Illinois marriage license fees and where to pay them

An Illinois marriage license costs $60 in most counties. You pay this fee when you file your process at the county clerk's office in the county where you plan to marry. The fee covers the license itself and is non-refundable once you have submitted your process.

Some counties charge slightly different amounts—a few charge $55 and others charge up to $65—so call your specific county clerk's office before you go. The fee is the same whether you are getting married in that county or somewhere else in Illinois or out of state; the license is valid anywhere.

Payment methods vary by county. Most accept cash, check, and debit or credit card in person. Some counties now accept payment online or by mail if you are filing your process remotely, though you will still need to appear in person for the final step.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard Illinois marriage license fee is $60, though some counties charge between $55 and $65.
  • You pay the fee at the county clerk's office in the county where you file your process, not necessarily where you will marry.
  • The license is valid for 60 days after it is issued, so time your process so the license does not expire before your wedding.
  • Both people getting married must appear in person to sign the process; one person cannot file on behalf of the other.

What happens after you pay the fee

Once you pay the $60 fee and complete your process, the county clerk issues your marriage license on the spot or within a few business days, depending on the county. You receive a signed, sealed copy that you give to the person performing the ceremony—a judge, minister, or other authorized official.

The license is valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. If you do not marry within that window, the license expires and you must file a new process and pay the fee again. Plan your process date so the 60-day window covers your wedding date with a few days of buffer.

After the ceremony, the person who performed it signs the license and returns it to the county clerk. That completes the legal marriage. You can request certified copies of your marriage certificate later if you need them for name changes, insurance, or other purposes—those copies cost extra and are ordered separately.

Documents you need to bring

Both people getting married must appear together at the county clerk's office with a valid photo ID. Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, passport, military ID, or state ID card. The ID must not be expired.

You will also need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and the names of your parents (or indicate if you do not know them). If either person was previously married, bring the divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse. These documents prove you are legally able to marry.

Some counties ask for additional paperwork, such as proof of residency or a certified birth certificate. Call your county clerk's office before you go to confirm what they require. Showing up without the right documents means a wasted trip and another visit later.

How to find your county clerk's office

Illinois has 102 counties, each with its own clerk's office. Search online for "[your county name] clerk marriage license" to find the office address, phone number, and hours. Most county clerk websites list the exact documents needed and whether they accept online applications or appointments.

If you do not know which county to contact, determine where you plan to marry or where you live. You can file in either location. Some couples file in their home county for convenience; others file in the county where the wedding will take place. Either way, the license is valid statewide.

Many county clerk offices now offer online appointment scheduling. Booking ahead can shorten your wait time, especially in larger counties like Cook County (Chicago). Call or check the website to see if your county offers this option.

Refunds and what to do if you change your plans

The $60 marriage license fee is non-refundable once you have submitted your process and the license has been issued. If you decide not to marry or need to postpone, you cannot get the money back.

If your wedding is postponed but still within the 60-day validity window, you can use the same license. If the postponement extends beyond 60 days, you will need to file a new process and pay the fee again. Some couples file a new process close to their rescheduled date to avoid this.

If you lose your marriage license before the ceremony, contact the county clerk when ready. They can issue a replacement, though fees and processing time vary by county. Do not delay—you need the license to legally marry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can one person file for the marriage license without the other person present?

No. Both people getting married must appear together at the county clerk's office to sign the process. Illinois law requires both signatures on the same day. You cannot file by proxy or have someone else sign on your behalf.

Do I have to marry in the same county where I got the license?

No. Your Illinois marriage license is valid anywhere in the state and in other states as well. You can file in Cook County and marry in DuPage County, or file in Illinois and marry out of state. The county where you obtain the license does not restrict where you can use it.

What if I am under 18—do I still pay the same fee?

Yes, the fee is $60 regardless of age. However, Illinois requires parental or judicial consent for anyone under 18. You will need a parent or guardian to sign a consent form, or you will need a court order. The consent process is separate from the license fee.

How long does it take to get the license after I pay?

Most counties issue the license the same day you file and pay the fee. Some counties issue it within one to three business days. Call your county clerk's office to confirm their processing time. Remember the license is valid for 60 days, so plan accordingly if your wedding is soon.

Can I pay the fee online or by mail?

Some Illinois counties accept online payment or mail-in applications, but you must still appear in person to sign the process. Check your county clerk's website to see if they offer remote filing options. If they do, follow their instructions for payment and scheduling your in-person appointment.