McLean County Genealogy Records
McLean County genealogy records are among the richest in downstate Illinois, with card indexes that stretch back to the 1830s for marriage records and 1860 for births. The county clerk in Bloomington holds the original vital records, and a free online birth index lets you search names from 1860 to 1915 without leaving home. Researchers working on McLean County family lines can also tap into the McLean County Museum of History, one of the best local genealogy libraries in the state. Between the clerk office, the museum, and the IRAD depository at Illinois State University, there are multiple ways to dig into McLean County records.
McLean County Genealogy Quick Facts
McLean County Clerk Genealogy Records
The McLean County Clerk office at 115 E. Washington St., Room 102, Bloomington, IL 61702 is the primary source for genealogy records in McLean County. They maintain card indexes for birth records from 1860 to 1940, death records from 1878 to 1973, and marriage records from 1831 to 1997. These card indexes are only available in person at the clerk office. Staff can look up names for you if you call ahead at (309) 888-5190. Walk-in visits tend to be the fastest way to search through the older records.
McLean County offers a genealogical research page on the county website with details on how to request records and what is available. This page walks you through the process step by step, from what forms to fill out to where to send your payment. It is a good place to start before you call or visit.
The McLean County genealogical research page is shown below.
This page lays out the full process for ordering genealogy copies from the McLean County Clerk, including fees and what information you need to provide with your request.
| Office | McLean County Clerk, Vital Records |
|---|---|
| Address | 115 E. Washington St., Room 102 Bloomington, IL 61702 |
| Phone | (309) 888-5190 |
| Genealogy Page | mcleancountyil.gov/212/Genealogical-Research |
Note: A fire on June 19, 1900 damaged or destroyed some McLean County records, so gaps exist in the earliest files.
McLean County Free Birth Index
One of the best free tools for McLean County genealogy is the free birth index covering 1860 to 1915. This online database lets you search by name and see basic index information for births recorded in McLean County during those years. It is completely free. No account is needed. Just type in the last name and the system shows you matches. This is a strong starting point for anyone tracing a family line through McLean County in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The McLean County free birth index search page is shown here.
The birth index is especially helpful because McLean County birth records go back further than most Illinois counties. Most counties did not start recording births until 1877. McLean County started in 1860, which gives you an extra 17 years of data that few other counties in the state can match.
Keep in mind that the index is not the full record. It confirms that a birth was recorded and gives you the basic details. To get a full copy, you need to contact the clerk office and pay the fee. Genealogical birth copies from McLean County cost $30. Each extra copy is $10 more.
McLean County Genealogy Fees
McLean County charges the following fees for genealogy record copies. These are set by the county and may differ from state-level fees at IDPH. The clerk accepts checks and money orders payable to the McLean County Clerk.
- Birth (genealogical copy): $30 first copy, $10 each additional
- Marriage record: $28 first copy, $10 each additional
- Death record: $35 first copy, $10 each additional
These fees cover the search and one copy. If the clerk does not find a match, you may still be charged a search fee. Under the Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535), genealogical copies of birth records are available when the birth happened 75 or more years ago. Death records open after 20 years. Marriage records become available for genealogy after 50 years. Copies issued for genealogy are stamped as uncertified.
McLean County Records at IRAD
The Illinois Regional Archives Depository for McLean County is at Illinois State University in Normal. Call (309) 452-6027 for hours and to check what they hold. IRAD stores older government records that the county no longer keeps on site. For McLean County, that can include early vital records, naturalization papers, probate files, court case files, coroner's inquest records, and voter registers. Research at IRAD is free. They accept mail and phone requests but limit each one to two names.
The Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205) requires that county records in Illinois be preserved through the IRAD system rather than discarded. This is what keeps historical McLean County records safe at Illinois State University. The McLean County Museum of History, also in Bloomington, runs the Stevenson-Ives Library with more than 15,000 books on local and family history. It is one of the finest local genealogy collections in downstate Illinois.
At the state level, the Illinois State Archives offers free databases that include McLean County entries. The statewide marriage index covers 1763 to 1900. Death indexes cover 1916 to 1972. Public domain land sale records go back to the earliest transactions. All of these are free to search online and can help you find McLean County ancestors.
Cities in McLean County
McLean County has two cities over the 50,000 population mark. Both rely on the McLean County Clerk for vital records. The McLean County Museum of History in Bloomington is a strong resource for both cities.
Nearby Counties
These counties border McLean County. Families near a county line may have records filed in a neighboring county. Check these if you do not find what you need in McLean County.