Step One: Call 3-1-1.
When you don’t know who to call or how to get started, call 3-1-1.
311 receives requests for City Services and forwards them to the appropriate departments. See also 311’s directory of online services.
Alderman's Office
Animal Control
Call 311 or go online to report stray animals or inhumane treatment, find animal shelters, and more.
Birth Certificates
Get a certified copy of your birth certificate (if you were born in Chicago or suburban Cook County) from the Cook County Clerk's Office.
Child Care
The Chicago Public Schools and Department of Family and Support Services offer an early childhood program locator.
Circuit Breaker Forms
The Circuit Breaker program, sponsored by the Illinois Department of Aging, offers grants to senior citizens and persons with disabilities to help them reduce taxes and prescription costs.
Death Certificates
Obtain a death certificate for a death in Chicago or suburban Cook County from the Cook County Clerk's Office.
Divorce
- Get answers from the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court.
- The Clerk's office also offers information and instructions for filing a Joint Simplified Dissolution of Marriage.
Domestic Partnership Registration
Domestic Partnership Certificates are issued by the Cook County Clerk's Office.
Driver Services
- For Driver's Licenses, see the Secretary of State's Driver Services page.
- For License Plates, see the Secretary of State's Vehicle Services page.
- If you're new to driving in Illinois, check out this list of frequently asked questions.
- The Rules of the Road is available online.
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Call the Illinois LINCS hotline or use their online request form to find ESL classes near your home or work.
Food Stamps
Get information on the Food Stamp Program from the Illinois Department of Human Services.
Foreclosure Assistance
Call 3-1-1 to be connected to a counselor, as part of the City's Homeownership Preservation Initiative.
Health Insurance for Children
Comprehensive health insurance is available to all uninsured children in Illinois through All Kids.
Immigration and International Visitors
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offers "How Do I" Customer Guides.
- The local immigration office for the Chicago area is the Chicago Field Office.
- Learn about the naturalization test.
- Contact your Consular Office (click on Foreign Consular Offices) if you have lost your passport or for other services offered to citizens.
Lawyers
See Finding an Attorney and A Guide to the Legal Services in Cook County from the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Marriage Licenses
Apply for a marriage license at the Cook County Clerk's Office.
Model Lease
The Chicago Council of Lawyers offers a model lease.
Parking Permits
Get information on residential parking from the City Clerk's Office.
Passports
- Passports for U.S. citizens are handled by the U.S. Department of State. (Read about the new rules regarding passports effective June 1, 2009.)
- Passports for non-U.S. citizens are handled by their local Consular Office (click on Foreign Consular Offices).
Public Housing
See the Chicago Housing Authority's frequently asked questions page.
Senior Services
Learn about services offered by the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services and the Illinois Department of Aging.
Shelters
Call 3-1-1 for information and referrals.
Taxes
- Get Illinois Income Tax forms from the Illinois Department of Revenue.
- Get federal Income Tax forms from the Internal Revenue Service.
- The Center for Economic Progress offers free assistance in preparing your tax return, free legal assistance with audits, a tax hotline, and more.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Find information on TANF, which provides financial assistance to help pay for food, shelter, utilities, and other non-medical expenses.
Unemployment
Illinois' unemployment insurance program is administered by the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
Utility Bill Help
Contact the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County for help paying heating and electricity bills and making your home more energy-efficient.
Vital records (Birth Certificates, Death Certificates, Marriage Licenses)
Learn how to request records from the Cook County Clerk's Office.
Voucher Program (Public Housing)
The Chicago Housing Authority offers general information about the Housing Choice Voucher Program on their website.