410 ILCS 530/2
The Department may cause the records of marriage, dissolution of marriage and declaration of invalidity of marriage established under this Act to be reproduced on microfilm for permanent retention. Such microfilm shall comply with the minimum standards of quality approved for permanent photographic records by the National Bureau of Standards and the device used to reproduce such records on such film shall be one which accurately reproduces the original thereof in all its details.
Such microfilm or a computer print-out copy thereof, as provided herein shall be deemed to be an original record for all purposes, including introduction in evidence in all courts or administrative agencies. A transcript, exemplification, or certified copy thereof, shall, for all purposes recited herein, be deemed to be a transcript, exemplification, or certified copy of the original.
If the Department has records of marriage, divorce and annulment of marriage on computer tape, certified computer print-outs of such records shall have the same legal effect as certified copies of such documents would have for all purposes.
Whenever such microfilm has been properly and permanently filed for use and safekeeping, the Department may cause the original records from which the microfilm reproduction was made to be destroyed.
The Department is authorized to furnish a copy of the microfilm or computer print-out of the records relating to marriages, dissolutions of marriages and declarations of invalidity of marriages in a particular county to the Clerk of any court of that county, provided that this is done without cost to the State.
The Department shall cause its records of marriage, dissolution of marriage and declaration of invalidity of marriage to be permanently preserved and safeguarded in its offices at Springfield. The Secretary of State shall provide suitable quarters for the administration and the permanent and safe preservation of all records returned to the Department under this Act.
410 ILCS 530/2