Civil Union License Requirements and Fee Information

Any couple wishing to have a civil union ceremony performed in Lake County, Illinois must apply for a civil union license together, in person at the:

Prior to visiting our office, civil union license applicants must complete and print the Civil Union License Application and Record Request Form. Upon arrival, applicants must present the completed, printed application form along with proof of valid identification displaying the names as they will appear on the license (please refer to page two of the application form for a list of acceptable forms of ID).

NOTE: A certified dissolution or invalidity record will be required if a prior marriage or civil union has ended within the last six (6) months (must bear the issuing agency’s official, embossed seal and certification) - A certified and properly notarized English translation will be required for foreign certificates.

If either person does not speak or understand the English language, the couple must provide a third-party interpreter to complete the application process.

Due to capacity limitations, only the applicants (along with their interpreter, if applicable) will be allowed into the office.

Identification Requirements
Acceptable forms of valid U.S. identification:

• Driver’s license,
• State identification card,
• Passport, or
• Military identification card

If any of the above identification is not available, then applicants must present two (2) pieces of the following valid identification:

• Certified copy of a birth certificate
  (notarized and certified English translation required for foreign certificates),
• U.S. original naturalization certificate,
• Foreign passport,
• U.S. resident alien card, or
• Consulate identification card.

Affidavits or expired identifications are not accepted.

Age

18 years of age and older
Illinois state law prohibits civil unions for anyone under the age of 18.

Valid Dates
 A license must be obtained at least one day before the ceremony and is valid for 60 days beginning the day after it is issued. If the ceremony does not take place within 60 days, the license becomes null and void.

Non-Residents
If either or both applicants live in another state, a license will be issued only if it is not prohibited by the state of residency.

Medical Tests
No medical tests are required in Illinois.

License Fees and Copies
  $35 Civil Union license
  $10 Certified copy of record
    $4 Additional certified copies (when purchased together)

Acceptable payment methods include:

• Check,
• Cash,
• Money order
• Credit / debit card (additional service fees apply to credit / debit card payments)

When the application process is complete, the couple will pay for and leave with their license. Certified copies may be pre-ordered and paid for at the time of the license application.  After the ceremony, the officiant will complete and return the license to the Lake County Clerk’s office where it will be officially recorded. 

Ceremonies

Clergy
The Lake County Clerk’s office is not an agent and cannot provide contact information for any clergy or ministers.

Judges of the 19th Judicial Court

For information regarding ceremonies performed by Judges of the 19th Judicial Court, please visit their website.

Helpful Links

To read the state statute authorizing civil unions, refer to Public Act 096-1513 on the Illinois General Assembly website. 

Lambda Legal - Midwest Regional Office
312-663-4413 or Lambda Legal

Equality Illinois