Search Washington County Birth Records
Washington County birth records are kept at the County Clerk's office in Nashville. The clerk has birth certificates for all births that took place in Washington County, with records going back to about 1877. You can get a certified copy by visiting the courthouse in person or by mailing a request. Staff can search by name, date of birth, or parents' names, and most walk-in requests are done the same day. Washington County serves around 13,700 people and fields birth record requests from residents and from those tracing family connections to this part of southern Illinois.
Washington County Quick Facts
Washington County Clerk Birth Records
The Washington County Clerk is your source for all birth certificates in the county. The office is at the courthouse in Nashville. Walk-ins are welcome on weekdays. Bring your photo ID. Staff can pull a record and print a certified copy while you wait.
Call (618) 327-4800 with any questions before your visit. The Washington County Clerk works under the Illinois Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535), which controls how birth records are handled across the entire state. The law spells out who can get a certified copy and what forms of ID the clerk must accept. Staff also handle death and marriage records, making them experienced in all types of vital record requests. Washington County keeps its records well organized, and the office runs smoothly even during busy periods.
The courthouse in Nashville is easy to find. Parking is free and the clerk's office is on the main floor.
| Office | Washington County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address |
101 E. St. Louis Street Nashville, IL 62263 Phone: (618) 327-4800 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
How to Get a Washington County Birth Certificate
In-person visits are the fastest way to get a birth certificate from Washington County. Go to the courthouse in Nashville, show your ID, and pay the fee. The clerk can usually print your certified copy on the spot. Most visits take about 15 minutes.
Mail is the other option. Send your request to the Washington County Clerk at 101 E. St. Louis Street, Nashville, IL 62263. Include the full name on the birth certificate, date of birth, parents' names if you know them, your own name and return address, a copy of your photo ID, and why you need the record. Enclose a check or money order for $15 payable to the Washington County Clerk. Extra copies of the same record cost $2 each if ordered at the same time. Mail orders are usually done in two to three weeks.
The Illinois Association of County Clerks and Recorders website has a directory of every county clerk in the state. It is a helpful starting point if you need Washington County birth records or if you are searching across multiple counties.
Washington County Birth Records Online
The Illinois Department of Public Health offers a page that walks you through the process of obtaining a birth certificate from any county in Illinois. The obtain certificate details are at dph.illinois.gov.
This page covers the forms, fees, and eligibility rules that apply to Washington County birth records. It is useful whether you plan to order through the state or through the local clerk in Nashville.
IDPH also maintains a broader vital records overview page. You can see it at dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/birth-death-other-records.
The overview page links to all vital record types in Illinois, including birth, death, and marriage. It can be useful if you need more than just a birth certificate from Washington County.
Who Can Get Washington County Birth Records
Birth certificates in Illinois are restricted. Not everyone can get a certified copy. Under 410 ILCS 535/25, the Washington County Clerk can only release certified records to people who meet specific criteria. A valid photo ID is needed with every request.
Eligible requestors for a Washington County birth certificate include:
- The person on the record, if they are 18 or older
- A parent listed on the certificate
- A legal guardian with court papers
- A legal representative with written authorization
- A government agency with a stated need
Anyone who misuses a birth certificate faces harsh penalties. Under 410 ILCS 535/27, using a certificate for deception is a Class 4 felony that can mean up to three years in prison. Washington County follows these rules to the letter.
Washington County Birth Certificate Fees
A certified birth certificate from Washington County costs $15 for the first copy. Each additional copy of the same record is $2 if ordered at the same time. Cash works for in-person visits. Mail orders need a check or money order payable to the Washington County Clerk.
The Illinois Department of Public Health offers an alternative. Short-form copies cost $10 and long-form copies cost $15 through the state. Extra copies are $2 each. Genealogical copies are $10. State mail orders take about 12 weeks. VitalChek offers phone and online ordering but adds a service fee. For convenience, the Washington County Clerk in Nashville is the better choice for local residents.
Note: Call the Washington County Clerk at (618) 327-4800 to confirm accepted payment methods before your visit.
Washington County Genealogy Birth Records
Washington County birth records from around 1877 are a rich source for genealogy researchers. Illinois law allows anyone to get an uncertified copy of a birth record that is 75 years old or more. These genealogical copies are stamped to show they are for research only and cannot be used for legal matters.
The IDPH charges $10 per genealogical copy. Washington County may have its own rate for older records, so call (618) 327-4800 to ask. The Illinois Regional Archives Depository system and the IACCR can help you track down records from other counties in the region. Southern Illinois has deep roots, and many families spread across several counties over the years.
State-Level Washington County Birth Records
The Illinois Department of Public Health keeps copies of all birth records in the state from January 1916 onward. That includes Washington County births. The IDPH office is at 925 E. Ridgely Ave in Springfield. Walk-in service is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. Same-day pickup is available in person. Mail orders take about 12 weeks with no status updates.
For Washington County births before 1916, the County Clerk in Nashville is the only source. The state system did not start tracking births until that year. Washington County's local records go back to about 1877, giving researchers access to nearly four decades of birth data that the state does not have.
Cities in Washington County
Washington County has several small communities. Nashville is the county seat and the largest town. Other places include Okawville, Ashley, Hoyleton, and Venedy. None of these meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page. All birth records for Washington County communities are on file at the County Clerk's office in Nashville.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Washington County. If you are not sure which county holds a particular birth record, check where the hospital or home was at the time. Birth records are filed in the county of the birth.