If there is an error in a name on a birth or death certificate, you can probably change it without going to court.

If it is your record, or the record of your child or spouse, you can contact the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to correct the error. 

Fill out the Affidavit and Certificate of Correction Request. Follow the instructions on the first page of the form. You must sign the form in front of a notary.

You will also need to send proof of the error. It must be clear that your requested correction will fix the error. If you do not provide enough proof, you will have to get a court order instead (see instructions for court orders).

The proof you have to provide depends on what type of correction you are requesting. IDPH has a full list of acceptable proof for specific changes to birth certificates and death certificates. Some common forms include:

• Baptismal or confirmation records,
• Census records,
• Child’s birth record,
• Immunization or clinic records,
• Insurance policies,
• Military records,
• Parent’s birth records, and
• Social security records.

You will need to send these 4 things to the IDPH (Division of Vital Records):

• Affidavit and Certificate of Correction Request (signed by you in front of a notary public),
• A check or money order made out to Illinois Department of Public Health (see fee schedule),
• A copy of your government-issued photo ID, and
• The proof that supports the correction you are requesting.

Send those 4 things to:

Illinois Department of Public Health (Division of Vital Records)
925 E. Ridgely Ave.
Springfield, IL 62702

You will then receive a corrected certificate in the mail.