Vital Records & Certificates in McHenry, IllinoisMcHenry County Clerk’s Office

McHenry residents need vital records for numerous purposes: enrolling children in highly-rated local schools, applying for passports for family trips to the nearby Wisconsin Dells, proving identity for employment in the Chicago metropolitan area, and handling real estate transactions in the desirable Fox River corridor. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to this historic community, certified documents provide essential verification for life’s important moments.

McHenry families obtain birth certificates through the McHenry County Clerk’s Office located at 667 Ware Road, Suite 107 in Woodstock. Babies born at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital or Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in nearby Barrington require certified copies for everything from Little League registration to passport applications for family trips to Wisconsin Dells. The county charges standard Illinois fees, with expedited processing available for urgent travel needs. Parents often need multiple copies when enrolling children in McHenry Community High School District 156 or when applying for youth programs through the McHenry Parks and Recreation Department along the scenic Fox River corridor.

Couples planning weddings at the picturesque Boone Creek Golf Club, the historic Vixen Hill Farm, or intimate ceremonies at Moraine Hills State Park obtain marriage licenses from the McHenry County Clerk’s Office in Woodstock. Illinois requires a one-day waiting period, though this can be waived for a small fee. Many couples choose McHenry for its romantic Fox River backdrop and proximity to Chicago, making it convenient for guests traveling from the metropolitan area. The clerk’s office processes licenses for ceremonies throughout McHenry County’s scenic venues and parks.

Death certificates for McHenry residents are processed through the McHenry County Clerk’s Office, serving families throughout the Fox River valley. These documents prove essential for settling estates, claiming life insurance benefits, and transferring property ownership in McHenry’s established neighborhoods near downtown and the Chain O’Lakes region. Multiple certified copies are often needed for banks, insurance companies, and legal proceedings involving local real estate transactions.

Divorce records for McHenry residents are maintained by the McHenry County Circuit Court system. These certified copies become necessary for remarriage, property division, and child custody arrangements. The court clerk provides access to finalized divorce decrees for individuals who need documentation of their marital status for various legal and personal purposes throughout the county.

The McHenry County Clerk’s Office at 667 Ware Road, Suite 107 in Woodstock operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Free parking is available in the county complex lot off Ware Road. The office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for vital record fees. From McHenry, take Route 14 west approximately 15 minutes to reach the Woodstock location. Online ordering may be available for certain documents, though in-person service ensures immediate processing and verification of requirements.

From downtown McHenry, take Route 14 west toward Woodstock. The McHenry County Clerk’s Office is located in the county government complex on Ware Road.