24-hour wait is mandatory and cannot be waived. Appointment required in many counties.
Illinois Marriage License — State Rules
Illinois's 24-hour waiting period cannot be waived by any judge or official — it is the most strictly enforced wait in the country. However, Illinois also has some of the lowest license fees in the Midwest at $30. DuPage County and several others require appointments; Cook County accepts both walk-ins and appointments.
Requirements That Apply Statewide
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Who issues the license | County Clerk |
| Waiting period | 24 hours (not waivable) |
| License validity | 60 days |
| Fee range | $30–$35 (varies by county) |
| Witnesses at ceremony | 1 required |
| Residency required? | No — Illinois has no residency requirement |
| Both parties in person? | Yes — both applicants must appear together |
| Blood test required? | No — Illinois does not require premarital blood tests |
What to Bring to the County Clerk
- Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID — driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or foreign passport. Both parties.
- Social Security Number — required on the application for both parties. Physical card typically not required. Non-U.S. citizens without an SSN write "None."
- Prior marriage information — date and state the prior marriage ended (divorce or death). For divorces within the past 6 months, bring a certified copy of the divorce decree.
- Fee payment — $30–$35. Cash, card, or money order. Call your specific county to confirm accepted payment methods.
Illinois County Guides
Select your county for the exact office address, hours, fee, appointment requirements, and county-specific procedural detail.
Fee: $30
Fee: $30
Fee: $30
Fee: $30
Fee: $30
Fee: $30
County-by-county guides for all Illinois counties are being expanded continuously. Use our checklist tool for a personalized document list based on your state while additional county pages are added.
Frequently Asked Questions — Illinois
No. Illinois has no residency requirement. You and your partner can apply for a Illinois marriage license regardless of where you live. The license is valid for ceremonies performed anywhere in Illinois.
The waiting period in Illinois is 24 hours (not waivable). This means you must wait this long after receiving the license before holding the ceremony. See our waiting periods guide for the complete statewide comparison and waiver procedures.
A Illinois marriage license is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. If the ceremony does not occur within this window, the license expires and you must reapply and pay the fee again. Use our expiration calculator to find your exact deadline.
No. A Illinois marriage license is valid only for ceremonies performed within Illinois. If your ceremony is in a different state, you must apply for a license in that state. Your home state will recognize any legally performed marriage from another state.