Marriage or Civil Union License

Please see our new price list effective December 1, 2018 on the General Information tab.

Office hours to acquire a license: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

To obtain a license: Both parties need to be present to apply for the license.

ID Requirements: Show proof of age and identification. (Acceptable documents are driver’s license or state ID card)

Residency Requirement

  • Must be having the ceremony in Ford County
  • You do not have to be a resident of Illinois

Personal Information:

  • Both parties, must know their own Social Security Number
  • Both parties, must know the city and state they were each born in
  • Both parties, must know your current address
  • Both parties, must know the state each of their parents were born in
  • Both parties, must know fathers full name and mothers full maiden name
  • Both parties, must know parents current addresses

Waiting Period in Illinois:  There is a 24 Hour waiting period before you can have the ceremony.


Previous Marriages:

  • Must know date and county the last divorce occurred in
  • You must provide a certified copy of your divorce if you have been divorced within the last six (6) months.

Fees: Getting a license in Ford County will cost you $55.00 Cash only.

Cousin Marriages: First cousins may marry if they are older than the age of 50.

Under 18:

  • If you are 16 or 17 years of age, you will have to provide a copy of your birth certificate along with some other sort of identification showing your date of birth. You will also need to have the sworn consent from each parent, each legal guardian, or a judge – in person – before the county clerk at the time of application. Your parents or guardians will need to provide identification like a driver’s license, state ID card, Illinois Department of Public Aid card, or passport. If your parent is deceased, you will need to show a death certificate or proof of guardianship, or a court order waiving consent. A legal guardian will also need to show a certified copy of the guardianship papers.
  • If you are under sixteen (16) years of age, you cannot get a license in Illinois.

Miscellaneous:

  • License is valid for sixty (60) days only in the county in which it was issued.
  • You will need to make arrangements with the Judge’s office, if you wish his services.