Getting a Civil Union? Read the information below on How to Apply for a Civil Union License.
*** The online form will help speed up the application process.
*** Both parties are still required to visit the County Clerk’s Office to complete the application process. (Photo ID is Required)
Need a Certified Copy of a Civil Union? Click here for more information & form.
Where to Apply:
The office of the Montgomery County Clerk & Recorder
#1 Courthouse Square
Hillsboro, IL 62049-0595
Our office is located on the first floor of the Historic Montgomery County Courthouse.
Civil union licenses are issued Monday through Friday, between 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. (Closed on Holidays)
When to Apply:
Both parties 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 Montgomery County, Illinois.
Fees:
The fee for a civil union license is $75. Cash, money order or checks accepted. Make checks payable to Montgomery County Clerk. We accept credit/debit cards for a small additional fee.
Qualifications:
REQUIRED INFORMATION:
Please review the sample application at the end of the instruction brochure. Knowing all of this information in advance of your visit will greatly reduce the amount of time it takes to process your application. (Important information to know includes: the date your most recent divorce or civil union dissolution was finalized, the spelling of your parents’ full names, and the place of birth for yourself and your parents.)
AGE REQUIREMENT:
In order to enter a civil union in Illinois, you must be at least 18 years of age.
PROOF OF AGE:
It will be necessary to show proof of age when applying for a civil union license. A valid Driver’s License or State Photo ID is acceptable.
Return of License:
The Officiant to the ceremony must return the license to the County Clerk’s Office within 10 days after the date of the civil union. An envelope is provided for the license’s return. If, for any reason, the union is not performed, it is your responsibility to return the license to the County Clerk’s office to be filed. Under no circumstances should a license be destroyed after it is issued.
Use of Civil Union License:
Your civil union license must be obtained in the County in Illinois where the civil union will take place. The license is not transferable to any other county or state. If you are not sure as to what county the particular city of civil union is located, contact this office for assistance. The license becomes valid the day AFTER it is issued and is valid for 60 days.
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 officiant is in good standing.
CIVIL UNION BY A JUDGE:
If you wish to have your civil union performed by a Judge, please contact the Montgomery County Circuit Clerk at: 217-532-9546 for more information.
PUBLISHING NAMES IN NEWSPAPERS:
Generally, the names of couples who apply for a civil union license are published in area newspapers. The list is sent weekly to the newspapers, and the names are published at their discretion. If you do not want your name to appear in the newspaper, please let the County Clerk staff know this request at the time of license issuance. Since this information is of public record, we can not guarantee your request for privacy will be granted.
Certified Copies
Civil unions have been issued and filed in Montgomery County, Illinois since June 1, 2011.
Who May Obtain A Certified Copy
Because of the confidential nature of these records, copies of civil union records may be obtained only by:
- The partners themselves.
- A parent or other legal representative of the person to whom the record relates.
- A person having a genealogical interest if record is over 75 years old, with proof of death.
- Specific written request for a certification or certified copy by a representative of a governmental agency or organization.
- Upon the order of a court of competent jurisdiction.
Please note: Absolutely no information about a specific record can be given over the telephone regarding Vital Records.
Individuals must be 18 years or older to obtain a certified copy of a civil union license.
Fees:
The statutory fee for a SEARCH of the civil union record files is $19.00. If the record is found, one certified copy is furnished. Additional copies of the same record issued at the same time are available for $6.00 each. Cash (in person only, we suggest you never mail cash), money order or checks accepted in person or by mail . Make checks payable to Montgomery County Clerk. We accept credit/debit cards in person for a small additional fee, or you could order your record on line using debit/credit card through VitalChek use info below, which will include extra processing and shipping fees.)
Records requested by mail are fulfilled on the same day they are received in the mail.
What You Need:
1.) Was your civil union performed in Montgomery County? We only have records for civil unions performed in Montgomery County. (If your civil union was in another county, you can visit IDPH WEBSITE to get contact information for all Illinois County Clerks.)
2.) You MUST complete a Civil Union Record Request Form.
This request form requires the following information:
- Both partner’s full names.(Including Maiden Names)
- Date of civil union
- Place of civil union
- The full signature of the person requesting the document
- The relationship of the person requesting the documents to the person
3.) You MUST provide Proof of Identity
Acceptable forms of ID are:
- Valid Drivers License A Driver’s License that is no more than six months expired along with one more piece of documentation with your current name is acceptable. Note: You can’t use this option for online order through www.VitalChek.com
- Valid State Issued ID
- Valid Firearm’s Owner ID
- Valid U.S. Passport
- Valid Military ID
- Incarcerated or recently released inmates can submit a copy of their prison intake/offender summary sheet containing a photo.
– or THREE of the following:-
- Valid Voter Registration Card
- W2 Form (Most Recent)
- Valid Public Assistance Medical Card
- Bank Statement (Most Recent)
- Utility bills or postmarked mail with your name printed on it. MUST have been received in the the last 30 days
- Vehicle Registration Card
- Recent Voided Check
- Recent Credit Card Statement
- Recent Paycheck Stub with Name and Address
Completed request forms cannot be faxed or emailed to our office, since we MUST have an original copy of your signature.
* If you want to order your records by mail and want to pay using a credit card or you need to EXPEDITE YOUR ORDER by Mail, you can go to www.VitalChek.com and order copies from this office on-line via credit card. (VitalChek is a Third Party provider and not a part of the Montgomery County Clerk’s office, Extra fees will be applied.)
4.) Submit the form with Proof of Identity and payment to the following address:
By Mail:
Montgomery County Clerk
P.O. Box 595
Hillsboro, IL 62049-0595
In Person:
Montgomery County Clerk
#1 Courthouse Square
Hillsboro, IL 62049-0595
Our office is located on the First floor of the Historic Courthouse
Map & Directions
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm
(Closed on Holidays)