Clerk Orr unveils wallet civil union and marriage certificates

Cook County Clerk David Orr announced Thursday new wallet-sized certificates tailor-made for same-sex couples with a civil union, married couples with two different last names or any couple who wants to carry proof of their union. The legal, embossed certificates are available for anyone married or civilly united in Cook County for the same $15 fee as a standard-size certificate. This will help couples who want a handy certificate to carry when they travel or need documentation of their marriage or civil union, Orr said. Our wallet certificate means you always have proof in your pocket. The set of two wallet-sized marriage or civil union certificates includes names, license number, the clerk's signature and an embossed Cook County seal. Couples are routinely asked to prove they are married or in a civil union, whether it's at the bank, the gym, the hospital, or the car rental counter, Orr said. Wallet certificates can be ordered at any of the Cook County Clerk's Bureau of Vital Records locations. Same-day service is only available at the downtown Chicago office in the lower level of the Daley Center, 50 W. Washington. Couples can also order by mail. Download a form at cookcountyclerk.com and follow the instructions. Orr notes that while wallet certificates have only been available for a few weeks, they are already in demand. It's easy to understand why nearly everyone who sees them wants them, Orr said. Standard certificates are large and bulky, while wallet certificates slide right into your pocket like a credit card or driver's license. All couples who are married or united in Cook County have the option of purchasing a wallet certificate instead of, or in addition to, their standard marriage certificate. The wallet certificate software was developed in-house by staff programmers. Orr's office also offers art-quality commemorative certificates for married and united couples. Choose from nine original designs by local artists. Ready to frame and printed on canvas, commemorative certificates are $65 and include a free certified legal record. Order online at our commemorative certificate store or visit one of our six office locations (same-day service available only at our downtown office).