Birth Certificates

Birth Certificate Request Information

Birth Records

The City of Alton City Clerk’s Office maintains birth records for individuals born in Alton/Godfrey dating back to the 1920s.

If the birth did NOT occur in Alton/Godfrey, please contact the appropriate county or state vital records office. For births elsewhere in Madison County, contact Madison County Vital Records at (618) 692-6290.

Under Illinois law (410 ILCS 535 – Vital Records Act), birth certificates are confidential records and may only be issued to authorized individuals. These records are not public information and are exempt from the Freedom of Information Act.

If you are needing a copy of a birth certificate on a deceased individual, please contact the City Clerk’s office at (618) 463-3522 or email certificates@cityofaltonil.gov.

Please note: No birth record information can be provided by telephone.

Who May Obtain a Birth Certificate

Birth certificates may be issued to:

1. The individual named on the record, if 18 years of age or older
2. A parent listed on the birth certificate
3. A legal guardian with court-issued guardianship documentation
4. A legal representative acting on behalf of the individual or parent
5. Individuals presenting a valid court order

Acceptable Identification

A valid, non-expired photo ID is required. Acceptable forms include:
• Driver’s License
• State Issued ID
• U.S. Passport
• Military ID
• FOID Card
• Conceal and Carry License (CCL)

Please note: Social Security Cards will NOT be accepted

Recently released or incarcerated individuals may provide an intake or offender summary sheet containing a photograph.

Fees

• $20.00 for the first certified copy
• $8.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time
• If mailed there is an additional fee of $1.50. Certificates will be mailed through USPS (first class mail) after processing.

Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Checks/money orders should be made payable to the City of Alton. Please note: Paying with a check online, will delay the process by 5 additional business days.

Requesting a Birth Certificate
Online Requests

To order online:

1. Complete and sign the required application below. Include:
• Full name at birth (First, Middle, Last)
• Date of birth
• Parents’ names, including mother’s maiden name
• Address we are mailing to. (Please include: Apartment/Suite number if applicable)
• Applicants’ information

2. Upload a valid photo ID (Reminder: Social Security Cards will NOT be accepted)
• When copying identification, enlarge it to 115% of its original size.

3. Please Contact Alton City Clerk’s office regarding payment (if paying online)

Please do not continue if the birth did NOT occur in Alton/Godfrey.

If you experience difficulties with the online process, contact the office at (618) 463-3522 or email certificates@cityofaltonil.gov.

Request in Person

In-person requests may be made at:
Alton City Hall
City Clerk Office Suite 101
101 E. 3rd Street
Alton, Il 62002

Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Checks should be made payable to the City of Alton. Please note we do NOT accept; Apple pay or tap.

Begin Your Request

If you meet the eligibility requirements and have the required information and identification available, please complete the application below to request a birth certificate electronically.