>>>Are you saying you cannot get a copy of a birth certificate for genealogical purposes (see my points below)? Only one that is 75 years old. Less than that no, no way, unless it is for you or your minor children -- even if you don't want it certified. They only do this with birth certificates. This is Illinois. I am sure it varies by state. And they do ask WHY you want a death certificate which is silly. Who cares? >>Actually the legislators were falling all over each other in the rush to be more "patriotic" that the other guys, especially just before the election last November. No comment. <g> Cheryl Rothwell [email protected] Logan County ILGenWeb www.rootsweb.com/~illogan Central IL Regional Coordinator, ILGenWeb Clark, Downing, Harding, Lucas, et al -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.9.7 - Release Date: 4/12/2005