According to the Lake County Clerks office this is what we learned
Marriage licenses obtained in Lake County may not be used in any other county. Both the bride and the groom must apply in person for the marriage license. A license to marry becomes effective in the county where it was issued one (1) day after the date of issuance (unless the court orders the license is effective when issued) and expires sixty (60) days after it becomes effective.
Age
Both applicants must be present to obtain a license and be 18 years of age. However, applicants 16 or 17 years of age may marry if both parents of the minor sign a consent form available from our office. Parents may accompany the minor and complete the form when application is made for the license. Authorizing parents must provide their identification for the notary available in our office. If consenting parents complete the consent form prior to the time of application, their signatures must be notarized at the time of signing.
Identification Requirements
Both applicants must present identification and proof of age. A valid U.S. driver’s license, valid U.S. state identification card, valid U.S. passport, or valid U.S. military identification card are accepted.
If you do not have the above forms of identification, alternative identification accepted includes any two (2) pieces: a certified copy of a birth certificate (certified English translation required for foreign certificates), a valid foreign passport, U.S. naturalization papers, a valid U.S. resident alien card or an official consulate identification card. Personal affidavits are not acceptable.
Previous Marriages / Civil Unions
We must know how a previous marriage or civil union ended, including the date, county and state in which it ended. If a prior marriage or civil union ended within the last six months, the County Clerk’s office must see a certified copy (a photocopy is not sufficient) of the death record, dissolution or annulment decree.
Non-Residents
If either applicant resides in another state, a license will be issued only if the marriage would not be prohibited by the state of residency.
Effective Date
Marriage licenses must be obtained at least one day prior to the marriage. The marriage must take place in Lake County and occur within 60 days of the date the license is issued. After 60 days, any license not completed (no marriage performed), is invalid.
Fee
The fee to apply for a marriage license is $25.00. Payment may be made in cash or by check/money order payable to the Lake County Clerk. Some credit and debit cards are accepted and include an additional $2.50 processing fee. Certified copies of the completed Marriage License may be ordered and pre-paid at the time the license is issued. The first certified copy is $8.00 and additional copies are $4.00 each. Certificates are mailed once the completed license is returned by the officiant.
Medical Examination
No medical tests are required in Illinois.
Clergy or Judge Services
Judges for the 19th Judicial Circuit Court are available to perform marriage ceremonies at the following times (no appointment is necessary and witnesses are not required). Prior to getting married by a judge, couples must obtain their marriage license from the County Clerk’s office. Click here for business hours
Need more help? Visit Lake County Clerks Office
