Birth Records
Birth records are filed in the County Clerk’s office for all individuals born in Effingham County from 1916 to current. Certified copies of a birth record can be requested in person, by mail or online thru Official Records Online.
Fee for Certified Copy of Birth Record:
- $15.00 for the first copy
- $5.00 for each additional copy of the same record
You may obtain a certified birth record in the following ways:
- In person at the County Clerk’s office during regular business hours. Must provide valid photo ID and payment accepted is cash or check. No debit or credit capability.
- By mail using the printable application below. A copy of a valid photo ID and payment by check is required. Please include a self addressed, stamped envelope for the return of your requested birth record.
- Vital Record Request form
- Or online by using the link for Official Records Online. Proper identification must be given. Also, there will be an additional convenience surcharge fee for processing and shipping.
Birth records are not public record and therefore are available only to the specified individual.
Certified copies of Birth Certificates can be issued to:
- The person to whom the record relates (if person is 18 years of age or older)
- The parents of the person named on the record. Parent’s name MUST be listed on the certificate.
- A Legal Guardian possessing a Court Order stating guardianship (need copy of paperwork)
- Legal representative to whom the record relates (with reasonable proof)
- Person having genealogical interest (Birth must have been on file at least 75 years)
- A department of state or municipal corporation or the federal government.
- Upon the order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
- Veteran’s Administration or an accredited veteran’s organization (without charge).
FAQs
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.
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.
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.
You must obtain your birth certificate from the jurisdiction where you were born. We can assist by providing the appropriate contact 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.
