Cook County, Illinois
Marriage License Requirements

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning Your Visit to the County Clerk

The County Clerk handles marriage license applications for Cook County. The 24-hour clock starts from the exact moment the license is issued — not midnight of the following day. Factor this into your planning carefully.

Illinois imposes a 24-hour waiting period that cannot be waived by any court or official. Apply at least 2 full days before your ceremony to allow for the wait plus a safety buffer.

Step-by-Step: Application to Certified Copies

Here is the complete sequence for a Cook County marriage license, from the day you apply through receiving certified copies for name changes:

1. Gather documents: Both parties need valid, unexpired photo IDs and their Social Security numbers. If either party has been previously married, have the divorce date and state ready (bring a certified decree if divorced within the past 6 months).
2. Visit the office: Both parties appear together at the County Clerk. The application takes 15–25 minutes. Pay the $30 fee.
3. License issued: You receive a physical paper marriage license. Keep it safe — it is the document your officiant will sign after the ceremony.
4. Waiting period: 24 hours (not waivable) from the moment of issuance. Plan your ceremony date accordingly.
5. Ceremony anywhere in Illinois: Your license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Illinois within the 60 days validity window. Your officiant signs immediately after the ceremony.
6. Return the license: The signed license must be returned to the issuing office within the timeframe required by Illinois law (typically 10–30 days). Confirm responsibility — you or your officiant.
7. Order certified copies: After the marriage is recorded (2–4 weeks post-ceremony), order certified copies from the County Clerk or through VitalChek. Order at least 4–6 copies at once.
8. Name changes: Use certified copies for Social Security, DMV, passport, and financial accounts. Start with Social Security first — other agencies verify against SSA records. See our name change guide for the complete sequence.