North Chicago residents frequently need vital records for military-related documentation, including dependent ID cards, base housing applications, and security clearance updates. The city’s proximity to Naval Station Great Lakes creates unique documentation needs for active duty families, retirees, and civilian contractors working on base.
Vital Records & Certificates in North Chicago, IllinoisLake County Clerks Office
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Lake County Clerks Office. We also offer expedited passport services for North Chicago residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most North Chicago residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in North Chicago
North Chicago residents obtain birth certificates through the Lake County Clerks Office located at 18 N County St in nearby Waukegan. Babies born at Vista East Medical Center or other Lake County hospitals need certified birth certificates for school registration, passport applications, and sports league participation. The Lake County system processes requests efficiently, with most certificates available within 5-10 business days. Military families stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes frequently require multiple certified copies for dependent ID cards, base housing applications, and family readiness group registrations. Our service helps navigate Lake County’s specific requirements and ensures proper documentation.
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 North Chicago
Couples planning weddings in North Chicago, whether at intimate venues along the lakefront or larger celebrations at area reception halls, must obtain marriage licenses from the Lake County Clerks Office in Waukegan. Military couples at Naval Station Great Lakes often choose ceremonies at the base chapel or nearby venues like the Genesee Theatre district. Illinois requires a one-day waiting period after license issuance, and licenses remain valid for 60 days. Our service assists couples with proper documentation and ensures timely processing for destination weddings or military deployment schedules.
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 North Chicago
Death certificates for North Chicago residents are processed through the Lake County Clerks Office, essential for settling estates, insurance claims, and military survivor benefits. Families dealing with loss often need multiple copies for banks, Social Security administration, and veteran affairs offices. Our compassionate team helps families navigate the certification process during difficult times, ensuring proper documentation is available when needed for legal and financial matters throughout Lake County.
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 North Chicago
Divorce documentation in North Chicago is handled through Lake County Circuit Court records. Former spouses need certified decree copies for name changes, remarriage applications, and custody modifications. Military personnel often require documentation for dependent benefits updates and base housing changes. Our service helps locate court records and obtain properly certified copies for all legal requirements in Lake County jurisdictions.
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 North Chicago
The Lake County Clerks Office at 18 N County St in Waukegan serves North Chicago residents Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Free parking is available in the county lot behind the building, accessible from Grand Avenue. The office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for certification fees. From North Chicago, take Green Bay Road south to Grand Avenue in Waukegan – approximately a 10-minute drive. Public transportation is available via Pace bus routes connecting North Chicago to downtown Waukegan. Allow extra time during peak periods when military families process documents for deployments or transfers.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Lake County Clerks Office
Address
18 N County St, Waukegan, IL 60085, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
From North Chicago, head south on Green Bay Road to downtown Waukegan, turn west on Grand Avenue to reach the Lake County Clerks Office at 18 N County St.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Lake 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 North Chicago residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in North Chicago, Illinois
Which office handles vital records for North Chicago military families?
▼Do I need an appointment at the Lake County clerk office?
▼Can military spouses get expedited service for deployment documents?
▼Where can I park near the Waukegan courthouse area?
▼What forms of payment does Lake County accept?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help North Chicago residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Lake County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs