Less Hassle Of Searching Marriage License Records

By Cindy Norris


Vital records of a state include birth, death, marriage and divorce. For the state of Illinois, individuals who need information concerning marriages can refer to the Illinois Marriage Records that are kept by the state. Such information is a useful resource for those conducting research, for record keeping purposes, and for marital status verification.

The vital records division of each state usually maintains and manages records like marriage documents. In the state of Illinois, however, the Division of Vital Records of the Illinois Department of Public Health is limited to verifying whether a marriage took place in the state. Although files can be accessed from the year 1962 up to the present, this division can only verify and is not authorized to issue certified copies of the said documents. Original copies can be obtained from the Illinois Regional Archives Depository or the office of the county clerk where the marriage took place. The office of the county clerk is also considered as the official custodians of marriage records. They are the ones who are authorized to issue certified copies.

A married couple or an individual can request a copy of a marriage document for various reasons. It can be for genealogy research, employment requirements, and verification purposes. A marriage document can help those who are conducting genealogy research to trace their roots, locate and reunite with their long, lost loved ones, prepare a will and testament, and write a biography. Those who are married and are seeking for a job may also find this document as one of their requirements for employment. Even companies and institutions who need supporting documents may further require you to provide a marriage document to verify your identity and status.

When making a request through the Division of Vital Records, you need to fill up the application form and send it through mail, submit a letter containing the details about the married couple like the name, date of birth, and the date and place of marriage, and then the payment. A $5 verification fee is required and is non-refundable. The processing time takes about 4 to 6 weeks for those sent by mail and 7 business days for those sent through fax. If you choose to request via the Regional Archives Depository, you can do so by mail or by phone. The requesting party should also have information about the marriage on hand to help in the search process.

An alternative that requires less hassle and less effort is the use of online commercial search sites. A fee of $19.95 per copy is all it takes for you to experience ease, convenience, and fast results. Statewide and nationwide searches can also be done without the need to go from one state to another since the search is conducted online. The results will take less time because after you settle your payment, you can immediately receive the results.

A Marriage Records Search can now be performed easily. This is all because of the convenience provided by online commercial search sites. If you are considering this alternative, choose a service provider which is guaranteed to be secure and is worth what you will be paying for.




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