Cook County Vital Records

The Cook County Clerk's office serves as the official record keeper for births, marriages, civil unions and deaths that occur in Chicago and suburban Cook County. The Clerk's Bureau of Vital Records provides copies of these documents to eligible individuals upon request.

The Clerk's office issues marriage and civil union licenses (beginnning June 1, 2011) to couples who are getting married or united. The Clerk also maintains the county's Domestic Partnership Registry for same-sex couples, which is to be sunsetted May 31, 2011. Couples who have already registered a domestic partnership and choose to enter a civil union will have their domestic partnerships automatically terminated.

In addition, the Clerk's office certifies notary public commissions approved by the Illinois Secretary of State and registers the assumed names of businesses that operate under names other than their owners'.

Ordering online:

For your convenience, you can process online requests through an independent company with which the Cook County Clerk has partnered to provide you this service; VitalChek Network, Inc. VitalChek can be reached through their website. An additional fee is charged by VitalChek for this service, and all major credit cards are accepted, including American Express®, Discover®, MasterCard® or Visa®.

Birth Certificates

The Cook County Clerk's office keeps official records of births that occur in Chicago and suburban Cook County.

additional copies of the same record cost $4 each.

$15

Marriage Licenses

Before getting married in Chicago or suburban Cook County, a couple must obtain a marriage license from the Cook County Clerk's office.

$60

Marriage Certificates

After a marriage ceremony takes place, the officiant files the marriage license with the Clerk's office, and then and a copy of the marriage certificate may be purchased.

additional copies of the same record cost $4 each

$15

Civil Union Licenses
Available starting June 1, 2011

Before formalizing a union in Chicago or suburban Cook County, a couple must obtain a civil union license from the Cook County Clerk's office.

$60

Civil Union Certificates
Effective after June 1, 2011

After a civil union ceremony takes place, the officant files the civil union license with the Clerk's office, and then a copy of the civil union certificate may be purchased.

additional copies of the same record cost $4 each

$15

Death Certificates

Under state law, you may legally obtain a copy of a death certificate if you are a relative or can prove a financial interest in an individual's death.

additional copies of the same record cost $4 each.

$15

Notary Commissions

Becoming a notary is a multi-step process beginning with an application from the Secretary of State's office and ending with a commission from the Cook County Clerk.

notary signature cards can be filed in person for a fee of $5 or by mail for $10.

Domestic Partnerships

Beginning on October 1, 2003, the Cook County Clerk's Domestic Partnership Registry formally recorded relationships of same-sex couples in Chicago or suburban Cook County. As of May 31, 2011, no new domestic partnerships are issued. Rather, same-sex couples may apply for a civil union license.

Notice:

Valentine's Day civil ceremony?

If you plan to get married or have a civil union ceremony on Valentine's Day (Feb. 14) at Marriage/Civil Union Court, you must apply for your license by Friday, Feb. 10th. Cook County Vital Records is closed Monday, Feb. 13 in observance of Lincoln's Birthday.

Due to holidays and one County Shut-Down Day in 2012, all Cook County Vital Records locations will be closed on Feb. 13, Feb. 20, March 5, May 28, July 4, Sept. 3, Oct. 8, Nov. 12, Nov. 22, Nov. 23, and Dec. 25.