How To Obtain Death Records/ Reports

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.

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
2121 West Harrison, Chicago, IL 60612
ATTN: Medical Records.

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.