Records and Reports
This information is to assist the public in obtaining reports and records from the Office of the Medical Examiner.
You can also check our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information about these reports and what they contain.
If you do not see the information on the records you are looking for, please contact our Medical Records office for assistance (312)997-4425.
Requesting an autopsy report
Copies of Postmortem reports can be obtained through the Medical Record Department. A written statement including the decedent’s name, date of death, and your relationship can be
mailed to:
The Office of the Medical Examiner
Attention: Medical Records
2121 West Harrison, Chicago, IL 60612
Faxed to:
312-277-3584 ; ATTN: Medical Records
OR
to request online
Please include your return address along with a phone number where you can be reached. Once the file has been completed, you will be notified of the charges. At the discretion of ME, photos will be released to the legal next of kin; in other instances, a court order may be required.
Per the State of Illinois, Public Act 096-1161, fees are as follows:
- Autopsy Reports: $50.00
- Toxicology Reports: $25.00
- Miscellaneous Reports: $25.00
- Photos: $5.00 per photo
- X-rays: $10.00 per x-ray
- Histology slides: $10.00 per slide
NOTE: Do not send payment until you have received a bill from this office. Acceptable methods of payment are: cash, cashier’s check or money order.
Copies of Death Certificates
Certified copies of death certificates can be obtained by contacting your funeral home or Cook County Clerk’s Office, Vital Records. Some suburban towns have their own registrar. It is advised to call your funeral home or this office for the registrar that handled a decedent’s death certificate.