Birth Certificates

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Who can be issued a certified copy of a certificate? Illinois State Statute (410 ILCS 535/25) governs who can be issued a certified copy of a certificate: a.Upon the order of a court of competent jurisdiction; or b.In case of a birth certificate, upon the specific written request by U.S. Postal Service mail for a certification or certified copy by the person, if of legal age, by a parent or other legal representative of the person to whom the record of birth relates, or by a person having a genealogical interest if record is over 75 years old; or c.Upon the specific written request for a certification or certified copy by a department of the state or a municipal corporation of the federal government; or d.In case of a death or fetal death certificate, upon specific written request for a certified copy by a person, or his duly authorized agent, having a genealogical, personal or property right interest in the record. Copies of Birth and Death Records Births have been recorded in Montgomery County, Illnois, since 1877, although the County Clerk's office has a limited number of birth records beginning in 1862. Death records have been recorded since 1877; marriage records since 1821; and land records since 1822. Certified copies of birth and death records of persons who were born or who died in Montgomery County may be obtained from the office of the Montgomery County Clerk, First Floor, Historic Courthouse, Hillsboro. Requests for such copies should include the person's name at birth or at death, the date of the birth or the death, the place (town) where the event occurred, the requestor's signature, Social Security number, address and daytime phone. For birth records, also state parents' names (including mother's maiden name). Fees for Birth Certificates and Marriage Licenses are $10 for the first copy and $4 for an additional copy of the same record; and Death Certificates are $12 for the first copy and $6 for an additional copy of the same record. Because of the confidential nature of these records, Illinois Statutes provide that copies of birth records may be obtained only by the person himself (if of legal age), a parent, or other legal representative. Copies of death records may be obtained by a person having a personal or property right interest in the record or by his duly authorized agent, and this statement must be included in the written, signed request. Please note: Absolutely no information 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. To do otherwise is a violation of Illinois Law. Vital Records are not considered public information, nor are they subject to the Freedom of Information Act. >> Form For Requesting A Birth Record - PDF