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Civil Union Licenses
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:
License Application Hours: | Address: |
---|---|
Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM | Lake County Clerk's Office, Room 101 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, Illinois |
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.
- Individual ceremonies are performed weekdays at the Main Courthouse and group ceremonies on weekends at the Courthouse Tower.
- $10 cash-only fee paid to the Circuit Court Clerk.
- You will need to bring a third-party interpreter if either applicant does not speak or understand English.
- No appointments, witnesses, or rings are required.
Judges' Availability
Days and times | Location | Special Instructions | |
---|---|---|---|
Weekday ceremonies | Monday - Friday 2:30 PM to 4 PM | Lake County Main Courthouse, 18 N. County St., Waukegan | Begin at the Circuit Court Clerk's office located at 18 North County Street, Waukegan, lower level of the Annex Building to pay the $10 ceremony fee. The Circuit Court Clerk will then direct you and your marriage party to the courtroom for the ceremony |
Weekend ceremonies | Saturday 9:30 AM to 11 AM | Lake County Court Tower, 301 Washington St., Waukegan Building entrance is near the corner of County and Washington Streets. | Arrive close to starting time and check in with the deputy at the security desk. $10 ceremony fee (cash only) is then collected. |
Sunday 9 AM ONLY | Lake County Court Tower, 301 Washington St., Waukegan Building entrance is near the corner of County and Washington Streets. | Arrive close to starting time and check in with the deputy at the security desk. $10 ceremony fee (cash only) is then collected. On Sunday, the judge will leave once all court business and any known marriages are completed. |
Ceremony Information Line
Check the court calendar or contact the Court Administration office by calling 847-377-3600 to confirm available hours and ceremony location.
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
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Vital Records
Physical Address
18 N County Street
Room 101
Waukegan, IL 60085
Phone 847-377-2411