Cook County Vital Records

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

The Clerk's office also issues marriage licenses to couples who are getting married and administers the county's Domestic Partnership Registry for same-sex couples.

In addition, the Clerk's office certifies notary public commissions approved by the Illinois Secretary of State and the names of businesses that operate under a name other than that of its owner.

Ordering online:

For your convenience, you can process online requests through an independent company that the Cook County Clerk has partnered with to provide you this service; VitalChek Network, Inc. VitalChek can be reached through their website. An additional fee is charged by VitalChek for this service, and all major credit cards are accepted, including American Express®, Discover®, MasterCard® or Visa®.

Birth Certificates

The Cook County Clerk's office keeps official records of births that occur in Chicago and suburban Cook County.

additional copies of the same record cost $4 each.

$15

Marriage Licenses

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

$40

Marriage Certificates

After a marriage ceremony takes place, the marriage license is filed with the Clerk's office and a copy of the marriage certificate may be purchased.

additional copies of the same record cost $4 each

$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 $4 each.

$15

Domestic Partnerships

The Cook County Clerk's Domestic Partnership Registry formally records relationships of same-sex couples who live in Chicago or suburban Cook County. Couples are also eligible if one of them works in Chicago or suburban Cook County. Couples must apply for certificates in person and are required to present valid identification.

$30

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 filing holds a fee of $5 if done in person and $10 if done through the mail.

Click here to download a Puerto Rico birth certificate request form.

*** NOTICE ***

Applying for a marriage license?

We have new Marriage Bureau hours!

Click here for all Vital Records hours.

Download a flyer about the change.

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Marriage Certificates

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Genealogy Records

Notary Commissions

Authenticating Notaries/Apostilles

Assumed Business Name Registration

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