How do I change my name after marriage in Cook County, IL?

Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Cook County Clerk, then update your Social Security record, your Illinois Secretary of State driver's license, and your passport — in that order.

Where is the Cook County Clerk's office?

Phone: (312) 603-0996 (Cook County Clerk, Vital Records). Confirm current hours before visiting.

Do I need to go to court to change my name in Cook County?

No for a marriage or divorce name change — your certificate or decree is your legal document. A court-order name change requires filing a petition with the Circuit Court Clerk and attending a hearing.

Home › Illinois › Cook County

How to Change Your Name in Cook County, Illinois

Changing your name in Cook County (county seat: Chicago) means working through several offices in a specific order. This page lays out the exact steps, offices, and fees for Cook County after marriage, divorce, or a court order.

Step 1 — Get your certified copies

Every agency needs to see an original certified document. For a marriage name change, order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Cook County Clerk. For divorce or a court order, you'll get certified copies from the Cook County Circuit Court Clerk (below).

Cook County Clerk

Phone: (312) 603-0996 (Cook County Clerk, Vital Records)

Certified copy fee: $15 first certified copy + $4 each additional copy of the same record (VitalChek online adds a processing fee)

www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/vital-records/marriage-civil-union/marriage-certificates

Step 2 — Update Social Security

Update your Social Security record first — it must come before your driver's license. It's free, but bring your certified document and a current photo ID.

Local Social Security office

Multiple SSA field offices serving Cook County (e.g., Chicago Loop, Chicago SW/N/S, Evanston, Oak Park, Cicero) — confirm nearest and book appointment at ssa.gov/locator.

Step 3 — Update your Illinois Secretary of State license

Once your Social Security record is updated, visit the Illinois Secretary of State to reissue your driver's license or state ID with your new name.

Illinois Secretary of State office

Illinois Secretary of State (SOS) Driver Services facility — name change in person only (cannot be done online/by mail). Must update SSA FIRST, then apply for a corrected license/ID within 30 days; bring current IL license/ID + original or certified marriage certificate (updated SS card helpful).

Driver's license / ID fee: $5.00 corrected driver's license; $10.00 corrected state ID card

Step 4 — Update your passport

Submit the correct passport form with a certified copy of your name-change document. Passport services are available in Chicago Passport Agency (230 S. Dearborn St, Kluczynski Federal Bldg, 18th floor) for urgent travel by appointment only; routine applications/renewals via USPS, public library, and county clerk passport acceptance facilities (see iafdb.travel.state.gov)..

Fees at a glance

Item	Cost
Certified copies (Cook County)	$15 first certified copy + $4 each additional copy of the same record (VitalChek online adds a processing fee)
Social Security card update	Free
Driver's license reissue	$5.00 corrected driver's license; $10.00 corrected state ID card
U.S. passport update	$0–$130 (depends on timing)

Local note: Illinois marriage name change: NO court filing — the certified marriage certificate IS the legal name-change document. Order of operations: (1) certified marriage certificate from the COUNTY CLERK that issued the license; (2) SSA card update in person by appointment, free (appointments required since Jan 2025) — must be done BEFORE the DMV; (3) Illinois SOS Driver Services in person to apply for a corrected license/ID within 30 days ($5 license / $10 ID); (4) U.S. passport; (5) voter & vehicle registration. COOK-SPECIFIC: same-day certified copies only at the downtown office (118 N. Clark St., Rm 120); suburban courthouse branches offer vital-records service but not same-day. Confirm the current fee ($15/$4) before quoting a customer.

Skip the guesswork — get your Cook County guide

Your personalized, step-by-step guide for Cook County — every office, fee, and form, with clickable links and a fillable progress tracker. Delivered to your inbox.

Get my Cook County guide → $24.99

Frequently asked questions

How do I change my name after marriage in Cook County, IL?: Order certified copies of your marriage certificate from the Cook County Clerk, then update your Social Security record, your Illinois Secretary of State driver's license, and your passport — in that order.
How much does a certified copy cost in Cook County?: The Cook County Clerk charges $15 first certified copy + $4 each additional copy of the same record (VitalChek online adds a processing fee) for certified copies. Order at least three so each agency can keep one.
Where is the Cook County Clerk's office?: Phone: (312) 603-0996 (Cook County Clerk, Vital Records). Confirm current hours before visiting.
Do I need to go to court to change my name in Cook County?: No for a marriage or divorce name change — your certificate or decree is your legal document. A court-order name change requires filing a petition with the Circuit Court Clerk and attending a hearing.