All requests for certificates or other information must be received in writing. Records are only available for closed parishes, schools and orphanages. For a complete list of Archives holdings, click here. For the records of closed institutions held elsewhere, click here. Requests take between seven and 10 business days to process. Requesters will not be granted access to original documents. A non-refundable processing fee and a copy of a state-issued photo ID is required for all record requests.
If you are a genealogist requesting a record, click here for more information.
FORMS AND POLICIES
Archdiocesan parishes record all celebrations of baptism, confirmation, and marriage in their sacramental registers. First communion and funeral rites are occasionally available as well. The Archives only holds the sacramental records of closed parishes; open parishes maintain their own registers. Availability of sacramental certificates is limited to the participant in the sacrament, and only the participant can request his or her own record. All requests for certificates or information from the sacramental registers (e.g. date of marriage, date of confirmation, sponsor’s name) must be accompanied by the request form below and $10 processing fee. The fee for genealogical information or certificates is $20. The fee for official genealogical certificates for dual citizenship is $50 and must be accompanied by the proper documentation. See the genealogy policy for more details.
Sacramental Request (PDF)
Dual Citizenship Applications (PDF)
Correct Sacramental Registers (PDF)
Forma Para Libertar Archivos Sacramentales (PDF)
Records for approximately 400 closed Catholic schools are located at the Archives. Grammar school records may include grades, attendance sheets, test scores and health records. High school records are generally limited to transcripts. Only the student can request a copy of his/her transcript or student file. Open archdiocesan schools maintain their own student records. The fee for an official transcript or education/graduation verification letter is $10. The fee for genealogical or directory information (which may include pupil’s address, phone number, dates of attendance, and parish) is $20.
Student Records Request (PDF)
Chicago was once home to several orphanages and houses for troubled youth. The Archives and Records Center houses client files for Angel Guardian Orphanage, St. Hedwig and St. Joseph Home for the Friendless/St. Joseph Carondelet, as well as admittance registers for St. Mary and St. Joseph Orphanages, St. Mary’s Training School and House of the Good Shepherd. Client files may include sacramental certificates, grades, health records and visitor information. A person can only request his/her own orphanage file, with an initial research fee of $10. Additional photocopy fees may occur. The fee for genealogical information is $20, and may include admittance and discharge information, dates of attendance, parish, and address. No original records are released for genealogical purposes. See genealogy policy for more details.
Orphanage Request and Policy (PDF)
