Domestic Partnership Registration

You must provide one of the following forms of identification:

• State Drivers License
• State Identification w/picture
• U.S. Passport
• Birth Certificate

Alternatively, you can provide two of the following forms of identification:

• Voter registration card (issued within the past 90 days)
• Bank statement (issued within the past 60 days)
• Work identification card with photo
• School identification with photo
• Foreign passport

The registration fee for a Domestic Partnership Affidavit is $35.

The fee for an Affidavit of Termination of Registered Domestic Partnership is $20.

Registration and termination forms can be found below in the Supporting Documents section.

What is the domestic partner registry? 

The domestic partner registry is an optional city registry for adults living together in a close and committed relationship of mutual financial and emotional support. By registering your relationship, you are making a historical record of your relationship. Your relationship will also be recognized by the city in its operations. If you are an employee of the city, registering conveys certain employment benefits. The registration program also includes a website of employers in the area that provides domestic partner benefits. 

Why does Urbana have a domestic partner registry? 

Due to the State of Illinois Law (Defense of Marriage Act), same-sex partners do not have the legal right to civil marriage. Yet Urbana is home to same-sex couples living in committed relationships, sometimes with children and/or extended family. In addition, Urbana is home to heterosexual partners living as unmarried partners, whether because they have not yet married or do not wish to marry.

What are the requirements for registering? Registrants must affirm that: 

1. We are engaged in a committed relationship and intend to remain together indefinitely. 
2. We are at least 18 years of age and can enter into a contract. 
3. We share a common permanent residence and are jointly responsible to each other for the necessities of life. 
4. We are not related by blood closer than permitted for married couples under Illinois marriage laws. 
5. Neither of us is registered with another Domestic Partner.
6. Neither of us is in a marriage recognized in the State of Illinois. 
7. We understand that the registration of this Domestic Partnership Affidavit creates a domestic partnership of continuous duration until either of us files a Statement of Termination or upon the death of either of us. 
8. Each of us agrees to file jointly or separately an Affidavit of Termination with the Urbana City Clerk within 30 days of a change in this domestic partnership such that we no longer meet the criteria herein.

It is NOT required that registrants: 

• be in a same-sex relationship. 
• live in the city of Urbana.
• be citizens of the United States. 

What is the process to register as domestic partners? 

1. Appear together at the City Clerk’s office at 400 South Vine Street. 
2. Present valid photo identification with proof of age. 
3. Complete and sign a Domestic Partnership Affidavit before a notary public. The Clerk’s office can provide a notary public. 
4. Pay $26.00. 
5. You will receive a certificate of domestic partnership, two wallet-sized versions of this certificate. 

Is our record of partnership public? 

Yes

How does one terminate a domestic partnership? 

You and your partner may jointly or separately terminate your registered domestic partnership at any time by completing and filing a Notice of Termination of Domestic Partnership. If filed separately, this termination will be mailed to your partner and is not contestable.

What does termination of the domestic partnership cost? 

$16.00