How to Get a Marriage License in Illinois

Obtaining a marriage license is an important step in making your marriage legal. Follow these guidelines on how to obtain a marriage license if you plan to wed in Illinois.

Things You'll Need

• Divorce decree, annulment paper or death certificate, if applicable
• Marriage license application
• Valid identification
• Pen
• Cash

Instructions

1. Apply for the marriage license in person at any Illinois county courthouse. Both bride and groom must be present. While applicants may apply for a license in any county, the license is only effective in the county where issued. Therefore, the marriage must take place in the county where the license is obtained.

2. Present proof of age and identity. A driver's license, military identification card or passport are all acceptable forms of identification for this purpose.

3. Fill out the application and sign it in the presence of the county clerk. Applicants may also be asked to provide Social Security numbers, dates of birth for both parties, previous marriage information and names and birthplaces of applicants' parents.

4. Pay the license fee and head to the altar. There is a one day waiting period between the time the license is issued and the time the marriage may take place. A license is valid for 60 days, beginning the day after it is issued.

5. If either applicant has been married previously, bring the certified document that ended his or her last marriage, such as a divorce decree, annulment paper or death certificate.

Tips & Warnings

• Blood tests are not required in Illinois. The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act (750 ILCS 5/204) now only requires the county clerk to distribute to everyone applying for a marriage license a brochure prepared by the Illinois Department of Public Health concerning sexually transmitted diseases and inherited metabolic diseases.

• Marriage license requirements often change. Verify all information with the local marriage license office or county clerk before making any wedding or travel arrangements.