Vital Records

What is a Vital Record?
A vital record is considered a record of a birth, death, or marriage.  The Knox County Clerk is the keeper of all such records of births, deaths, and marriages that occurred within the boundaries of Knox County, Illinois.

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.

In accordance with the Illinois Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535), you should know that only specific individuals have legal access to vital records.  The Office of the Knox County Clerk will only issue records to those individuals who are authorized by law.  Providing information and/or records to those who are not entitled under the Act is a violation of Illinois Law.  We will not issue any record without proper identification and certification by an authorized requestor.  Vital records are not considered public information and are not subject to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.

Fraudulent use of any vital record is a Class 4 Felony punishable by imprisonment of up to 3 years and a fine of $10,000, or both.

Please Note: No information or requests about vital records may be obtained via the telephone.

Select A Type of Vital Record: