City Clerk's Office
Office of the City Clerk

Stephanie Mendoza (she/ella)
The City Clerk's Office is the central hub for Evanston's administrative functions, playing a vital role in various aspects. The Clerk’s Office maintains the City Code and publishes Ordinances and Resolutions to retain them as permanent records in the municipal library. Annual updates to the Municipal Code are executed through amendatory ordinances. The City Clerk is also the custodian of the City seal, affixing it to necessary documents.
Operating within state statute and the municipal code, the City Clerk safeguards and oversees a range of critical documents, including minutes and legal papers. The City Clerk is involved in Election services, facilitating voter registration, petitions, and election information as the local election official. Additionally, the City Clerk's Office provides access to information through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and Vital records. The City Clerk also handles Temporarily Accessible Parking Placards, manages City Council referrals, digitizes and maintains records, and issues meeting notices, schedules, and voting orders.
Additionally, the City Clerk serves as the local election official , OMA compliance, Financial disclosure compliance, and manager of Boards, Commissions, and Committees appointments, terms, and resignations. The City Clerk is also the deputy registrar, overseeing various election-related activities. Collaborating with the Mayor, Council Members, and staff, extends support on particular projects, and represents the city at pertinent meetings upon request.
Read the Rules and Organization of the City Council of the City of Evanston
Services
Notary Services
Notary services are available by appointment only Monday to Friday. Appointments are available upon request from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.-
Some documents require different Notary licensing and bonding than others, so please specify what notary services you need to ensure we can notarize the type of document you have.
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To get something notarized, you must sign it in the presence of a notary public.
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We can not act as a witness; you must provide your own witness.
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ID Requirements: State Driver's license, State ID, Passport, Foreign Passport, or Matricula Consular card.
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The cost for Notarizing a document is $5.00 (Note: this does not apply to documents created by the City of Evanston.)
Temporary Accessible Parking Placards
The City Clerk's office issues Temporary Accessible Parking Placards for periods of up to 90 days.
If you have a qualifying temporary disability you may be eligible for a disabled parking placard.
New regulations will no longer allow a person with a accessible parking placard to automatically qualify for meter-exempt parking in cities and municipalities.
Temporary Accessible Parking Placards are limited to one per person. Placards are only valid until the expiration date indicated on the placard. Failure to properly display a parking placard when utilizing a designated disabled parking space may result in a fine.
NOTE:
- 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.
- 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. These forms must be mailed to The State of Illinois Secretary of State office at 501 S. 2nd Street Springfield, IL 62756.
If you require further ADA/Disability services please click on this ADA/Disability Services weblink.
City Seal
The Seal heretofore provided and used by and for the City, the impression of which is in a circular form, with the words "City of Evanston, Cook Co. Illinois," on the outer circle and in the interior of the circle an open book crossed with pens, a facsimile of which is shown as follows, shall be, and is hereby established and declared to be the Seal of the City. (1-16-1.)
NOTE: The City Seal shall be and remain in the custody of the City Clerk, who may charge a fee not to exceed three dollars ($3.00) for its use on any attestation, acknowledgement or other certificate. (1-16-2.)
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
909 Davis St., 2nd Floor, 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)
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
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.
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 909 Davis St. 2nd Floor. 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.
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: Effective March 17th, 2025, the cost of notarizing a document is $5.00 per stamped page.
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.
Q: How can I obtain a copy of the Lease agreement for my tenants?
A: You can purchase Carbon copies for $5.00 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.”
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
Q: What is the process to request an Ordinance with City Seal?
A: Email cityclerk@evanston.org with your request. Arrange a pick-up time for your physical copy and remit a $3.00 processing fee for each request.
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.




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