Illinois marriage license: cost and requirements
In Illinois the license can be used starting the next day, is good for 60 days and only works in the county that issues it. No witnesses are needed.
Chicago, IllinoisIllinois summary
Official source Reviewed Nov 4, 2026 · Official source, with details that may vary.
- Cost
- Varies by county: $60 in Cook and $32 in Kane.
- Waiting period
- The license takes effect on the next calendar day after it is issued.
- Validity
- 60 days from the day it takes effect.
- Witnesses
- Illinois law does not require witnesses.
How much is a marriage license in Illinois?
Varies by county: $60 in Cook and $32 in Kane.
What do you need to get the license?
- ID: Valid ID with proof of age.
- Minimum age: 18. At 16 to 17, with sworn consent from both parents or legal guardians, who must appear in person with ID; certified birth certificate and a second ID for the minor.
- Other requirements: Both appear together. If there was a divorce in the last 6 months, a certified copy of the decree (Cook). First cousins may marry only if both are over 50. Non-residents cannot marry in Illinois if that marriage would be illegal in their home state.
Where do you get it, and who issues it?
County Clerk of the county where the wedding will take place.
Where it is valid: Only in the county that issues it (for example, a Cook County license works only in Chicago and the Cook County suburbs).
Is there a waiting period, and does it expire?
- Waiting period: The license takes effect on the next calendar day after it is issued.
- Validity: 60 days from the day it takes effect.
How many witnesses, and who can marry you?
- Witnesses: Illinois law does not require witnesses.
- Who can officiate: A member of the clergy or a judge.
Illinois counties with an AltarPlan guide
We haven't published Illinois county guides yet: we verify them one by one against the official source. In the meantime, these rules apply statewide and the office can confirm the exact fee.
Other counties couples often look up
We haven't verified these counties yet. The Illinois rules on this page apply; the fee and the office depend on the county, so confirm them on the official website.
- Cook County (Chicago)State rule We're verifying this county's data.
- DuPage County (Wheaton)State rule No guide of its own yet.
- Kane County (Aurora)State rule No guide of its own yet.
- Lake County (Waukegan)State rule No guide of its own yet.
How to get a marriage license in Illinois
- Confirm where to apply: County Clerk of the county where the wedding will take place.
- Gather your ID: Valid ID with proof of age.
- Get your payment ready: Varies by county: $60 in Cook and $32 in Kane.
- Count the waiting period: The license takes effect on the next calendar day after it is issued.
- Marry within the validity period: 60 days from the day it takes effect.
- Before you go, confirm everything with the office that issues the license: fees and hours change.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Illinois marriage license valid anywhere in the state?
Only in the county that issues it (for example, a Cook County license works only in Chicago and the Cook County suburbs).
What is the minimum age to marry in Illinois?
18. At 16 to 17, with sworn consent from both parents or legal guardians, who must appear in person with ID; certified birth certificate and a second ID for the minor.
Who can officiate a wedding in Illinois?
A member of the clergy or a judge.
Does AltarPlan issue the license?
No. AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. This information is a general guide, not legal advice: confirm with the office.
Sources and review date
- Kane County Clerk (Marriage License) (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
- Cook County Government (Marriage Licenses) (opens in a new tab) Accessed Nov 4, 2026.
Reviewed Nov 4, 2026. If you spot an error, write to us.
AltarPlan is not a government office and does not issue licenses. General information, not legal advice. Confirm with the county office.