Cook County Vital Records

The Cook County Clerk's office is the official record keeper for births, marriages, civil unions and deaths that occur in Chicago and suburban Cook County. Cook County Vital Records provides copies of these documents to eligible individuals upon request.

Cook County Vital Records also offers specialty certificates for marriages and civil unions. Commemorative certificates are art-quality canvas certificates in a frame-ready size. Wallet certificates are ideal for carrying in your wallet or pocket as proof of your union.

In addition, Cook County Vital Records maintains a genealogy website, certifies notary public commissions approved by the Illinois Secretary of State, and registers the assumed names of businesses.

Birth Certificates

Cook County Vital Records keeps official records of births that occur in Chicago and suburban Cook County.

Additional copies of the same record cost $4 each.

$15

Marriage Certificates

After a marriage ceremony takes place, the officiant files the marriage license with Cook County Vital Records, and then and a copy of the marriage certificate may be purchased. Commemorative* and wallet certificates also available.

Additional copies of the same record cost $4 each.
*Commemorative certificates are $65.

$15

Death Certificates

Under state law, you may legally obtain a copy of a death certificate if you are a relative or can prove a financial interest in an individual's death.

Additional copies of the same record cost $6* each.

*Effective July 1, 2012 per Public Act 97-0679

$17*

Civil Union Certificates

After a civil union ceremony takes place, the officiant files the civil union license with Cook County Vital Records, and then a copy of the civil union certificate may be purchased. Commemorative* and wallet certificates also available.

Additional copies of the same record cost $4 each.

*Commemorative certificates are $65.

$15

Marriage Licenses

Before getting married in Chicago or suburban Cook County, a couple must obtain a marriage license from the Cook County Clerk's office.

$60

Civil Union Licenses

Before formalizing a union in Chicago or suburban Cook County, a couple must obtain a civil union license from the Cook County Clerk's office.

$60

Notary Commissions

Becoming a notary is a multi-step process beginning with an application from the Secretary of State's office and ending with a commission from the Cook County Clerk.

Notary signature cards can be filed in person for a fee of $5 or by mail for $10.

Domestic Partnerships

Beginning on October 1, 2003, the Cook County Clerk's Domestic Partnership Registry formally recorded relationships of same-sex couples in Chicago or suburban Cook County. As of May 31, 2011, no new domestic partnerships are issued. Rather, same-sex couples may apply for a civil union license.