As a major Chicagoland city and Will County seat, Joliet residents frequently need vital records for employment at local corporations, college applications at nearby universities, passport services for international travel through Chicago airports, and various legal proceedings handled at the county courthouse. The city’s growing population and proximity to Chicago create constant demand for certified documentation.
Vital Records & Certificates in Joliet, IllinoisWill County Clerk
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Will County Clerk. We also offer expedited passport services for Joliet residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Joliet residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Joliet
Joliet residents obtain birth certificates directly from the Will County Clerk located at 302 N Chicago Street in downtown Joliet. Local births frequently occur at AMITA Health Saint Joseph Medical Center and Silver Cross Hospital, both serving the greater Joliet area. Illinois state law governs the fees and processing requirements, with Will County charging standard rates for certified copies and additional fees for expedited service. Parents need these documents for school registration, sports team enrollment, and daycare applications throughout the city. The clerk’s office maintains digital records for efficient processing of requests from Joliet families.
Requirements
Valid government ID, payment, proof of relationship to person named on certificate
Who Can Request
The person named on the certificate, their parent/legal guardian, spouse, child, grandparent, sibling, or authorized legal representative with proper documentation.
Processing Time
Common Uses
- ✓ Passport applications
- ✓ Driver’s license/State ID
- ✓ Social Security card
Marriage Licenses in Joliet
Couples planning weddings in Joliet visit the Will County Clerk at 302 N Chicago Street for marriage licenses. The city offers stunning venues including the historic Rialto Square Theatre, elegant country clubs, and scenic outdoor locations like Pilcher Park. Illinois requires no waiting period, allowing couples to marry immediately after obtaining their license. The license remains valid for 60 days, giving couples flexibility for planning ceremonies at popular Joliet venues or destinations throughout Chicagoland.
Requirements
Both parties present with valid ID, certified copies of divorce decrees if previously married
Popular Wedding Venues
Waiting Period
For Passport Name Change
Need to update your passport with your new married name? We can help expedite the process.
Update Passport with New Name →Death Certificates in Joliet
Joliet families request death certificates from the Will County Clerk’s office on Chicago Street. These essential documents facilitate estate settlement, insurance claims, and property transfers. The county processes requests efficiently, understanding families’ urgent needs during difficult times. Multiple certified copies are often necessary for simultaneous submission to various institutions, banks, and government agencies handling the deceased’s affairs.
Requirements
Valid ID, proof of relationship or legal authority
Who Can Request
Spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, legal representative of the estate, funeral director, or anyone with a documented legal or personal interest.
Processing Time
Special Instructions
Divorce Decrees in Joliet
As Will County’s seat, Joliet’s courthouse processes divorce cases, and certified copies are available through the county clerk. These documents are crucial for remarriage licenses, name changes, or child support modifications. Court case numbers expedite searches, though the clerk can locate records using party names and approximate dates when complete information isn’t available.
Requirements
Valid ID, case number helpful
Processing Time
Special Notes
📄 Reverting to maiden name?
You’ll need your divorce decree to update your passport with your previous name.
Name Change Process →How to Order in Joliet
The Will County Clerk operates from the historic courthouse at 302 N Chicago Street in downtown Joliet. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Metered street parking surrounds the building, and the location is accessible via Pace bus routes serving the downtown area. The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and credit cards. Online ordering is available for some services, while walk-in customers receive same-day processing for most vital record requests.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Will County Clerk
Address
302 N Chicago St, Joliet, IL 60432, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
The Will County Clerk is located in downtown Joliet at 302 N Chicago Street, easily accessible from I-55, I-80, and Route 30.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Will County Clerk (Government Service) | PassportsAndVisas.com (Expedited Service) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | Same day (in-person) 2-3 weeks (mail/online) | 3 days guaranteed |
| Certificate + Passport | ✗ Separate processes | ✓ One-stop service |
| Personal Account Manager | ✗ Not available | ✓ Dedicated support |
| Error Checking | ✗ Your responsibility | ✓ Expert review |
| Tracking | ✗ No tracking | ✓ Real-time updates |
Need to Renew Your Passport?
Got your marriage certificate for name change? Complete your passport renewal in minutes online. We serve Joliet residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Joliet, Illinois
Is there parking available near the Will County courthouse in downtown Joliet?
▼Can I take public transportation to the Will County Clerk office?
▼Does the Will County Clerk office accept walk-ins?
▼What payment methods are accepted at the Joliet clerk office?
▼How quickly can I get a birth certificate in Joliet?
▼Are there any Joliet hospitals that can issue birth certificates?
▼What if I need a death certificate from over 50 years ago?
▼Can I order multiple types of certificates during one visit?
▼What should I do if there’s an error on my Joliet birth certificate?
▼Is the Will County Clerk office wheelchair accessible?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Joliet residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Will County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs