Birth Records

• The record can be released to the person named on the record, if 18 years of age or over
• The parent, if the name appears on the birth certificate as the mother or father
• A legal guardian who possesses guardianship papers that are signed by a judge
• A legal representative who is representing the person named on the birth certificate or is representing his/her parents
• A court order

• Illinois driver’s license
• Illinois State identification card
• Out-of-state driver’s license or ID Card
• U.S. military ID Card
• U.S. immigration card
• Illinois public assistance ID card
  OR
  Two forms of ID that contain the current name and address, such as mail, social security card, checkbook or utility bills

• To request a record online Click Here.
• To request a record by mail, the applicant must send a signed written form. Click here to obtain a mail-in form. The request must include the person’s name at birth, date of birth and parents’ names with mother’s maiden name. The request must be signed by the applicant and can only be sent to those who are entitled to obtain a copy. The required fee should also be included along with a photocopy of your valid driver’s license, State I.D. or two forms of identification with your current name and address on them. Mail your request to the Stephenson County Clerk’s Office, 50 W. Douglas St., Suite 500, Freeport, IL 61032.
• To order by phone you may call 815-235-8289 and relay all of your information. We will prepare your documents for pickup.

• To request a record online Click Here.
• To request a record by mail, the applicant must send a signed written form. Click here to obtain a mail-in form. The request must include the deceased person’s name and date of death. The request must be signed by the applicant. The required fees should also be included. Mail your request to Stephenson County Clerk’s Office, 50 W. Douglas St., Suite 500, Freeport, IL 61032.
• To order by phone you may call 815-235-8289 and relay all of your information. We will prepare your documents for pickup.

Marriage Licenses

• You must be getting married in Stephenson County.
• Both parties need to be present. Applicants are encouraged apply by 4:00 pm due to processing time. Please come to the Stephenson County Clerk’s Office, 50 W. Douglas St., Suite 500, Freeport, IL.
• You must not be related or of the same sex.
• You must show some type of identification with your birth date on it, preferably a driver’s license or a state ID.
• The fee is $55.00 payable by money order, cashier's check or cash.
• You must apply for the license at least one day in advance and no more than 60 days in advance.
• No blood test is required.
• Information required by both parties
  1. Your dates of birth, state of birth, social security numbers and occupations.
  2. Your parents full names (including mother’s full maiden name) city and state of both parents if living, and the states in which the parents were born.
  3. If either party has been previously married, that party will need to know the exact month, day, and year along with the county and state of the dissolution or death of the previous marriage.
  

If the bride or groom is a minor (16 or 17 years old):

• Both parents are required to be present with identification and will have to sign a consent form.
• If one parent cannot be located, then the other parent will need to sign an affidavit attesting to that fact.
• A bride or groom under 16 years of age is not eligible to apply. However, a judge can issue a court-ordered marriage.

• To get married by a judge, you must make an appointment by calling 815-599-8415 or 815-801-8305.
• You must pay a $10 fee to the circuit clerk prior to appearing before the judge.

Marriage Records

• To request a record online Click Here.
• To request a record by mail, the applicant must send a signed written form. Click here to obtain a mail-in form. The request must include the bride and groom’s names, date of marriage or approximated date and year of marriage. Mail your request to Stephenson County Clerk’s Office, 50 W. Douglas St., Suite 500, Freeport, IL 61032
• To order by phone you may call 815-235-8289 and relay all of your information. We will prepare your documents for pickup.

Civil Union Licenses

• You must be getting united in Stephenson County.
• Both parties need to be present. Applicants are encouraged apply by 4:00 pm due to processing time. Please come to the Stephenson County Clerk’s Office, 50 W. Douglas St., Suite 500, Freeport, IL.
• You must not be related.
• You must show some type of identification with your birth date on it, preferably a driver’s license or a state ID.
• The fee is $55.00 payable by money order, cashier's check or cash.
• You must apply for the license at least one day in advance and no more than 60 days in advance.
• No blood test is required.
• Information required by both parties
  1. Your dates of birth, state of birth, social security numbers and occupations.
  2. Your parents full names (including mother’s full maiden name) city and state of both parents if living, and the states in which the parents were born.
  3. If either party has been previously married, that party will need to know the exact month, day, and year along with the county and state of the dissolution or death of the previous marriage.

If the either party is a minor (16 or 17 years old):

• Both parents are required to be present with identification and will have to sign a consent form.
• If one parent cannot be located, then the other parent will need to sign an affidavit attesting to that fact.
• A partner under 16 years of age is not eligible to apply. However, a judge can issue a court-ordered union.

• To be united by a judge, you must make an appointment by calling 815-599-8415 or 815-801-8305.
• You must pay a $10 fee to the circuit clerk prior to appearing before the judge.

Civil Union Records

• To request a record online Click Here.
• To request a record by mail, the applicant must send a signed written form. Click here to obtain a mail-in form. The request must include both partners names, date of civil union. Mail your request to Stephenson County Clerk’s Office, 50 W. Douglas St., Suite 500, Freeport, IL 61032
• To order by phone you may call 815-235-8289 and relay all of your information. We will prepare your documents for pickup.

Registration of Notary Commissions

1. Applications are available at the Secretary of State’s Office or you may click here to download one. A Notary Application Checklist and the Notary Handbook are also available for your use by clicking on the name. After downloading and printing the application for a commission as a notary public, please complete and mail the application as instructed by the secretary of state.
2. The secretary of state will send the notary commission certificate to the county clerk.
3. Upon receipt, our office will notify you that you must register your signature either by coming in to the County Clerk’s Office in the Stewart Centre, 50 W. Douglas St., Suite 500, Freeport, IL 61032 or by sending your signature through the mail. There is a $5.00 fee if you elect to sign in person or a $10.00 fee if you send it through the mail. Should you elect to send in your signature, mail it to the Stephenson County Clerk’s Office, Stewart Centre, 50 W. Douglas St., Suite 500, Freeport, IL 61032
4. You will receive your certificate when you come in or it will be mailed to you if you elect to send in your signature.

For more information, please call 815-235-8289 or come to the County Clerk’s Office in the Stewart Centre, 50 W. Douglas St., Suite 500, Freeport, IL 61032

Delinquent Taxes

• For specific information about the amount you owe, call 815-235-8289.
• No personal checks are accepted for payment of delinquent taxes. Payment can be made with cash, money order, cashier’s check or a certified check made payable to the Stephenson County Clerk.
• Installment payments cannot be made. The amount due must be paid in full.