How to Replace a Chicago Birth Certificate

Your birth certificate is an important document that verifies you were born in a particular state and city. It is needed as proof of identity when obtaining a state identification card or other type of official I.D. card. Birth certificates are also frequently necessary when applying for jobs, government benefits or other official programs. If you have lost your birth certificate and were born in Chicago, you have the option of ordering a replacement online, obtaining a replacement by visiting your local currency exchange office, or requesting a replacement in person at the main Cook County Clerk's office or one of its branches.

Things You'll Need

• Self-addressed stamped envelope
• Check or money order in the amount of $15
• Credit card

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Instructions

Order Birth Certificate Online

• 1

  Open your Internet browser and visit the Cook County Clerk's Office website. Check the box next to "Birth Certificate," and click the "Continue" button to proceed.

• 2

  Enter your first and last name, then click "Continue." Enter your date of birth from the drop-down menu, then click "Continue." Select the drop-down menu next to "Reason" and choose from the list of reasons. Select "Continue."

• 3

  Click the "Select" button underneath the Birth or Birth Expedited section. As of 2010, if you choose birth expedited the cost is $40 rather than the $15 fee for normal delivery. Select whether you'd like additional copies, and click "Continue."

• 4

  Enter your name as listed on the birth certificate, your mother's first name and maiden name, then click "Continue." Check the box next to "No" to order only a birth certificate, and click "Continue."

• 5

  Select your shipping method and enter your physical address and your shipping address. Enter your email address and phone number, then click "Continue."

• 6

  Enter your billing address and click "Continue." Check the box next to "I have verified that the above addresses are correct" and click "Continue." Check the box next to credit card, and enter your credit card information. Alternatively, check the box next to "personal check," and enter your bank's routing number, your checking account number, driver's license number, check number and date of birth. Click "Continue" and "Submit" to finalize the order.

Order Birth Certificate by Mail

• 7

  Open your Internet browser, and visit the Cook County Clerk's Office's official website. Click the "Birth Certificate Request Form" link, and print out the form.

• 8

  Fill out the form by including your name, billing and mailing address, and place and date of birth along with your mother and father's first and last name. Write down your phone number, then sign and date the form.

• 9

  Check the box next to "Mail it to me" to have the birth certificate delivered by mail. Mail a copy of your photo ID and a check or money order in the amount of $15 (as of 2010) payable to the Cook County Clerk, along with the birth certificate request form and a self-addressed stamped envelope to:

  Cook County Clerk
  Bureau of Vital Records
  P.O. Box 642570
  Chicago, IL 60664-2570

Visit the Cook County Clerk's Office in Person

• 10

  Go to the Cook County Clerk's Office located at 118 N. Clark Street in the downtown Chicago area, or visit one of the clerk's suburban branch office locations.

• 11

  Fill out the birth certificate form by including your name, phone number, mailing address, place and date of birth, and your mother and father's first and last name. Sign the form to verify the information provided is true, and date it.

• 12

  Give the form to the office representative, and pay with cash or debit card to obtain your birth certificate.