Illinois public records and people search guide
In Illinois, the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) governs access to government records. Court cases are generally public at the court where they were filed. Searching public records for personal reasons is legal; using them to screen tenants or employees requires an FCRA-compliant report.
At a glance
What is usually public in Illinois
- Court records: civil, criminal, small claims and most probate filings, unless sealed or confidential by law.
- Property records: owner of record, deeds and tax assessments, from the county assessor and recorder. See how to find a property owner.
- Business filings: companies registered with the Illinois Secretary of State (or equivalent office).
- Professional licenses: through Illinois's licensing boards. See how to verify a license.
- Sex offender registry: Illinois's registry is included in the national search at NSOPW.gov.
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce): access rules vary; many are restricted to the people named or their families. Contact the Illinois vital records office or the county.
How to request records from a Illinois agency
- Identify the agency that holds the record (city, county or state).
- Send a written request that describes the records as specifically as you can, citing the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Many agencies have an online portal.
- Expect a response within the statutory period: 5 business days, extendable by 5 more business days.
- Ask about copy fees up front.
- If denied, ask for the specific exemption relied on. You can appeal to the Public Access Counselor, Office of the Illinois Attorney General.
Detailed, maintained legal summary: Reporters Committee Open Government Guide: Illinois.
Searching Illinois court records
- Illinois Judicial Branch: court directory, forms and access policies.
- Circuit court records are kept by each county's Circuit Clerk; Cook County and many others offer online case search.
- Federal cases in Illinois: PACER.
Reading results: an arrest is not a conviction, and similar names are easy to confuse. Match the date of birth and county. See how to check criminal records legally.
Public profiles, photos and phone data. Private: nobody is notified.
Illinois area codes
Questions
Are court records public in Illinois?
Most Illinois court records are open to the public unless sealed, expunged or confidential by law (for example juvenile and many family matters). Start at the Illinois Judicial Branch website or the clerk of the court where the case was filed.
What is Illinois's public records law?
The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) gives the public a right to inspect and copy government records, with exemptions set by law. Response time: 5 business days, extendable by 5 more business days.
Can I run a background check on someone in Illinois?
You can search public records yourself for personal reasons. For hiring, renting, lending or insurance decisions, federal law (the FCRA) requires a consumer reporting agency and the person's permission, and Illinois may add its own rules.
How do I look up a Illinois phone number?
Enter it in a reverse phone lookup. Illinois area codes include 217, 224, 309, 312, 331, 447 and more.
Updated 2026-10-28. Links checked 2026-10-28. General information, not legal advice; statutes change, so confirm details with the agency or the Reporters Committee guide.
TrueSearch is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Do not use TrueSearch or anything on this page to make decisions about employment, housing or tenant screening, credit, insurance, or any other FCRA-covered purpose. Results come from publicly available information and licensed telecom data and may be incomplete or out of date.