Applying for a Civil Union License

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.

Eligibility

As of June 1, 2011, under Illinois law, eligible persons can be united in a legally recognized relationship (Public Act 96-1513) . Both partners must:

be 18 years of age or older
not be blood relatives

Partners of same or opposite sex may enter into a civil union.

Applying

Couples must appear together at one of the Cook County Clerk's six locations. They must:

fill out and sign a civil union license application
present valid identification with proof of age
pay a civil union license fee of $60

Timelines and restrictions

Civil union licenses are:

issued while you wait
effective the following calendar day after they are issued
valid for 60 days
effective only for ceremonies performed in Chicago and suburban Cook County

As of June 1, 2011, all county clerks in Illinois issue civil union licenses. Licenses should be obtained in the county where the ceremony is to occur.

After the civil union ceremony occurs

The officiant performing the ceremony must complete the bottom portion of the civil union license and mail or deliver it to the Clerk's office.

You may obtain a copy of your civil union certificate upon request.

Notice:

Valentine's Day civil ceremony?

If you plan to get married or have a civil union ceremony on Valentine's Day (Feb. 14) at Marriage/Civil Union Court, you must apply for your license by Friday, Feb. 10th. Cook County Vital Records is closed Monday, Feb. 13 in observance of Lincoln's Birthday.