OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Illinois Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Illinois. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 102 counties across 25 judicial circuits
  • Federal courts: 3 U.S. District Courts (Northern, Central, Southern)
  • Background checks: Illinois State Police — Bureau of Identification
  • Records law: Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through Illinois State Police
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Illinois has 102 counties across 25 judicial circuits. The Illinois Supreme Court has approved free remote public access to court documents through re:SearchIL. Individual county circuit clerks also maintain local case records — visit your county clerk's website for case search access.

County-level court records include circuit courts handling civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases. Availability varies by county — some have full online records, others require an in-person visit or written request to the circuit clerk.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Illinois are handled by three U.S. District Courts:

  • Northern District — Chicago, Rockford
  • Central District — Springfield, Peoria, Urbana, Rock Island
  • Southern District — East St. Louis, Benton

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ re:SearchIL — Statewide Court Records Access 🏛️ Office of the Illinois Courts Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Illinois are created and held by the agency that made the arrest — either a city police department, county sheriff's office, or state agency. To get a copy of an arrest report, contact the arresting agency directly. Most agencies accept requests in writing, by email, or through a public records portal.

For statewide criminal history, the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification maintains criminal records. Name-based background checks are available through the Criminal History Information Response Process (CHIRP). Fingerprint-based checks are available through authorized Live Scan vendors.

Other Public Records

Illinois operates under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Any person can request government records in writing. Requests go to the agency that holds the records. Agencies must respond within 5 business days.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Illinois

Court records are maintained at the county level by each county's circuit clerk. Criminal history is centralized through the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in Illinois

Illinois has 102 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Illinois state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Illinois for free?
The Illinois Supreme Court has approved free remote public access to court documents through re:SearchIL. You can also check your county circuit clerk's website for local case search access.
Are arrest records public in Illinois?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Illinois?
The Illinois State Police offers name-based background checks through the CHIRP system. Fingerprint-based checks are available through authorized Live Scan vendors. There is a fee for the search.
What is the Illinois Freedom of Information Act?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. You can submit a written request to any state or local government body. Agencies must respond within 5 business days. The Illinois Attorney General's Public Access Counselor handles disputes. More info at illinoisattorneygeneral.gov.
How many court systems does Illinois have?
Illinois has a unified court system organized into 25 judicial circuits: circuit courts (trial level), five Appellate Court districts, and the Illinois Supreme Court. Seven of the 25 circuits are single-county circuits. Each county has a circuit clerk who maintains records at the local level.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026