interesting

[scottw]

Originally Posted by PaulS

Even in a state where they give you free Ids, some people don't have the $ to get a copy of their birth certificate.

the horror



Requesting a birth certificate

There are five ways to obtain a birth certificate:

In person – Most records are printed on demand while you wait at any of our locations (downtown and five suburban courthouses).
Records are $15 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy of the same record.
Cash, debit cards and credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express & Discover) are accepted. A $1.25 processing fee is charged for debit cards; a $1.75 processing fee for credit cards. Checks are not accepted.

By mail – On average, mail orders are processed in 7-10 business days.
Mail your request to:
Cook County Clerk David Orr
Bureau of Vital Records
P.O. Box 641070
Chicago, IL 60664-1070
Include the following items in your mail order:
a completed Birth Certificate Request Form (be sure to include your phone number)
a photocopy of your photo identification (click here for acceptable forms of ID)
a check or money order payable to “Cook County Clerk” for $15 (additional copies of the same record cost $4 each)
a self-addressed stamped envelope for your document(s) to be mailed to you.

Currency Exchange – Birth records can be ordered at any Currency Exchange.
For hours and locations, call (847) 759-8905 or visit mycurrencyexchange.com.
In addition to the standard record fees, there is a $5 surcharge for records obtained at a Currency Exchange.
Records must be picked up at the store by the customer at a later time.

Online – Order online via VitalChek.
You will need to know the city of birth listed on the birth certificate, the child’s full name, the exact date of birth, and the parents’ first and last names.
In addition to the standard record fees, VitalChek online orders charge $12.45 for processing and standard postage.
Processing time averages 10-14 business days for regular mail (included), 5-7 business days for 2-day air ($17.50), and 3-5 business days for UPS Air ($20).
Credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express & Discover) and checks are accepted.

Phone – Phone orders via VitalChek can be made by calling toll free (866) 252-8974.
You will need to know the city of birth listed on the birth certificate, the child’s full name, the exact date of birth, and the parents’ first and last names.
In addition to the standard record fees, VitalChek online orders charge $12.45 for processing and standard postage.
Processing time averages 10-14 business days for regular mail (included), 5-7 business days for 2-day air ($17.50), and 3-5 business days for UPS Air ($20).
Credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express & Discover) and checks are accepted.