How to Obtain Death 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 information about the records you are looking for, please call our Medical Records office for assistance 312-997-4425.
Requesting an Autopsy Report
Copies of postmortem reports can be obtained through the Medical Records Department and can be submitted by mail, fax or electronically as outlined below. You will need to provide:
- a written statement including the decedent’s name
- date of death
- your relationship
- your return address and phone number where you can be reached
Mail to:
The Office of the Medical Examiner
Attention: Medical Records
2121 West Harrison, Chicago, IL 60612
Submit electronically:
Important Payment Information
Do not send payment until you have received a bill from the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office. Once the file has been completed, you will be notified of the charges. At the discretion of MEO, photos will be released to the legal next of kin; in other instances, a court order may be required. Acceptable methods of payment include: cash, cashier’s check or money order.
Fees
Fees are charged pursuant to 55 ILCS/4-7001 and Sections 32-1 and 38-144 of the Cook County Code of Ordinances as applicable:
- 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
Copies of Death Certificates
Certified copies of death certificates can be obtained by contacting your funeral home or the 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.