Cook County Clerk – Chicago, IL

Cook County Clerk’s Office

The Cook County Clerk’s Office, headquartered at 118 North Clark Street in Chicago, serves as the chief election authority and official record keeper for Cook County. This essential government agency plays a pivotal role in the lives of residents by managing vital records, administering elections, and handling various tax-related functions. The office is dedicated to transparency, accuracy, and accessibility, ensuring that all citizens can easily access public records and exercise their right to vote.

Vital Records Division

One of the primary functions of the Cook County Clerk is the maintenance of vital records. The office issues certified copies of documents that are crucial for identity verification and legal proceedings.

• Birth Certificates: The office maintains birth records for all births occurring in Cook County (including Chicago).
• Marriage & Civil Union Licenses: Couples intending to marry in Cook County must obtain a license here. The office also performs marriage ceremonies at designated times.
• Death Certificates: Certified copies of death records are available for estate settlements and other legal needs.

Elections and Voter Services

The Clerk’s office administers elections for suburban Cook County (the Chicago Board of Elections handles the city itself). However, the downtown office serves as a central hub for candidate filings, economic interest statements, and voter registration data management for the entire county. They provide resources for early voting, mail-in ballots, and election results.

Tax and Business Services

The Clerk’s office plays a critical role in the property tax process, specifically regarding Tax Redemption. Property owners with sold taxes can calculate their redemption estimates and make payments here to prevent the loss of their property. Additionally, the office registers Assumed Business Names (DBA) for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating within the county, and maintains a registry of Notaries Public.