, military ID, or passport. If you do not have one of these, you can submit three alternative forms that show your current name and address. Examples include a voter registration card, W-2 form, bank statement, utility bill, or vehicle registration.
Your ID must be current and not expired. Under 410 ILCS 535/25, only specific people can receive a certified birth certificate from Sangamon County. These include the person named on the record (age 18 or older), a parent shown on the certificate, a legal guardian with judge-signed papers, a legal representative with proper authorization, or someone with a court order. The clerk checks your ID against these rules before releasing any birth record.
Note: If your ID is expired, unreadable, or missing, the Sangamon County Clerk will return your request unprocessed.
Sangamon County Genealogy Birth Records
Sangamon County has a searchable online index for older birth records. This is a useful starting point for genealogy research. Birth records that are 75 years old or more are available as uncertified genealogical copies under Illinois law. These copies cannot be used for legal purposes but work well for family tree research.
Since Sangamon County has records going back to 1877, there is a large pool of historical birth data available for researchers. The county's online index lets you look up names and dates before you place a formal request. Genealogical copies cost $10 through the state office at IDPH. The Illinois Association of County Clerks and Recorders can also point you to resources for locating older Sangamon County birth records across different archives and depository systems.
Illinois Law on Sangamon County Birth Records
Several state laws govern how birth records work in Sangamon County. The Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535) is the main statute. It sets the rules for registration, issuance, and correction of birth certificates statewide. Under 410 ILCS 535/12, each live birth must be registered with the local registrar within seven days. When the birth happens in a hospital, the facility is responsible for filing.
If a birth in Sangamon County was never properly registered, 410 ILCS 535/14 covers delayed registration. For births more than seven years ago, a "Delayed Record of Birth" form is required with sworn testimony and supporting evidence. Contact the Sangamon County Clerk at (217) 753-6700 for help with this process.
New birth certificates can also be issued under 410 ILCS 535/17 for adoptions, paternity establishment, and other qualifying events. The original certificate gets sealed, and a new one is created. The fee is $15 for the new certificate from the state, plus $2 for additional copies.
Cities in Sangamon County
Sangamon County is home to Springfield, the state capital and its largest city. All birth certificates for people born anywhere in Sangamon County are available from the County Clerk. Births in Springfield from 1985 onward can also be obtained from the Springfield City Clerk at a lower fee.
Other communities in Sangamon County include Chatham, Rochester, Sherman, Riverton, and Auburn. All birth records for these areas are filed with the Sangamon County Clerk in Springfield.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Sangamon County. If you are unsure which county a birth was recorded in, check the location of the hospital or residence at the time. Birth records go to the county where the birth took place, not where the family moved later.