Lake County Marriage Records

Lake County marriage records go back to 1839 and are held at the County Clerk office in Waukegan. With more than 714,000 residents, Lake County is one of the largest counties in Illinois and processes a high volume of marriage license requests each year. You can search Lake County marriage records in person or use the online index for older files. The clerk also works with VitalChek for those who want to order copies from home. Whether you need a certified copy for a legal matter or are doing family research, the Lake County Clerk has several ways to help you get what you need.

Lake County Clerk Vital Records Office

The Lake County Clerk handles all marriage records for the county. This office is in Room 101 of the county building in Waukegan. Staff can help you find marriage licenses, issue certified copies, and answer questions about the process. Lake County keeps both current and historical marriage records at this location. Walk-in service is the most common way people get copies, but mail and online options are also on hand.

The Lake County Vital Records page has full details on what you can request and how to do it. The office also handles birth and death records, so it can get busy at times. Plan your visit during off-peak hours if you can. Under 410 ILCS 535, the county clerk is the local registrar for vital records in Lake County. This means all marriage licenses issued in the county stay on file here for good.

The Lake County Vital Records office provides a range of marriage record services for residents and researchers alike.

That page shows the main portal for vital records in Lake County. From there you can find links to forms, fees, and hours for the clerk office.

How to Get Lake County Marriage Records

There are a few ways to get marriage records in Lake County. The most direct path is to visit the clerk office in Waukegan. Bring a valid photo ID. Tell the staff the names of both spouses and the date of the marriage if you know it. They will search the files and make copies for you on the spot. Lake County can pull marriage records from 1839 to the present, though very old files may take a bit more time to locate.

You can also request Lake County marriage records by mail. Send a written request to the clerk office at 18 N. County Street, Waukegan, IL 60085. Include the full names of both parties, the approximate date, and a check or money order for the fee. Allow one to two weeks for processing by mail. For faster service, Lake County's marriage records page has details on what you need to include with your request.

VitalChek is another option. Lake County partners with VitalChek for online and phone orders. You will pay a service fee on top of the copy cost. This is handy if you live out of state or can't make it to Waukegan during business hours. Credit cards are accepted through VitalChek for Lake County marriage records.

Note: Genealogical copies of marriage records over 50 years old cost $4.00 in Lake County.

Marriage Licenses in Lake County

The Lake County marriage license page explains the full process for getting a license. Both parties must appear at the clerk office in person. You need a valid form of ID such as a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. There is no blood test in Illinois. Under 750 ILCS 5, a one-day waiting period applies after you get the license. The license is then valid for 60 days from the date it was issued in Lake County.

The Lake County marriage license page provides step-by-step guidance for couples applying in person at the Waukegan office.

That screenshot shows the Lake County Clerk site with full details on what to bring and how to apply for a marriage license.

If either party was married before, you need to know the date of the final divorce or death of the prior spouse. The clerk will ask for this. Applicants who are 16 or 17 years old need written consent from a parent or guardian under Illinois law. Anyone under 16 cannot get a marriage license in Lake County. The fee for a marriage license is set by the county, so call (847) 377-2400 to check the current rate before your visit.

Lake County Genealogical Marriage Records

Lake County is a strong resource for family history research. Marriage license records go back to 1839, which is among the earliest in the state. The clerk also has birth records from 1871 and death records from 1877. Researchers can search an online index for records prior to 1916. This index is free to use and can save you a trip to Waukegan if you just need to confirm a date or name.

Uncertified genealogical copies of Lake County marriage records cost $4.00 per copy. These are for marriages that took place more than 50 years ago. Under 410 ILCS 535/25, older vital records shift into the public domain for genealogical use. This means anyone can request these copies without proving a direct relationship to the people on the record. Lake County makes this easy with low fees and a simple request process.

For records before 1916, the index search can help you narrow down dates and names before ordering a full copy. This is useful when you are not sure of the exact year a marriage took place in Lake County. The staff at the Vital Records office can also assist with genealogical research if you visit in person.

Lake County Marriage Certificates

A certified marriage certificate from Lake County is the official proof that a marriage took place. You may need one for name changes, insurance, immigration, or other legal purposes. The Lake County Clerk issues certified copies from their office in Waukegan. You can also get them by mail or through VitalChek.

The Illinois Department of Public Health can verify marriage facts from 1962 to the present but does not issue certified copies. For a certified copy, you must go through the county where the marriage took place. In Lake County, the clerk office handles this directly. Under 410 ILCS 530/3, the county clerk has the authority to issue these certified documents. Bring your ID when you pick up copies in person. If you order by mail, include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request for Lake County marriage certificates.

Processing times vary. In-person requests are usually same-day. Mail requests take one to two weeks. VitalChek orders may arrive faster with expedited shipping, but you will pay extra for that service in Lake County.

Illinois Marriage Record Laws

Marriage records in Lake County fall under Illinois state law. The main statute is 410 ILCS 535, which is the Illinois Vital Records Act. This law sets the rules for how vital records are kept, who can access them, and what fees can be charged. Lake County follows these rules for all marriage record requests.

The Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, 750 ILCS 5, covers license requirements. It sets the minimum age, the waiting period, and the rules for who can perform a ceremony. Both laws apply to every marriage license issued in Lake County. The clerk staff are trained on these statutes and can answer most questions about them.

Cities in Lake County

Lake County has many cities and towns. All marriage licenses for the county are issued by the Lake County Clerk in Waukegan. No matter where you live in Lake County, you go to the same office for a license or to get copies of marriage records.

Other communities in Lake County include Highland Park, Lake Forest, Mundelein, and Libertyville. Residents of these towns also file for marriage licenses through the Lake County Clerk office in Waukegan.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Lake County. If you are not sure which county handles your marriage license, check the address where you plan to apply. Each county clerk issues licenses for their own county in Illinois.