Aurora Death Index

Aurora death index searches require knowing which county the death took place in. Aurora is the second largest city in Illinois with nearly 180,000 residents, and it sits across four different counties. Most of Aurora falls in Kane County, but parts extend into DuPage, Kendall, and Will counties. Each county clerk keeps its own death records, so you need to match the exact address of the death to the right county office before you start your search.

Kane County Death Index for Aurora

Most Aurora death records are filed with Kane County. The majority of Aurora's land area and population falls within Kane County lines. If you are not sure which county a particular Aurora address is in, start with Kane County. They handle the bulk of death index records for the city.

The Kane County Clerk's office is at 719 S. Batavia Avenue in Geneva, IL 60134. Call 630-232-5950 for help or to check if a death record is on file. Geneva is a short drive from most Aurora neighborhoods. The office processes walk-in requests during regular business hours. You can also send a mail request with the right forms, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order for the fees.

The Kane County website lists additional information about the clerk's office hours and what you need to bring when you visit for a death index search in the Aurora area.

Aurora Death Records Across Multiple Counties

Aurora is one of the few Illinois cities that spans four counties. This matters for death index searches because the death certificate gets filed in whatever county the death actually happened in. A person who lived in the Kane County part of Aurora but died at a hospital in the DuPage County section would have their death certificate on file with DuPage, not Kane.

For deaths in the DuPage County part of Aurora, contact the DuPage County Clerk at 421 N. County Farm Road, Wheaton, IL 60187. Their phone is 630-407-5500. DuPage charges $18 for the first certified copy and $6 for each additional one. The DuPage County Health Department also keeps death records going back to 1953 and can issue copies for deaths in their jurisdiction.

Deaths in the Kendall County portion of Aurora go through the Kendall County Clerk. Deaths in the Will County portion go through the Will County Clerk at 302 N. Chicago Street in Joliet, IL 60432. Each office has its own fees and processing times.

Note: If you are unsure which county an Aurora address falls in, call the Kane County Clerk first and they can help you figure out where to look.

Who Can Get Aurora Death Records

Illinois law limits who can get death records. Under 410 ILCS 535, death certificates are not public records. Only relatives of the person who died, legal representatives, or people with a documented financial interest can get copies. A spouse, parent, child, or sibling qualifies as a relative. Estate administrators and attorneys handling the person's affairs can also get Aurora death index records with the right paperwork.

You need a valid photo ID for any in-person request. All the county offices serving Aurora accept an Illinois driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, or military ID. If your ID is expired or cannot be read, your request gets returned.

Aurora Death Certificate Fees

Fees for Aurora death index copies vary by county. Kane County charges its own rate for certified copies. DuPage County charges $18 for the first certified copy and $6 for each additional copy of the same record. Under 410 ILCS 535, Section 25, every county must add a $2 surcharge per certified death certificate that goes to the state's Death Certificate Surcharge Fund.

Genealogical copies cost less. These are available for deaths that happened 20 or more years ago. They come stamped as uncertified and work only for family history research, not legal matters. If you need an Aurora death record for a will, insurance, or court case, get the certified version.

How to Get Aurora Death Index Copies

Walk into the correct county clerk's office for the fastest service. Bring your photo ID, the name of the person who died, and their approximate date of death. Staff will search the death index and can usually print your copy the same day.

You can also order online through VitalChek. This authorized service charges a $15 handling fee on top of the certificate cost. A major credit card is needed. VitalChek works for recent death records. For older Aurora death records, an in-person or mail request is usually better.

Mail requests go to whichever county clerk's office holds the record. Include a completed application form, a copy of your photo ID, and payment by check or money order. Write the person's full name, date of death, and your relationship to them. Mail processing takes longer than in-person visits, so allow extra time if you have a deadline.

State Resources for Aurora Death Records

The Illinois Department of Public Health holds death records for all of Illinois going back to 1916. This can be useful if you are unsure which county an Aurora death was filed in. IDPH is at 925 E. Ridgely Avenue in Springfield and can be reached at (217) 782-6554 weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mail requests to IDPH take about 12 weeks.

The Illinois State Archives has the statewide death index for records before 1916 and death certificates from 1916 through 1972. For older Aurora death records, the archives may be your best bet. The Illinois Association of County Clerks and Recorders can also help you find the right county office if you are stuck.

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Aurora and share some of the same county clerk offices for death index records.