Vital Records & Certificates in River Forest, IllinoisCook County Clerk’s Office: Bureau of Vital Records

River Forest residents frequently need vital records for enrollment at Dominican University and Concordia University Chicago, passport applications for international academic programs, and documentation for the excellent Oak Park-River Forest school district. This educated community also uses certified documents for professional licensing, federal employment, and genealogical research in this historically rich suburb.

Cook County’s Bureau of Vital Records at 118 N Clark Street in downtown Chicago handles birth certificate requests for River Forest residents. Whether born at nearby Loyola University Medical Center, Rush Oak Park Hospital, or other Chicago-area facilities, families need certified documents for school registration at Dominican University, Concordia University Chicago, or local elementary schools. The downtown Chicago office maintains digital records and provides both regular and expedited processing. University students frequently request copies for study abroad programs, while families use them for youth sports leagues and summer camp registrations throughout the western suburbs.

Couples planning ceremonies at River Forest’s elegant venues like Dominican University’s Crown Center, Concordia University’s chapel, or intimate gatherings at the River Forest Tennis Club obtain marriage licenses from Cook County’s downtown Chicago office. Illinois eliminated the waiting period, allowing same-day ceremonies once licenses are issued. Many River Forest couples appreciate the proximity to Oak Park’s wedding venues and the convenience of the Metra train for downtown license appointments.

The Cook County Bureau of Vital Records processes death certificates for River Forest residents. Families often work with local funeral directors and need multiple copies for life insurance, retirement benefits, and estate matters. The bureau’s computerized system allows searches by name and date, helping families navigate documentation requirements during difficult times while serving this close-knit academic community.

Cook County Circuit Court maintains divorce records for River Forest residents at the Richard J. Daley Center in downtown Chicago. The clerk’s office provides certified copies of divorce judgments and related court documents. Many residents find the downtown location convenient when combining court visits with other Chicago business, especially given River Forest’s excellent Metra rail connections to the Loop.

Take the Metra Union Pacific West Line from River Forest station directly to Chicago’s Ogilvie Transportation Center, then walk or take CTA to the Cook County Bureau of Vital Records at 118 N Clark Street. The office operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Downtown parking is available at nearby garages, though public transportation from River Forest is often more convenient. The office accepts credit cards, cash, and money orders for all vital record services.

From River Forest, take Metra UP-W line to Ogilvie, then walk north on Clark Street to the Cook County building at 118 N Clark Street, near City Hall.