Office Documents
All documents can be submitted via mail or in person during normal business hours.
All documents can be submitted via mail or in person during normal business hours.
Monday-Friday: 8 AM – 4:30 PM
Occasionally this office is closed from 12-1 for lunch, please call ahead to ensure availability.
APPLICANTS FOR A MARRIAGE OR CIVIL UNION LICENSE NEED TO BE HERE BY 4:00 PM., AS IT TAKES APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES TO COMPLETE THE PROCESS.
ALL RECORDING RECEIVED AFTER 4:00 p.m. will be recorded on the next business day.
Use the following link to check your voter registration status:
***Please see post under County News regarding County Clerk fee schedule changes effective July 1, 2023***
Standard Recordings
Non-Standard Recordings
Plat / Survey
Non-Land Documents
The fees charged under this section shall be inclusive of all County and state fees that the county may elect or is required to impose or adjust, including, but not limited to, GIS fees, automation fees, document storage fees, and the rental housing support program state surcharge.
Non-Standard Recordings:
Search and access to vital records is strictly regulated by the Illinois Vital Records Act, 410 ILCS 535/23-25.
The Hamilton County Clerk’s Office is bound by State law to adhere to the policies and guidelines of the State of Illinois, with the exception of charging a search fee for vital records.
Who Can Handle the Indexes?
Birth, death and marriage indexes in the custody of the County Clerk can be handled and viewed only by the County Clerk and her employees of the County Clerk’s office, except for indexes prior to 1916 for genealogical purposes only. Old indexes can be viewed and handled by the general public.
Who Can Handle the Records?
Copies of Birth Certificates can be issued to:
Copies of Death Certificates can be given to:
Copies of Marriage Licenses can be given to:
Marriage License / Civil Union License Requirements:
Fees for Vital Records and Copies
Certified copies of Birth, Death, and Marriage Records of persons who were born, deceased, or married in Hamilton County may be obtained for genealogical purposes from our Office.
Birth & Death Records begin in 1878 and Marriage Records go back to 1821 (1869 thru 1872 very limited).
Birth, Death & Marriage Records are not Public Records. Records for genealogy purposes can only be issued if on file the required number of years:
Vital Records are confidential records, and copies can be issued only to persons entitled to receive them. Our office is bound by policies and guidelines of the State of Illinois Vital Records Act. For more information on the Act you can visit:
http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/archives.html
To submit a Genealogy Application download and fill out the form below.
The Hamilton County Clerk & Recorder is making searching easier. By making their records available online, you can now search wherever you have internet, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week–even during major holidays. Search from your office, from your home, or even from another state. Search at your convenience.
Illinois County Clerk and Recorder Portal
Hamilton County Records Portal
Obtaining a Marriage License in Hamilton County, Illinois
Where to apply: Heather Bowman, Hamilton County Clerk and Recorder’s Office, 100 S. Jackson Street, Room 2, McLeansboro, IL 62859
When to apply: You and your fiancé must appear at the Office of the County Clerk together. 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 Hamilton County.
Fee: The fee for a marriage license is $75.00.
Qualifications
Age: In order to be married in Illinois without parental consent, you must be at least 18 years of age. If you are under 18 years of age, both parents must sign a parental consent form in the County Clerk’s Office and they must have a valid Driver’s License or State ID for identification at the time you apply for your license. If it is not possible for your parents to sign in this office, signature can be witnessed by the County Clerk in your parent’s County. If a parent is deceased, a death certificate, proof of guardianship or court order waiving consent must be presented.
It is necessary for anyone applying for a marriage license to show proof of age when you apply for a marriage license. A valid Driver’s License or State ID is required AS WELL AS a certified copy of your birth record.
Return of License: The license must be returned to the County Clerk’s Office within 10 days after the date of the marriage.
Use of Marriage License: Your marriage license must be obtained in the County where the marriage will take place.
Requesting a Certified Copy: You may obtain a certified copy of your marriage license if it was issued in Hamilton County, IL from the County Clerk’s Office. Include the maiden name of the bride, the groom’s name, the date of marriage and the fee of $18.00. Additional copies of the same license may be obtained for $6.00 each if made at the same time.
All documents can be submitted via mail or in person during normal business hours.
Animal Control Committee
Liquor Control Committee
Building & Grounds Committee
County Highway Committee
Building & Grounds Committee
Police Commission Committee
Public Safety Committee
Finance Committee
Police Commission Committee
Insurance Committee
Public Safety Committee
SIRP & DC Committee
Animal Control Committee
Finance Committee
Insurance Committee
Liquor Control Committee
County Highway
ESTB Board Committee
Online Records
Using the Judici, a third-party provided service to Illinois courts, you can lookup cases, court scheduling and other filings. See links provided below.
Search case information
Make a payment
Services for attorneys