Certified copies of death records of persons who died in Montgomery County may be obtained from our office. Deaths have been recorded in Montgomery County, Illinois since 1877.
Who May Obtain A Certified Copy:
Because of the confidential nature of these records, Illinois Statutes provide that 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.
- A person having a genealogical interest if record is over 50 years old.
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 to obtain a death record.
Fees:
The statutory fee for a SEARCH of the death record files is $23.00. If the record is found, one certified copy is furnished. Additional copies of the same record issued at the same time are available for $10.00 each. Cash (in person only, we suggest you never mail cash), money order or checks accepted in person or by mail . Make checks payable to Montgomery County Clerk. We accept credit/debit cards in person for a small additional fee, or you could order your record on line using debit/credit card through VitalChek use info below, which will include extra processing and shipping fees.)
Records requested by mail are fulfilled on the same day they are received in the mail.
Please note: Absolutely NO REFUNDS can be issued for payments received. If you are unsure that we will have the document, but want additional copies of the record if found, then we suggest you send two separate checks (or money orders), one for the amount of the search and a second for any additional copies you would like. If we can not find the record, this would allow us to send back your check for additional copies.
What You Need:
1.) Did The Death Occur In Montgomery County? We only have death records either for individuals who died in Montgomery County or for individuals who resided in Montgomery County at the time of death. (For all other Illinois deaths, you can visit the IDPH WEBSITE to get contact information for all Illinois County Clerks.)
2.) You MUST complete a Death Record Request Form.
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 death
- Place of death
- The full signature of the person requesting the document.
- The address & daytime phone number of the person requesting the documents.
- The relationship of the person requesting the documents to the deceased.
- A certification that you have a personal or property right interest in the death certificate requested.
3.) You MUST provide Proof of Identity
Acceptable forms of ID are:
- Valid Drivers License A Driver’s License that is no more than six months expired along with one more piece of documentation with your current name is acceptable. Note: You can’t use this option for online order through www.VitalChek.com
- Valid State Issued ID
- Valid Firearm’s Owner ID
- Valid U.S. Passport
- Valid Military ID
- Incarcerated or recently released inmates can submit a copy of their prison intake/offender summary sheet containing a photo.
– or THREE of the following:-
- Valid Voter Registration Card
- W2 Form (Most Recent)
- Valid Public Assistance Medical Card
- Bank Statement (Most Recent)
- Utility bills or postmarked mail with your name printed on it. MUST have been received in the the last 30 days
- Vehicle Registration Card
- Recent Voided Check
- Recent Credit Card Statement
- Recent Paycheck Stub with Name and Address
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 order your records by mail and want to pay using a credit card or you need to EXPEDITE YOUR ORDER by Mail, 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, Extra fees will be applied.)
4.) Submit the form with Proof of Identity and payment to the following address:
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
Map & Directions
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm
(Closed on Holidays)