Couples should appear in person at the county clerk’s office in the same county where they will get married. Check the county website in advance as some have forms to be completed in advance or online bookings. Also check fees, as these can vary considerably between counties.  

There is no requirement to be a resident in the county or state. When you are ready to apply, both parties should bring one of the following documents each:

• Driver’s license
• State photo ID
• Passport
• Military ID card 

The license will be valid from the following day, for a total of 60 days. 

The officiant will file the completed marriage license with the county recorder where it was issued The couple may then order the official marriage certificate from the county clerk.

Check the county website as there are a number of ordering methods: online, by mail, by appointment and walk-in. Counties also have various prices to order certified marriage certificates, typically between $10 and $20 each.

If you’re changing names always start by updating the SSA first. Visit https://www.ssa.gov/personal-record/change-name and answer a range of questions. If your wedding and identity can be confirmed online then your name can be updated immediately and a new card sent out.

If you can’t be verified, you will be instructed what documents to take in person to an SSA branch to complete your name change in person.

The SSA sends a new card with the same number and updated name within a few weeks.

Visit a Secretary of State facility in person with your original marriage certificate and current license. For location visit https://apps.ilsos.gov/facilityfinder/facility Fee for a duplicate or corrected driver’s license is $5.

Regardless if you are updating a standard license or REAL ID, you should take the following documents;

• Original marriage certificate
• Current Illinois license
• One document from Group A showing your signature. Refer to the SOS website of the flyer in your Easy Name Change kit for full details (eg: Cancelled check, credit/debit card, driver’s licence)

If you are updating from standard to a REAL ID license, you will need to go through the full driver license evidence of identity process where additional documents are required. 

Visit a Secretary of State facility with the following documents:

• Completed form VSD-190 
• Illinois Certificate of Title
• Certified copy of your marriage certificate.
• $15 title fee.

You can correct your registration card at the same time for $3. Titles are mailed to the owner, or else the lienholder should your vehicle have one. Include the details of your lienholder on form VSD-190. 

You may instead mail the form with copies of the documents and payment as per the instructions on the form.

Where both your wedding and passport were issued within the past 12 months, apply for a free replacement with form DS-5504.

Passports and/or weddings that are more than a year old should use form DS-82 and full renewal fees are payable (Passport books $130. Passport cards $30). No credit is given for unused time remaining in your passport.