How do I get a marriage license?

County Clerk (county level - each of Illinois's 102 counties)

Step by Step

How to do it

Determine which county your ceremony will take place in - you MUST get the license from the County Clerk in THAT SPECIFIC COUNTY
Both parties visit the County Clerk's office in person (some counties allow one party with specific documentation; most require both)
Both parties present valid government-issued photo ID
Provide Social Security numbers; education level; race (for statistical purposes); if previously married, provide exact date, county, and state of dissolution or death of prior marriage; if divorced within last 6 months, some counties require a certified copy of the divorce decree
Pay the fee and receive license immediately (no waiting period to receive the license, but there is a 1-day waiting period before use)
MANDATORY 1-DAY WAITING PERIOD: The license cannot be used until the calendar day after it is issued; cannot be waived except by court order
Get married within 60 days - license expires 60 days after issuance (effective the following day, so technically 61 days from issuance)
Officiant returns the completed marriage certificate to the County Clerk within 10 days of the ceremony

Details

What you need to know

Required Docs

Valid government-issued photo ID for both parties (driver's license, state ID, military ID, U.S. passport)
Social Security numbers for both parties
If previously married: date, county, and state the prior marriage ended; some counties require certified copy of divorce decree if divorced within 6 months
If 16 or 17 years old: parent or legal guardian must be present to sign consent form; birth certificate required; if court-appointed guardian, certified copy of guardianship appointment required
No one under 16 may marry in Illinois

Fee

$15-$60+ depending on county (wide variation - confirm with your specific county clerk before visiting); cash most widely accepted; some counties accept cards

Waiting Period

The license cannot be used until the calendar day after it is issued; cannot be waived except by court order Step 7 - Get married within 60 days - license expires 60 days after issuance (effective the following day, so technically 61 days from issuance) Step 8 - Officiant returns the completed marriage certificate to the County Clerk within 10 days of the ceremony

Online Option

Some counties (Cook, DuPage) offer online pre-application; must complete in person; check your specific county clerk's website

Where to Go

County Clerk of the county where the ceremony will take place - critical: this is not the county where you live

County-specific variations apply

Fees vary dramatically across Illinois's 102 counties ($15-$60+). Payment methods, hours, and appointment requirements vary. Cook County (Chicago) has multiple locations and online pre-application; rural county clerks may have limited hours. The county-specificity of Illinois marriage licenses is a frequent source of confusion - always confirm your ceremony county and get the license there.

Illinois Notes

Important state-specific details

Illinois marriage license is COUNTY-SPECIFIC - can only be used in the issuing county. Plan ahead.
1-day waiting period is mandatory and CANNOT be waived without a court order - plan to apply at least 2 days before your ceremony.
No blood test required.
No residency requirement - non-residents may marry in Illinois.
No witnesses required by Illinois law (though some officiants request them).
Officiants do NOT need to register with any government office prior to performing a marriage in Illinois.
Certified copy of marriage certificate: contact the County Clerk in the county where the marriage took place; fee varies by county.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records (for state marriage records from 1962-present) - dph.illinois.gov | (217) 782-6553; County Clerk (varies by county)