Civil Union Licenses
Obtaining a Civil Union License
We have a brochure containing all the information you need to obtain your civil union license.
Download the Civil Union License Brochure in PDF format.
Where to apply:
Office of Debbie Ming-Mendoza, Madison County Clerk, Administration Building, 157 North Main, Suite 109, Edwardsville, IL, 62025
Civil Union Licenses are issued between 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., Monday through Friday except for holidays.
When to apply:
You and your partner must appear at the Office of the County Clerk. The license must be obtained at least 1 day prior to being used. The license is void 60 days after the effective date. The license must be used in Madison County.
FEE: The fee for a civil union license is $30.00, CASH, checks are not accepted.
QUALIFICATIONS:
AGE: In order to enter a civil union in Illinois, you must be at least 18 years of age.
PROOF OF AGE: It is necessary to show proof of age when you apply for a civil union license. A valid Driver's License or State ID is acceptable.
NON-RESIDENTS: Non-residents cannot obtain a civil union license if said civil union would be void in their state.
RETURN OF LICENSE: The Officiate to the ceremony must return the license to the County Clerk's Office within 10 days after the date of the civil union. An return envelope is provided.
USE OF CIVIL UNION LICENSE: The license becomes valid the day after it is issued and is valid for 60 days. You must have the civil union certified in Madison County. A person referred to as the officiate will certify the Civil Union.
WHO CAN CERTIFY A CIVIL UNION: A civil union may be certified by a judge, a retired judge of a court of record or in accordance with the rules of any religion, Indian Nation or Tribe provided that any required officiate is in good standing.
CIVIL UNION BY A JUDGE: If you wish to be certified by a judge, arrangements must be made with the Chief Judge's Office by calling 296-4580. Civil unions are performed at the courthouse on Friday. After paying the required $10.00 judges' fee in the Circuit Clerk's Office, Room 118 in the courthouse, you will be directed to the court room where ceremonies are performed.
OBTAINING A CERTIFIED COPY: You can get a certified copy of your civil union license issued in Madison County from the County Clerk's Office. Include both partner's names, the date of the civil union and the fee of $10.00. Additional copies of the same license may be obtained for $2.00 each. Address your request to:
Debbie Ming-Mendoza
Madison County Clerk
PO Box 218
Edwardsville IL 62025
(618) 692-6290
PUBLISHING NAMES IN NEWSPAPERS: The names of couples who apply for civil union licenses are published in area newspapers. The list is sent weekly to the papers, and the names are published at the paper's discretion. If you do not want your name to appear in the paper, please indicate on the form.
