Birth Records on File with the Knox County Clerk:
Birth records on file with the Knox County Clerk date back to 1878.
Who May Obtain a Birth Record:
Only the following persons may obtain a copy:
- Person named on the record (18 years or older)
- Parent(s) named on the record
- Legal Guardian (must show documentation)
- Legal Representative (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: |
|
|
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 $15.00
- Each additional copy of same record issued at the same time is $5.00
- One record search without certified copy and uncertified copies marked “For Genealogical Purposes Only” is $8.00
- Express mail is an additional $30.45.*
- There is an additional convenience fee of $1.75 for online purchases.
*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 Birth 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 Birth 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, or Discover) and fax Complete Birth form and acceptable identification (and any necessary documentation) to 309/345-3801 |
Are Birth 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. Certified copies are only issued to those who are eligible by law to obtain such records. Click here for more information on genealogy in Illinois and in other states.
Are Birth Records Certified Copies:
Yes, all birth 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 Birth 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.