Copy of Marriage License Illinois

Getting a Copy of a Marriage License in Illinois

If you need a copy of a marriage license in IL, you may not know exactly what state agency to start looking at. Whether you need an initial copy of a marriage license in Illinois so that you can get married, or you're looking for a copy for research or your personal records, this guide can help you get what you need. You'll learn how to get a certified copy of a marriage license in IL as well as non-certified marriage information verification from the state's bureau of vital records.

Initial Copy of a Marriage License in Illinois

If you are planning to get married in the state, you will first need to obtain an initial copy of a marriage license in IL. You can obtain a copy of a marriage license in Illinois from any county clerk's office. Every county has its own forms for obtaining your initial copy of a marriage license in IL. You will be required to present current photo identification or multiple non-photo identification methods if you have no photo ID. You will also need to fill out information about yourself and your future spouse on the application for your initial copy of a marriage license in Illinois.

Additional copy of a marriage license in IL

If you have already gotten married, you may want to get a second copy of a marriage license in Illinois for your records. You may also need a copy of a marriage license in IL for geneological or historical research. In order for a copy of a marriage license in Illinois to be a legal document, it will need to be a certified copy. Obtaining a certified copy of a marriage license in IL requires going to the county clerk's office in the county where the license was registered. No matter what county you need to get a copy of a marriage license in Illinois from.

Not all counties make it possible to order a copy of a marriage license in IL online. However, some do, and you may be able to obtain your copy quickly and cheaply in this way. Otherwise, you will have to order your copy by mail or appear in person at the county clerk's office.

The Illinois Bureau of Vital Records maintains non-certified copies of marriage licenses for the entire state for any marriage taking place after 1962. If you need a copy of a marriage license in Illinois for research purposes, including geneology research or historical background, you can order a non-certified verification of marriage data from this bureau for substantially less money than ordering a certified copy of a marriage certificate.

Who Can Get a copy of a marriage license in IL?

Because marriage licenses are public records, anyone can access the marriage verification information available with the Bureau of Vital Statistics. However, certified copies may only be obtained by the couple or someone with a valid legal reason to have a certified copy.