Birth Certificates

Birth certificates are filed in the County Clerk’s office for all individuals born in Randolph County from 1916 to current date. Requests for birth certificates must be made in person or by written request, through the mail.

You may obtain a certified birth record in the following ways:

• In person at the County Clerk’s office during regular business hours.
• By mail using the printable application below. A copy of your valid photo ID and proper payment are required.

Birth Certificate Form – to download PDF Click Here

Birth Certificate Access

Access to birth certificates is regulated by the Illinois Vital Records Act. Birth certificates are available only to:

• The person named, if 18 years of age or older.
• A parent, if the parent’s name appears on the Birth Certificate as mother or father.
• A Legal Guardian possessing a Court Order stating guardianship.
• The person’s legal representative
• A department of the State or Federal government
• Any individual upon order of a court

Birth Certificate Fees

One certified copy- $14.00, each additional $5.00
Mailing fee (if applicable) – $1.00 for each copy

*Payments made payable to the “Randolph County Clerk” in the form of check, cash or money order*

Death Certificates

Death certificates are filed in the County Clerk’s office for all individuals who have died in Randolph County from 1916 to current date. Requests for death certificates must be made in person or by written request, through the mail.

You may obtain a certified death  record in the following ways:

• In person at the County Clerk’s office during regular business hours.
• By mail using the printable application below. A copy of your valid photo ID and proper payment are required.

Death Certificate Form – to download PDF Click Here

Death Certificate Access

Death Certificates are available only to:

• A person, or his duly authorized agent, having personal or property right interest in the record.
• A department of the State or Federal government.
• Any person upon order of a court

Death Certificates Fees

• One certified copy- $18.00, each additional $9.00
• Mailing fee (if applicable)- 1.00 for each copy

*Payments made payable to the “Randolph County Clerk” in the form of check, cash or money order*

Marriage Licenses

How Can You Obtain a Marriage License?

Go to:https://ilrandolph.fidlar.com/ILRandolph/Apex.WebPortal/ to fill out the marriage license application. After you’ve completed the online form, call the Clerk’s office at (618) 826-5000, ext. 191 to schedule an appointment to finish the process and receive your license. 

When Should You Apply For Your Marriage License?

• A license must be obtained at least ONE day before the marriage takes place.
• The license is valid for 60 days.

What Is Required Before You Can Obtain a Marriage License?

• A Government issued photo ID (Driver’s License, State ID Card, Military ID) for both parties.
• The fee is $50.00 (payable by cash, check or credit/debit card).

What Other Requirements Are There?

• Minors under age 18 but over age 16 must have the written consent of both parents.
• A license issued in Randolph County cannot be used in any other county or state.

Who Can Perform the Marriage Ceremony?

• Any ordained minister or religious leader
• The Circuit or Associate Judge

Marriage Request Form – to download PDF Click Here

*Payments made payable to the “Randolph County Clerk” in the form of check, cash or money order*

Marriage Certificates

Marriage certificates are filed in the County Clerk’s office for all individuals married in Randolph County from 1809 to current date. Requests for marriage certificates must be made in person or by written request, through the mail.

You may obtain a certified marriage record in the following ways:

• In person at the County Clerk’s office during regular business hours.
• By mail using the printable application below. A copy of your valid photo ID and proper payment are required.

Marriage Certificate Access

Certified copies of marriage licenses are available once they are returned and indexed in the County Clerk’s office.

• The bride or groom
• A department of the State or Federal government
• Any individual upon order of a court

Marriage Certificate Fees

One certified copy- $14.00, each additional $5.00
Mailing fee (if applicable) – $1.00 for each copy

Military Discharges

All discharged military veterans should record copies of their military discharge papers (DD-214 forms) from any branch of the Armed Forces. This should be done in the veteran’s home county as soon as possible following discharge from the military service. There is no cost for this service.
 
Certified copies can then be provided at no cost to veterans throughout their lifetime. Please contact the County Clerk’s office for more information on obtaining a certified DD-214.
 
Thanks to a recent change in Illinois law, DD-214 records are now considered a confidential vital record and cannot be accessed by the public at large.

Genealogy Records

Genealogy records can be obtained in the office of the County Clerk or through a written request by mail. An uncertified copy may be obtained by anyone doing family history. State law restricts public access to the vital records; however the public may access the indexes.

Record Guidelines and Restrictions to qualify for Genealogy:

• Marriage Records begin in 1804 and must be 50 years old
• Birth records begin in 1857 and must be 75 years old
• Death records begin in 1877 and must be 20 years old

Genealogy Copies

Copies of vital records used for genealogy purposes are $2 each. Genealogy copies are uncertified and copied on white paper. Genealogy copies must be marked “For Genealogy Purposes Only”. These copies can be used only for informational purposes and are not valid for legal purposes.

Genealogical Searches & Records by Mail

Genealogy records may be obtained by mail with a written request. Fees for the search are as followed:

• $10.00 for the first 5 years per name
• $1.00 for each additional year searched
• $2.00 for an uncertified copy of the record

When making request by mail you will need to submit the written request along with the search fee only. If a record is located you will be notified and informed to forward payment for the record.

*Payments made payable to the “Randolph County Clerk” in the form of check, cash or money order*

NOTICE!!!!!
ALL GENEALOGY COPIES WILL BE DONE ON A TIME PERMITTING SCHEDULE DUE TO STAFF REDUCTION.

YOU CAN LEAVE A LIST OF COPIES AND THEY WILL BE MAILED AT A LATER TIME.

Vital Records FAQs

Who can obtain my birth certificate?

State law is very specific about who may obtain a birth certificate. Only you, your parent/guardian, or attorney can obtain your birth certificate. State and federal agencies may also request your certificate on your behalf for official purposes. While these rules may be inconvenient, they are done to protect your privacy and prevent identity theft and other fraudulent practices.

Why can’t my birth certificate from the hospital be used?

Many people attempt to use a birth certificate issued by the hospital as proof of identity. Unfortunately these hospital certificates, which usually contain footprints and decorative lettering, are meant for commemorative purposes only. An official certified copy bearing a raised seal and the County Clerk’s signature is required for most official purposes.

Can I make my own copies from the one you provide?

No. Official certified copies bear an original signature of the County Clerk and a raised certification seal. All certified original copies are printed on security paper which will show the word “Void” if photocopied.

What if I was born outside the county?

You must obtain your birth certificate from the jurisdiction where you were born. We can assist by providing the appropriate contact information.

What if no birth certificate can be found for me?

In the days when home births were common, some parents inadvertently overlooked registering the birth. Individuals can have a delayed birth certificate issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health by completing an application signed by the County Clerk and providing other documentation about their identity.

What about correcting misspellings or inaccurate information?

Typographical errors, illegible handwriting and other factors can lead to erroneous information on some birth certificates. If the inaccuracies are minor, there may be no need to correct them. If they are more serious, the individual can apply for a corrected certificate from the Illinois Department of Public Health. We can assist you in obtaining a corrected copy from the state. The County Clerk’s office cannot change or correct any information on the records filed here.

For any additional information regarding Vital Records or Genealogical Records please contact the Randolph County Clerk’s office.