Death Records on File with the Knox County Clerk:
Death records on file with the Knox County Clerk date back to 1878.
Who May Obtain a Death Record:
Only the following persons may obtain a copy:
- Person having personal or property right interest in the record (18 years or older)
- Duly authorized agent of a person having a personal or property right interest in the record (must show documentation)
- Genealogist (record must be prior to 1916)
What Identification is Required:
In order to complete your request for search of a vital record, you must present proper identification from either Group “A” or Group “B”:
| Group “A” One of the following: |
Group “B” Two of the following: |
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The documents you request will be mailed to the address on your identification. If that address is not correct, you will need to provide the office with a copy of a piece of mail (power bill, utility bill, cable tv bill, etc.) that establishes your address.
What is the Fee:
- One record search including one certified copy is $20.00
- Each additional copy of same record issued at the same time is $10.00 (Effective March 11, 2017)
- One record search without certified copy and uncertified copies marked “For Genealogical Purposes Only” is $8.00
- Express mail 1 is an additional $30.45.
- There is an additional convenience fee of $1.75 for online purchases.
1 Next Day Delivery service is provided by the United States Postal Service. Please click here for delivery service details.
How to Obtain in Person, by Mail, or Online:
| In Person | Visit the Office of the Knox County Clerk, Knox County Courthouse, 200 S. Cherry St., Galesburg. Office hours are Mon. – Fri., 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Complete Death Record form, present acceptable identification (and any necessary documentation; see chart above), and make payment in the form of cash, credit card (with additional service fee), check, or money order payable to “Knox County Clerk” |
| By Mail | Complete Death Record form, make copy of acceptable identification (and any necessary documentation), and make payment in the form of money order payable to “Knox County Clerk”. Send to Office of the Knox County Clerk, 200 S. Cherry St., Galesburg, IL 61401 |
| Online | Click here to visit the Illinois E-Pay website. Make payment through Illinois E-Pay using credit card (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover) and fax Complete Death Record form and acceptable identification (and any necessary documentation) to 309/345-3801 |
Are Death Records Available for Genealogical Purposes:
Yes. Uncertified copies of records prior to January 1, 1916, are at a cost of $8.00. Records after January 1, 1916, are at the costs as listed above. Only certified copies are issued. Click here for more information on genealogy in Illinois and in other states.
Are Death Records Certified Copies:
Yes, all death records beginning January 1, 1916, are certified copies and contain the official seal of the County Clerk and Registrar of Knox County, Illinois. The official seal on the document is a “raised seal” that can be felt if touched.
What If the Death Occurred in Another County or State:
Try these other county (PDF format) and state links.
What You Should Know About Legal Access to Vital Records:
In an effort to prevent identity theft and protect the privacy of those named on vital records, the Office of the Knox County Clerk works diligently to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the records maintained by the County Clerk. Click here to learn more about legal access to vital records.