City of Evanston
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I contact and visit the Evanston City Clerk's office?
A: The City of Evanston City Clerk's Office
2100 Ridge Ave. #1200 Evanston, Il 60201
Phone: (847) 448-8189
Email: cityclerk@cityofevanston.org
Hablamos Español
Monday-Friday
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (By appointment only)
Visit, the City Clerk's Office website
Q: How much do you charge to obtain a Birth record?
A: $15.00 for the first certificate. $4.00 for additional of the same certificate.
Q: How much do you charge to obtain a Death record?
A: $17.00 for the first certificate. $6.00 for additional of the same certificate.
Q: How much do you charge to have a Vital record shipped to my home?
A: $20.00 shipping fee anywhere in the United States.
Q: How long does a Vital record take to receive by mail?
A: 2-3 Business days after the order of the Vital record is completed.
Q: What Payment methods do you take to obtain a Vital record?
A: Every payment method is taken In-person. Online orders require Credit/Debit card payment. Mail-in orders must include a Cashier's check or Money order payment.
Q: What type of identification is required to obtain a Vital record?
A: A photocopy of non-expired, government-issued photo identification. Such as a Driver's License, Passport, FOID card, Active Duty Military ID, Veterans Administration Issued Photo Medical Card, or a Federally issued Tribal ID card. All identification MUST have a photo and identifying information such as name and date of birth. Click here for information on acceptable forms of ID.
Q: How long does it take for a new Vital record to obtainable?
A: It typically takes 1-3 weeks for it to be certified and registered.
Q: How can I order Vital records if I can not visit the City Clerk’s office?
A: Chose one of two ordering Methods:
1) Online Mail Request
2) Main-In Request Forms
Q: Can I obtain a Vital record registered outside of Evanston, Illinois?
A: No, you would have to contact that County Clerk’s office.
Q: How can I correct/change information on a Vital record?
A: We have limited access to making changes to Vital records. We can only make minor corrections. If you think it is the fault of North Shore Hospital, contact their Medical Records department at (847) 570-3988. All other changes will have to go through the Illinois Department of Public Health
Q: How can I obtain a Cook County Vital record?
A: Visit, Vital Records | Cook County Clerk
Q: Can I Apostille Birth and Death certificates at The City Clerk's Office?
A: The City Clerk's Office does not Apostille Birth and Death certificates. For assistance with Apostilles, please visit The Office of the State of Illinois Secretary of State Office.
Marriage Solemnization
Q: Where can I obtain a Marriage License and information?
A: The Cook County Clerk's Office or visit, Marriage Licenses | Cook County Clerk
Q: Can I obtain a marriage license at your office?
A: No, you must go to the County Clerk for marriage licenses. Visit, Marriage Licenses | Cook County Clerk
Q: Can the Evanston City Clerk sign my Marriage license?
A: Yes, the City Clerk and the Mayor can solemnize marriages pursuant to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act 750 ILCS 5/ et seq. Please contact our office to make an appointment at cityclerk@cityofevanston.org or 847-448-8189. If you wish for the Mayor to solemnize your marriage, please contact him directly at DBiss@cityofevanston.org. For emergency marriages or religious marriages, you may contact former City Clerk Pastor Rodney Greene at Raptors0304@hmail.com or (847) 208-7607. He is available if needed for all couples, denominations, and civic and religious weddings. You may make any donation for his services.
Q: Where is the nearest Cook County Office?
A: You can find a location near you on the Cook County Clerk’s Office website, Hours and Locations | Cook County Clerk
Public Comment Guide
Q: How do I sign-up for Public comment?
A: Visit, Public Comment Sign-Up | City of Evanston.
Q: When can I sign-in for Public Comment?
A: Sign-in must be completed the day of the Council meeting in order to be considered valid, and only will be accepted until 15 minutes before the scheduled meeting.
Q: How do I receive a Zoom call link for Public Comment?
A: Provide your email address when signing up for Public Comment or contact the City Clerk’s office with your email address.
Elections
Q: How can I register to vote or change my registered address?
A: You can visit our office at 2100 Ridge Ave Rm 1200 Evanston, IL 60201 to register in person or find a local City Clerk’s office at Voter Registration | Cook County Clerk
Q: What is the schedule for Early Voting?
A: You visit Early Voting I Cook County Clerk for the schedule.
Q: Where can I find Voting dates?
A: Visit our Elections web tab to view this years dates.
Q: How do I get my mail ballot?
A: Visit, Vote By Mail | Cook County Clerk
Q: Where is the Mail ballot box located?
A: During Early voting in Room G300.
Q: Where can I vote?
A: Visit, Your Voter Information | Cook County Clerk
Q: Where can I obtain Election data & results?
A: Visit, https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/elections/results-and-election-data
Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA)
Q: How can I request a FOIA report?
A: At the City Clerk’s office, Evanston Police Department, or visit, https://evanston.nextrequest.com/
Q: How can I receive my requested FOIA report?
A: By email or in person at the City Clerk’s office, which is located at 2100 Ridge Ave #1200 Evanston, Il 60201
Q: My FOIA request has been closed, but where is my report?
A: Check your email inbox and the Spam folder to see if you have received an email from Next Request.
Q: How long does it take to receive my requested FOIA report?
A: 5-10 Business days.
Temporary Accessible Parking Placards
Q: How long can I use a temporary placard for?
A: For periods of up to 90 days.
Q: Can I fill out the application?
A: A physician must fill out the application and list a diagnosis related to one of the conditions listed on the application. "Cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest" is no longer a qualifying disability unless it is related to one of the conditions listed. Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles persons with disabilities publications & form.
Q: What if my physician recommends an Accessible Parking Placard longer than 90 days?
A: Forms are available for Accessible Parking Placards for six months and longer through the Illinois Secretary of State's office and at the Illinois Drivers' service facilities. Search for a nearby Drivers' service facility. These forms must be mailed to The State of Illinois Secretary of State office at 501 S. 2nd Street Springfield, IL 62756.
Notary
Q: Do we notarize every type of document?
A: No, we do not, so please be specific with what you need notarized when contacting us at (847) 448-8189.
Q: I need witnesses to notarize my document. Could a staff member serve as a witness?
A: No, we cannot ask staff members to be witnesses to notarize any document. Please bring your own witnesses when notarizing a document.
Q: When can I visit the City Clerk’s office to have something notarized?
A: Notary services are available from Monday to Friday, between 9:00am and 3:00pm. Appointments are available upon request.
Q: What type of identification is required to notarize a document?
A: A photocopy of non-expired, government-issued photo identification. Such as a Driver's License, Passport, FOID card, consular card, and Active Duty Military ID. All identification MUST have a photo and identifying information such as name and date of birth.
Q: How much do we charge to notarize a document?
A: $2.00 per notarized document.
Q: I have mobility issues, and I am an Evanston Resident. Can you come to my home?
A: Our goal is to ensure all Evanston residents are served if you are a senior or person with mobility issues, we will come to your home to notarize a document. Please call the Clerk’s Office to set up an appointment at (847) 448-8189.
Landlord Notices and Leases
Q: How can I obtain a copy of the Lease agreement for my tenants?
A: You can purchase Carbon copies for $1.00 each at the City Clerk’s office, or you can download them for free by visiting Landlord Notices and Leases
Q: What is Evanston's Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance?
A: The Evanston Residential Landlord and Tenant Ordinance and shall be referred to thereafter as “ERLTO.”
Ordinances
Q: Where can I locate City of Evanston Ordinances?
A: Visit, Ordinances
Q: How can I look up City of Evanston Code of Ordinances Library?
A: Visit, Municode Library of Code of Ordinances
Passport Services
Q: Where can I apply or renew for my US passport?
A: The City Clerk's office no longer offers Passport services, but you can visit the Passport Info website for resources.