Civil Union Certificates

Cook County Vital Records keeps official records of civil unions that occur in Chicago and suburban Cook County.

A civil union license is filed with the Clerk's Bureau of Vital Records after the civil union ceremony takes place. The officiant performing the ceremony completes and signs the civil union license and returns it to the Clerk's office, where it is recorded.

After that occurs, the Clerk's office can issue you a certified copy of your civil union certificate upon request. Civil union certificates are not automatically sent to couples.

Three types of civil union certificates

Requesting a STANDARD civil union certificate

Order one of five ways:

1. Visit us in person at one of the Clerk's six locations 
2. Order Online
• A $12.45 processing fee is charged by VitalChek. All major credit cards are accepted.
3. Order By Phone
• Call Toll-Free: (866) 252-8974
4. Write us
• Mail your request to:
  Cook County Clerk David Orr
  Bureau of Vital Records
  P.O. Box 641070
  Chicago, IL 60664-1070
• Include the following items:
• a completed Civil Union Certificate Request Form*
• a photocopy of your photo identification
• a check or money order payable to the Cook County Clerk for $15 (additional copies of the same record cost $4 each)
• a self-addressed stamped envelope
• Note: Be sure to include your phone number with your mail request.
5. Go to a local Currency Exchange
• Call (847) 759-8905 for Currency Exchange hours and locations in Chicago and suburban Cook County, or visit www.mycurrencyexchange.com.
• There is a $5 surcharge for records obtained at Currency Exchanges.

Requesting a WALLET Civil Union certificate

Order one of two ways (NOT available online):

1. Visit us in person at one of the Clerk's six locations.
   • Same-day delivery available only at our downtown office.
2. Write us
• Mail your request to:
  Cook County Clerk David Orr
  Bureau of Vital Records
  P.O. Box 641070
  Chicago, IL 60664-1070
• Same-day delivery available only at our downtown office.
• Include the following items:
• a completed Civil Union Certificate Request Form*
• a photocopy of your photo identification
• a check or money order payable to the Cook County Clerk for $15 (additional copies of the same record cost $4 each)
• a self-addressed stamped envelope
• Note: Be sure to include your phone number with your mail request.

Requesting a COMMEMORATIVE Civil Union certificate

Order one of two ways:

1. Visit our online commemorative certificate store.
2. Visit us in person at one of the Clerk's six locations.
   • Same-day delivery available only at our downtown office.