Certified copies of birth records of persons who were born in Montgomery County may be obtained from our office. Births have been recorded in Montgomery County, Illinois since 1877, although the County Clerk's office has a limited number of birth records beginning in 1862.
Who May Obtain A Certified Copy:
Because of the confidential nature of these records, Illinois Statutes provide that copies of birth records may be obtained only by:
- The person themselves, if 18 years of age or older.
- A parent (as listed on the record) or other legal representative of the person to whom the record of birth relates.
- A person having a genealogical interest if record is over 75 years old, with proof of death.
- Specific written request for a certification or certified copy by a representative of a governmental agency or organization.
- Upon the order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
Please note: Absolutely no information about a specific record can be given over the telephone regarding Vital Records.
In addition, under Illinois State Law (410 ILCS 535-Vital Records Act) only specific individuals have legal access to birth, death, or marriage certificates. The Montgomery County Clerk's Office will issue certificates to authorized individuals only. Vital Records are not considered public information, nor are they subject to the Freedom of Information Act.
Individuals must be 18 years or older, except for a minor mother, in order to obtain a birth record.
Certified copies of the record will only be issued if the requestor's name appears on the Birth Record, which could be either as a parent or as the child.
A NEW Illinois law allows people who were adopted to access their birth records. The Illinois Office of Vital Records must handle all such request.Please click HERE to go to their website for more information.
Fees: The statutory fee for a SEARCH of the birth record files is $15.00. If the record is found, one certified copy is furnished. Additional copies of the same record issued at the same time are available for $5.00
each. Cash, money order or checks accepted. Make checks payable to Montgomery County Clerk. We DO NOT accept credit/debit cards. (If you wish to pay using a credit card please see VitalChek info below.) An ATM is available at the New Courthouse Complex, across the street from our office.
Records requested by mail are fulfilled on the same day they are received in the mail.
What You Need:
We only have birth records for people BORN in Montgomery County, Illinois. (If you were born in another county, you can visit IDPH WEBSITE to get contact information for all Illinois County Clerks.)
To download forms, you must have Adobe Reader installed on your computer. If you do not have it, click the button below to install a free copy.
This request form requires the following information:
- Exact name of the person for whom you are seeking the record (or exact name on record).
- Date of birth
- Place of birth
- Mother's full maiden name
- Full name of the father listed on the record (if any)
- The full signature with proper spacing of the person requesting the document.
- The Social Security Number or Driver's License number of the person requesting the document.
- The address & daytime phone number of the person requesting the documents.
- Indicate if this request is for genealogical purposes.
- The relationship of the person requesting the documents to the person.
Completed request forms cannot be faxed or emailed to our office, since we MUST have an original copy of your signature.
* If you want to pay using a credit card or need to EXPEDITE YOUR REQUEST, you can go to www.VitalChek.com and order copies from this office on-line via credit card. (VitalChek is a Third Party provider and not a part of the Montgomery County Clerk's office.)
By Mail:
Montgomery County Clerk
P.O. Box 595
Hillsboro, IL 62049-0595
In Person:
Montgomery County Clerk
#1 Courthouse Square
Hillsboro, IL 62049-0595
Our office is located on the
First floor of the Historic Courthouse
Click HERE for a map to the Historic Courthouse.
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm
(Closed on Holidays)
