Cook County is the second most populous county in the United States and home to Chicago. The Cook County Clerk's office handles one of the highest volumes of marriage license applications in the country, processing thousands annually at its downtown Chicago location and satellite offices.
Office Location and Hours
Marriage licenses in Cook County are issued by the Cook County Clerk at 69 W. Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602 — in the Daley Center in the heart of the Loop. Hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Satellite offices in suburban Cook County may also issue licenses — check the Cook County Clerk website for current satellite locations.
Unlike DuPage County, Cook County accepts both walk-in applicants and scheduled appointments. Given the volume, walk-in wait times can be 30–60 minutes during peak hours (lunchtime weekdays, Monday mornings). The appointment option is available online and recommended for couples with time constraints.
Required Documents
Both applicants must bring the following to the Cook County Clerk's office:
- Valid government-issued photo ID: State driver's license, U.S. passport, military ID, or other government photo ID. Must not be expired.
- Social Security Number: Required on the application. Physical card not required — just know the number.
- Prior marriage documentation: If either party was previously married, be prepared to provide the date and state the marriage ended. For divorces within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
Fee — $30
The Cook County marriage license fee is $30. Accepted payment methods typically include cash, credit/debit card, and money order. Personal checks are not accepted at most county clerk offices. Call ahead to confirm current payment options.
Waiting Period — 24 hours
The waiting period in Cook County is 24 hours. Plan your license application date carefully relative to your ceremony date. See our complete waiting periods guide for more detail on this state's rules and how to request a waiver if applicable.
License Validity — 60 days
Your Cook County marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Illinois. If your ceremony falls outside this window, the license expires and you must reapply. Use our expiration calculator to find your exact expiration date.
After the Ceremony
Your officiant must sign and return the completed marriage license to the Cook County Clerk within the timeframe required by Illinois law. The clerk then records it as a permanent public record. Certified copies of the marriage certificate can be ordered from the clerk's office after recording — typically available 2–4 weeks after the ceremony.
Call the Cook County Clerk's office the day before your visit to confirm current hours, fee amounts, and any appointment requirements. Government office policies can change without public notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — Illinois requires both applicants to appear together in person to apply for a marriage license. There are very limited exceptions (active military deployment in some states). Both parties must present valid photo ID and provide their Social Security numbers.
Yes. Illinois has no residency requirement for marriage license applicants. You can apply in Cook County regardless of where you live, and the license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Illinois.
After your officiant returns the signed license and the Cook County Clerk records it, you can order certified copies directly from the clerk's office in person, by mail, or online through VitalChek. You'll need certified copies for Social Security, your driver's license, and other name change purposes.
The county clerk's office does not typically perform ceremonies. For a civil ceremony, contact the Chicago area courthouse to ask about judge or magistrate availability. Justices of the Peace in the county may also be available. See our courthouse ceremony guide for more detail.