Marriage License Info-IL

General Information

Marriage License Laws - State of Illinois

We've provided general guidelines for the Marriage License Laws in the State of Illinois. Each county is different.

In order to get married, you need to apply and receive a marriage license. This is the document in your state/county that allows you to officially tie the knot under the law. The rules for acquiring your marriage license varies from state to state, so you should check with your city's marriage bureau at your clerk of court's office to find out what your local rules are. We have provided a few Illinois resources for your convenience. Click on the links on these prospective pages to be directed to the County sites, including hours, fees and general requirements.

Even if your marriage license is sent to you by mail, you are not officially married. Your Justice of the Peace, pastor or clergyman needs to sign the document. On your wedding day, the couple needs to give the chaplain your marriage license. Following the ceremony, they'll sign it and send it to the proper government agency for validation.

Click on the relevant county link below for specific information.

Frequently Asked Questions

ID Requirement
Application Requirement
Residence Requirement
Waiting Period
For Divorced Individuals
General Fee Guideline
Blood Test Requirements
Under Age of 18
Length License is Valid

Choose Your County
Cook County	DuPage County	Kane County	Other IL County Clerks

ID Requirement

Any of the following documents will be accepted:
• Valid U.S. Driver's License
• Valid U.S. state identification card
• Valid U.S. passport, Valid U.S. military identification card,
• Valid Illinois Department of Public Aid card
(the I.D. and the medical card).

If you do not have any of the above forms of identification,
then you MUST present TWO (2) of the following pieces of identification:

• A certified copy of a birth certificate.
• A valid U.S. resident alien card.
• U.S. naturalization papers.
• A valid foreign passport.
• All consulate identification cards. Affidavits are not acceptable.
• A baptismal record (the date of birth of the applicant must appear on this record).
• A life insurance policy, which has been in effect for one (1) year (the applicant's date of birth must appear on the document).
• A certified copy of their birth certificate.
• A second piece of identification showing date of birth.
• At least one parent of any applicant under the age of 18 must be present.

Application Requirement: Both the bride and groom must appear in person at the time of applying.

Residency Requirement: Non-residents cannot obtain a marriage license if said marriage would be void in their state.

Waiting Period: 1 day.

If Divorced: If either applicant is divorced, they must provide final divorce papers signed by the judge.

Fees: Cash Only! Varies depending on County. $15 to $30

Blood Tests: No tests

Under 18: Applicants between the ages of 16 and 17 may obtain a marriage license by presenting the following information:

• Sworn consent from each parent, each legal guardian or a judge - in person - before the county clerk at the time of application. Those giving consent must provide proper identification, including a: valid driver's license; valid state identification card; valid Illinois Department of Public Aid card; valid passport. (If the legal guardian is giving consent, a certified copy of the guardianship papers must be provided.)

People of the opposite sex older than 18 years of age who are not blood relatives may marry without parental consent.

First cousins older than the age of 50 may marry.

License Valid for: License is valid for 60 days from the date it was issued.
A license issued in Cook County CANNOT be used in any other county or state.

Please Note: State and county marriage license requirements often change. The above information is for guidance only and should not be regarded as legal advice.

It is important that you verify all information with your local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel plans.