Death Records

To obtain a Certified Copy of a Death Record, you must be:

  • The informant listed on the death certificate
  • The next of kin
  • Someone who has a personal or property right interest in the record, and documentation to show this
  • Those with written, notarized consent from the informant
  • Provide a valid photo ID such as a Driver's License or State ID

To purchase a Certified Copy of a Death Record, you will need the following:

  • The name of the deceased
  • The Month, Day and Year of the Death
  • The City that the Death took place in
  • A valid photo ID such as a Driver's License or State ID
  • The fee is $20 for the first Certified Copy and $14 for each additional copy of same record purchased at the same time

Download the Application for Certified Copy of Death Record (PDF).

Attention: Personal checks will not be accepted!

In Person

To obtain a Certified Copy of a Death Record, you will need these items:

  • The above information
  • The appropriate form, filled out
  • A valid photo ID such as Driver's License or State ID
  • Cash needed to purchase certificate(s)
  • Credit or Debit Cards - an additional processing fee of $2.50 per order will be charged by the VitalChek Company for providing this service

By Mail

By mail, include the following:

  • The above information
  • The appropriate form - filled out
  • A Cashier's Check or Money Order for the appropriate amount make out to the County Clerk. If a request is received with a lesser amount than what is required to process the request, the request will not be processed and all items will be returned to the sender
  • A photocopy of a valid photo ID such as a Driver's License or State ID of the person requesting the certified record(s)
  • The address where the certified record(s) are to be sent

Online Service

Online Service through VitalChek Network, Inc. is now available to purchase Rock Island County death certificates. All major credit cards are accepted, (including Master Card®, Visa®, Discover® and American Express®) and with an additional fee of $10 per order. Use this service.

Current or Valid Photo ID

If you do not have a current or valid photo id such as a driver's license or state issued photo identification (ID), we will need 2 pieces of documentation with your name, one of which must show you current address, to prove your identity. One piece of documentation can be a bill or other mail. The other piece of documentation must be one of the following items:

  • Medical/Car Insurance Card
  • Paycheck stub with imprinted information
  • Car Registration
  • Credit Card Statement
  • Bank Statement
  • Public Assistance Card
  • Voter Registration Card
  • Active Duty Military ID with issue and expiration date

Matricula Consular card Issued after October 2006 is acceptable on its own. However, if issued prior to October 2006, we need ONE additional documentation showing current address as noted above. If you do not have any of the items listed above, please submit a copy of a current utility bill (electricity, cellular phone, water, etc.,) showing your name and your current address.

If your driver's license is expired and you have an extension sticker on the back, you must submit a copy of both sides.

If you have an expired driver's license that is no more than six months expired, we need one additional documentation showing your name and your current address.

If you are writing from a state or federal agency, you can submit a copy of your photo work badge.

Social Security cards are not acceptable.