In Chicago, the City Clerk is one of only three city-wide elected positions, along with the Mayor and Treasurer.
A City Clerk is a public official whose principal duties include keeping records or accounts for the municipality and other duties prescribed by law. The position is central to government transparency because the clerk is responsible for keeping and making official records and legislation accessible to city residents. Clerks also play an important role in the system of checks and balances by offering perspectives, policies, and opinions that are independent from other municipal offices. In some places, these public officials may be known as the "Village Clerk" or "Town Clerk." Whatever the name, these are among the oldest public servant positions in American government history.
The Chicago Office of the City Clerk is the most visited office in Chicago government. We provide the following services and functions:
-Collecting, docketing, and securely storing the City's official records, namely city council legislation.
-Providing public access to legislation, laws, records, and reports.
-Selling city vehicle stickers for approximately 1.3 million vehicles. Funds from the City's "Wheel Tax" help maintain Chicago's 4,000 miles of streets.
-Selling residential zone parking permits.
-Issuing automatic amusement device license.
-Administering kids ID and medical ID programs.
-Administering the city's dog registration program.
