Des Plaines Marriage Records
Marriage records for Des Plaines residents are handled by the Cook County Clerk, not the Des Plaines City Clerk. Cook County manages all marriage license applications and keeps certificate records for the city and its surrounding suburbs. Des Plaines has about 59,000 residents and sits in the northwest part of Cook County near O'Hare International Airport. If you need to find a marriage record or apply for a new license in Des Plaines, the Cook County Clerk office is the place to go. You can visit the main office in downtown Chicago or the suburban branch in Rolling Meadows, which is closer to Des Plaines.
Des Plaines Quick Facts
Where Des Plaines Marriage Licenses Are Filed
Illinois law puts marriage license duties on county clerks, not city offices. Des Plaines is part of Cook County, so the Cook County Clerk handles all marriage license applications. The Des Plaines City Clerk at 1420 Miner St. takes care of city business like permits, but that office does not issue marriage licenses or keep marriage certificate records. People sometimes call the city clerk first, but the county clerk is the right office for Des Plaines marriage records.
The Cook County Clerk main office is at 118 N. Clark Street, Room 120, in downtown Chicago. That is about a 30-minute drive from Des Plaines without traffic. For a closer option, the Rolling Meadows suburban branch serves the northwest suburbs including Des Plaines. Under 750 ILCS 5/209, the county clerk must register every marriage that takes place in the county. This means all Des Plaines marriage records sit in the Cook County system. You can call the clerk at (312) 603-7790 with questions about any marriage record filed in Cook County.
| Office | Cook County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Main Address | 118 N. Clark Street, Room 120 Chicago, IL 60602 |
| Phone | (312) 603-7790 |
| Website | cookcountyil.gov - Marriage Licenses |
| Nearest Suburban Office | Rolling Meadows |
Note: The Des Plaines City Clerk at (847) 391-5300 handles city services but cannot process marriage license applications.
Getting a Marriage License in Des Plaines
Both people need to show up at the Cook County Clerk office in person. No one else can go for you. Bring a valid photo ID like a driver's license, state ID, or passport. If either person had a prior marriage, you must bring a certified copy of the divorce decree or a death certificate. Under 750 ILCS 5/203, both parties need to be at least 18 years old to apply without court approval. Applicants aged 16 or 17 can apply with parental consent and a judge's order.
The fee for a marriage license in Cook County is $60. The office takes cash, checks, and credit or debit cards. You can start the application online through the Cook County marriage license page before your visit. This can save time at the counter. But you still have to go in person to finish the process and pick up the license. After the clerk issues it, there is a one-day wait period before you can use it. The license stays valid for 60 days from the day after it was issued.
A Cook County marriage license can only be used for a ceremony held in Cook County. If you live in Des Plaines but plan to marry in a different county, you need to get a license from that county instead. There is no residency rule in Illinois for marriage licenses. Out-of-state couples can apply in Cook County if they want to marry here. No blood test is needed. These rules come from the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act under 750 ILCS 5, and they apply to everyone in Des Plaines and the rest of Cook County.
Des Plaines Marriage Certificate Copies
The Cook County Clerk issues certified copies of marriage certificates for all marriages that took place in the county. This includes Des Plaines. The first copy costs $15. Each extra copy in the same order is $4. These are official copies with a raised seal that most agencies and courts accept for legal use.
To get a copy, you need the full names of both spouses and the date of the marriage. Under 410 ILCS 535/25, only certain people can get a certified copy. That includes the people named on the record, their children, legal representatives, or someone with notarized consent. Genealogy researchers can get uncertified copies of records that are 50 or more years old. Those copies say "For Genealogical Purposes Only" and cannot be used for legal matters. You can search older Cook County marriage records through the county genealogy portal at no charge.
The Illinois Department of Public Health keeps a statewide index of marriages from 1962 to the present. They can issue a verification letter for $5, but that is not a certified copy. For marriages that took place before 1962, the Cook County Clerk is the only source for Des Plaines records. The screenshot below shows the IDPH marriage records page, which explains what the state office can and cannot provide for Des Plaines residents looking for older records.
The IDPH page is helpful for understanding the difference between a state verification and a county-issued certified copy. If you need a document that holds up in court or for a name change, the certified copy from the Cook County Clerk is what you want for Des Plaines marriage records.
Marriage Record Fees for Des Plaines
All fees for Des Plaines marriage records are set by Cook County. The rates are the same whether you visit the main Chicago office or a suburban branch. Here is what you should expect to pay:
- Marriage license application: $60
- First certified copy of certificate: $15
- Each additional copy (same order): $4
- Genealogy copies (50+ years): $16.75 for full record
- State marriage verification (IDPH): $5
The main office in Chicago takes cash, checks, and cards. Suburban offices may have different payment rules, so it is a good idea to call ahead. For mail requests, send a check or money order payable to the Cook County Clerk along with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail orders for Des Plaines marriage records can take several weeks to process. If you need something fast, an in-person visit to the Rolling Meadows branch is your best bet since it is the closest suburban location to Des Plaines.
Legal Resources for Des Plaines Marriage Records
Des Plaines residents who need help with marriage-related legal matters have several options. Whether you are dealing with a prenuptial agreement, a name change after marriage, or trouble getting a copy of your certificate, these groups can point you in the right direction.
The Illinois Vital Records Act under 410 ILCS 535 sets the rules for who can access marriage records in the state. If you believe you are entitled to a record but run into problems, legal aid can help. Legal Aid Chicago serves Cook County residents including those in Des Plaines. The Northwest Suburban Legal Aid Clinic handles family law questions for people in the northwest suburbs. The Illinois State Bar Association runs a referral line that can connect you with a family law attorney near Des Plaines. The Des Plaines city website lists community resources and can help with general questions about city services, though it does not handle marriage records directly.
For genealogy, the Illinois State Archives marriage index covers records from 1763 through 1900. You can search it for free online. If you find a match tied to Cook County, request the full record from the county clerk. The Cook County Genealogy Online portal also has older records available for searching at no cost. These tools work well for anyone tracing family history through Des Plaines marriage records.
Cook County Marriage Records
Des Plaines is in Cook County, and all marriage filings for the city go through the Cook County Clerk. The county serves over 5.1 million residents and handles license applications, record keeping, and certified copies for every city and town within its borders. For full details on office locations, hours, fees, and other services, visit the Cook County page.
Nearby Cities for Marriage Records
Several cities near Des Plaines also fall under Cook County for marriage records. If you live on the border of Des Plaines, one of these offices or nearby cities might be more convenient for your needs.
- Chicago (Cook County)
- Evanston (Cook County)
- Skokie (Cook County)
- Arlington Heights (Cook County)
- Mount Prospect (Cook County)
- Palatine (Cook County)
All of these cities use the Cook County Clerk for marriage licenses. The Rolling Meadows suburban branch is the closest office for most northwest suburbs, including Des Plaines and the nearby communities listed here.