Vital Records & Certificates in Chester, IllinoisRandolph County Clerk

Chester residents need certified vital records for employment at regional facilities like Menard Correctional Center, college applications, military service documentation, and genealogy research celebrating the area’s rich Mississippi River heritage. The town’s role as county seat makes these documents essential for conducting business throughout southern Illinois.

Chester residents obtain birth certificates directly from the Randolph County Clerk located at 1 Taylor Street, conveniently positioned near the courthouse square. Babies born at Memorial Hospital Belleville or local healthcare facilities need certified copies for school enrollment at Chester High School or college applications. Being the county seat provides Chester residents with the advantage of accessing vital records services right downtown without traveling to distant offices. The county clerk maintains comprehensive birth records for all Randolph County births, ensuring local families can efficiently obtain necessary documentation for driver’s licenses, school enrollment, and employment verification throughout southern Illinois.

Couples planning weddings in Chester obtain marriage licenses from the Randolph County Clerk at the courthouse on Taylor Street. The historic courthouse provides a classic backdrop for ceremonies, while many couples choose riverside venues along the Mississippi or outdoor celebrations at Fort Kaskaskia. Illinois requires no waiting period once the license is issued, though it expires after 60 days. The county clerk’s office accommodates local wedding traditions and provides guidance for couples incorporating family heritage from the area’s diverse German, French, and American pioneer backgrounds.

The Randolph County Clerk in Chester processes death certificates for county residents, essential for settling estates and handling family business matters. Multiple copies are often needed for insurance claims, Social Security administration, and transferring property titles. Chester’s role as county seat ensures efficient processing of death records, with the clerk’s office maintaining detailed records for all county deaths including those at regional medical facilities.

Divorce records for Chester and Randolph County residents are maintained by the Circuit Court system at the courthouse. As county seat, Chester handles divorce proceedings for the entire county, with records maintained by the court clerk. Certified copies are necessary for remarriage, name changes, and various legal purposes. The courthouse location makes it convenient for local attorneys and residents to access divorce documentation efficiently.

The Randolph County Clerk at 1 Taylor Street operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, located directly in Chester’s courthouse square for easy access. Free street parking is available around the courthouse, with additional parking behind the building. The office accepts cash, checks made payable to ‘Randolph County Clerk,’ and money orders. As a small county seat, personal service and local knowledge help residents navigate the process efficiently. Mail-in requests are welcomed for those unable to visit in person, with clear instructions provided for proper documentation and return postage.

The Randolph County Clerk is located at 1 Taylor Street in downtown Chester’s courthouse square, easily accessible from Main Street and visible from throughout the downtown area.