Illinois Criminal Records Search: Cases & Public Records
Illinois public criminal records guide
Find Illinois Criminal Records, Court Cases, Dockets and Official Background Checks
Searching Illinois criminal records? Start with the county where the case was filed. Illinois does not provide one free public court portal containing every criminal case from all 102 counties.
Depending on what you need, the correct source may be a county Circuit Clerk, Cook County’s case-search system, Judici, the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification, the Illinois Department of Corrections, or federal PACER.
The practical starting point
How to Search Illinois Criminal Records
Illinois circuit courts handle criminal prosecutions. Their records are maintained through county Circuit Clerks, although online access differs by county. The Illinois State Police maintains a separate criminal-history repository.
Criminal case lookup
Search the county Circuit Clerk where the case was filed. Use the county’s official portal or its designated search service.
Conviction-information check
Use the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification for qualifying criminal-history requests.
Judgment or disposition
Request an official record from the Circuit Clerk maintaining the case instead of relying solely on an online summary.
Choose the right source
Illinois Criminal Records Search Route Finder
Choose your record type to identify the appropriate Illinois or federal website. This helper never asks for a person’s name, date of birth, case number or other sensitive information.
Illinois trial-court cases
How to Search Illinois Criminal Cases by County
Illinois has 102 counties, and the Circuit Clerk maintains the court case records for the county. There is no guarantee that every Clerk offers the same remote-search features.
What to do after opening the directory
-
Find the county
Choose the county where criminal charges were filed. If you know only the city, first confirm its county rather than assuming the nearest large city handles the case.
-
Open the Circuit Clerk’s official website
Follow the available website link or contact information. Look for labels such as Case Search, Public Records, Court Records, Online Case Information or Docket Search.
-
Choose criminal records
Where offered, select a criminal case type. Illinois court systems may distinguish felony, misdemeanor, traffic and other case categories.
-
Enter the case number first
A case number is usually more precise than a common name. If you do not have one, use the party-name search and any available filing-date or case-type filters.
-
Open the matching docket
Review the filing date, charges, court events, scheduled appearances, dispositions and sentence information that the Clerk makes publicly available.
-
Confirm the final result
Look for the disposition of each charge. One case can include multiple counts with different results. A dismissed charge is not a conviction.
-
Request official copies if necessary
Contact the Clerk directly when you need a certified disposition, judgment or a document that is not available for remote viewing.
Chicago and Cook County
Cook County Criminal Records Search
Chicago is in Cook County, which has its own Circuit Clerk’s case-search resources. The Cook County Clerk states that its online case information is a summary of court activity—not the official court record—and that newly updated information may take several days to appear.
Cook County lookup instructions
-
Start on the official Clerk website
Open the Online Case Information page and read the Clerk’s explanation of what is—and is not—available remotely.
-
Follow the public case-search link
Use the general public lookup rather than assuming an attorney or justice-partner portal is available without credentials.
-
Search by known case information
Use the case number or available party identifiers. Confirm the court division and case type before relying on a result.
-
Review docket activity
Check whether the case is open, disposed, continued or awaiting another court event. Record summaries may lag recent hearings.
-
Contact the Criminal Department for the official file
If you need physical file inspection or certified disposition, use the Criminal Department’s instructions rather than relying on the online docket printout.
Richard J. Daley Center
50 W. Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602.
The Cook County Criminal Department identifies Room 1006 as a location for criminal case-file inspection requests. Check its current procedures and identification requirements before visiting.
View courthouse location on Google MapsCertified dispositions
The Cook County Criminal Department requests identifying case information, including the defendant’s name, birth date and arrest date, when handling certified-disposition requests.
Find the current procedure through the official Criminal Department page before submitting a request.
Certified-record instructionsParticipating Illinois counties
How to Use Judici for Illinois Criminal Records
Judici is a privately operated court-information service used by participating Illinois courts. Its ordinary public case searches are available without charge for participating jurisdictions, while some additional services require payment.
Judici is not a single database of every Illinois criminal case. Its participating-courts page is the place to check whether your county currently uses it.
-
Check the participating-court list
Find the Illinois county. If it is absent, use the Illinois Courts Circuit Clerk directory instead.
-
Choose the county
Select the county’s public case-search option. Do not choose a different county merely because its name appears nearby.
-
Search the case
Enter the party name or case number using the fields offered by that county’s search.
-
Review charges and case events
Where provided, inspect charge information, disposition, sentence, court dates and payment entries.
-
Check data coverage
Judici’s FAQs show that historical coverage differs among counties. Older cases may require the Circuit Clerk’s assistance.
Official Illinois criminal history
Illinois State Police Criminal Records and Background Checks
The Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification maintains the state’s criminal-history repository. Under the Uniform Conviction Information Act (UCIA), qualifying conviction information is made available to the public through the statutory request process.
This differs from a Circuit Clerk’s public docket, which can contain arrests, charges, procedural events and nonconviction dispositions.
Requesting public conviction information
-
Open the ISP Criminal History page
Read the UCIA explanation so you understand that public conviction information is narrower than a complete restricted criminal-history transcript.
-
Determine the permitted request process
Review whether you need a name-based or fingerprint-based UCIA request and the current application instructions.
-
Check access requirements
Some electronic ISP systems, including CHIRP interfaces, are for authorized agencies or users with agreements and authentication credentials. Do not assume a public visitor can access every system.
-
Provide the required identifying information
Follow ISP rules for the request. Accurate identifying information helps reduce false matches, especially for common names.
-
Pay the applicable processing fee
Check the current ISP fee schedule and any separate fingerprint-vendor charges before paying.
-
Review the result and correct errors
If information about your own record appears incorrect, follow the ISP Access and Review/Record Challenge process.
Verified current costs
Illinois Criminal History Background Check Fees
The Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification publishes the following agency processing fees, effective October 1, 2026.
| Request type | Manual / paper | Electronic / Live Scan |
|---|---|---|
| UCIA name-based inquiry | $16 | $10 |
| UCIA fingerprint card | $20 | $15 |
| Authorized state-only applicant check | $20 | $15 |
| Authorized state and FBI applicant check | $35 | $30 |
| Illinois Access and Review / Record Challenge | No ISP fee listed | Follow authorized process |
Applicant fingerprint checks have separate eligibility rules. Not every member of the public can request each category. Fingerprint collection vendors may charge additional fees.
Personal record review
How to Obtain Your Own Illinois Criminal-History Transcript
If you want to see your own Illinois criminal-history information, use the Illinois State Police Access and Review process rather than assuming a general public conviction-information search will provide your full record.
-
Read the ISP Viewing My Record instructions
Open the official page and review the approved fingerprint submission process.
-
Arrange fingerprint collection
Use an Illinois law-enforcement or correctional facility, or licensed fingerprint vendor, as directed by ISP.
-
Submit the required identification information
The authorized collection facility or vendor forwards the fingerprints and identification details to the Illinois State Police.
-
Receive the transcript or no-record statement
ISP describes a response process that provides a transcript and Record Challenge form when records are found, or a written no-record statement when applicable.
-
Challenge inaccuracies if necessary
Follow the record challenge procedure and obtain supporting court documents for any disposition or identity correction.
Illinois reviewing courts
Illinois Appellate and Supreme Court Criminal Records
Criminal appeals are handled separately from the original circuit-court case. Illinois has five appellate districts, with the Illinois Supreme Court serving as the state’s highest court.
Under an Illinois Supreme Court order, free remote public access through re:SearchIL expanded beginning May 1, 2025, for eligible nonconfidential reviewing-court cases and documents filed on or after April 1, 2025.
Searching an Illinois criminal appeal
-
Open Illinois Courts E-Services
Find the re:SearchIL or reviewing-court document-access information and follow its current sign-in instructions.
-
Identify the appellate district
Use the appellate case number, party name or other available information to locate the appellate proceeding.
-
Examine the available docket and documents
Review opinions, orders, motions and other nonconfidential materials the system permits you to access.
-
Check whether the appellate decision changed
Later rehearing activity, amended opinions or further review can affect how an earlier decision should be interpreted.
-
Locate the underlying circuit-court case
If the appeal identifies the original county and case number, use that information to search the county Circuit Clerk’s records.
Illinois Department of Corrections
Illinois Prison and Individual in Custody Search
The Illinois Department of Corrections provides a public Individual in Custody Search for people within its available records.
How to search IDOC records
-
Open the official individual in custody search
Follow the IDOC page to the active search interface.
-
Select the strongest search field
The official search offers options involving last name, IDOC number or birth date. An IDOC number is generally more precise than a name-only search.
-
Review possible matches
Compare identifying details, custody status and available correctional information.
-
Check jurisdiction if there is no result
The person may be in a county jail awaiting trial, in federal custody, in another state’s institution, discharged from IDOC supervision or recorded under a different name.
Public registry access
Illinois Sex Offender Registry Search
The Illinois State Police provides a public Sex Offender Registry search. The official site supports searching by name and other identifying or geographic filters, including city, county and ZIP code.
-
Read the official registry disclaimer
Review its permitted use, cautions and scope before proceeding.
-
Search by first and last name
Begin with the person’s name or use geographic fields when searching an area.
-
Narrow the result carefully
Use available birth-date, location or other filters to reduce false matches.
-
Review official listing details
Confirm the person and read the record’s legal status rather than assuming that a listing gives a complete criminal history.
The registry is not a replacement for general Illinois criminal court record searches.
Official court documents
How to Obtain Certified Illinois Criminal Court Records
Online case searches can help you find a case number and review events, but they may not provide the certified document needed for employment, immigration, licensing or legal purposes.
What to request
- Certified criminal case disposition
- Judgment of conviction
- Sentencing order
- Certified docket or case history
- Other court orders available for release
What to prepare
- Correct Illinois county
- Full legal name
- Case number if known
- Approximate filing or arrest date
- Exact document required
- Whether certification is necessary
Request instructions
-
Find the correct Circuit Clerk
Use the Illinois Courts directory and select the county that maintains the case.
-
Check its records-request page
Look for Criminal Records, Copies, Certified Copies, Record Search or Clerk Services.
-
Identify the specific document
Ask for the final disposition or judgment if that is what the receiving organization requires.
-
Verify the charge and delivery method
Ask about copy fees, certification charges, electronic delivery, mail service and in-person collection.
-
Check the completed document
Confirm the case number, name, court and official certification before submitting it elsewhere.
Location-specific guidance
Where to Start for Major Illinois Counties
Illinois counties do not all use the same online search vendor. These examples show how to choose the correct starting point without assuming statewide coverage.
| County or area | Practical search starting point | Important next step |
|---|---|---|
| Cook County / Chicago | Cook County Clerk of Circuit Court | Use Online Case Information or contact its Criminal Department. |
| DuPage County / Wheaton | DuPage County Circuit Clerk | Enter its official case inquiry through the Clerk website. |
| Lake County / Waukegan | Lake County Circuit Clerk | Check official case search and copy-request procedures. |
| Will County / Joliet | Will County Circuit Clerk | Search its official docket portal, then verify the disposition. |
| Champaign County / Urbana | Champaign County Circuit Clerk | Follow the county Clerk’s online lookup or public records instructions. |
| Adams County / Quincy | Judici participating court or Adams County Circuit Clerk | Review public case availability and request official documents from the Clerk. |
| Rock Island County | Judici participating court or Rock Island County Circuit Clerk | Check the case details and historical coverage limits. |
Troubleshooting
Why You Cannot Find an Illinois Criminal Record Online
Illinois searches can fail even when a record exists. Try these checks before concluding that a person has no Illinois criminal record.
| Problem | Possible explanation | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| No result by name | Spelling variation, alias, old name or wrong county | Search case number, alternate name and filing county. |
| No case in Judici | County not participating or older data unavailable | Use the county Circuit Clerk. |
| Recent Cook County event missing | Electronic docket update delay | Check the Clerk’s public access terminals or retry later. |
| No IDOC custody match | County jail, federal custody, different name or discharged status | Identify the actual custody agency. |
| Online disposition incomplete | Documents not remotely available | Request an official certified disposition. |
| Old or restricted case missing | Record sealed, expunged, confidential or not digitized | Contact the official custodian about lawful access. |
| Federal case missing | Not filed in Illinois state court | Search federal PACER. |
Record corrections and privacy
Illinois Criminal Record Expungement and Sealing
Some Illinois records may qualify for expungement or sealing. Eligibility depends on the offense, case outcome, time elapsed and applicable law.
The Illinois Courts provide approved statewide expungement and sealing forms. Illinois Legal Aid Online also provides a free guided form interview for eligible users.
-
Collect your case records
Obtain court dispositions, relevant police records and your Illinois criminal-history transcript where necessary.
-
Review the current eligibility guidance
Use the Illinois Courts forms and relevant legal-help resources. Do not assume every conviction can be expunged.
-
Prepare the applicable forms
Download the current statewide forms. The Illinois Legal Aid guided interview can help prepare paperwork, but it does not itself file the case.
-
File with the appropriate Circuit Clerk
Follow the county’s filing and payment requirements. More than one county may require separate requests.
-
Keep copies of the court’s decision
Retain the order and review official follow-up instructions for implementation by the relevant agencies.
Federal court records
Federal Criminal Cases Filed in Illinois
Illinois state court searches do not include every federal criminal case. Federal proceedings in Illinois are handled through federal courts, including the Northern, Central and Southern Districts of Illinois.
For federal criminal case information, use PACER. If you do not know the federal court, start with the PACER Case Locator.
PACER account registration is free, but accessing case information may generate charges. Check the current fee and quarterly waiver rules before searching.
Responsible records use
Illinois Criminal Record Search: Legal and Accuracy Warnings
Do not assume
- Arrest means conviction.
- Being charged proves guilt.
- A matching name confirms identity.
- A case summary is an official certified copy.
- No online result means no record exists.
- A DOC record contains the person’s complete history.
For employment and housing
- Check applicable FCRA requirements.
- Review Illinois employment and fair-housing laws.
- Use an authorized screening procedure where required.
- Verify records and provide legally required notices.
- Allow relevant corrections or disputes.
- Do not misuse sealed or expunged information.
CriminalCourtRecord.org is an informational website and not a consumer reporting agency. It does not provide consumer reports for employment, housing, credit or insurance eligibility decisions.
FTC Background Check GuidanceCommon Illinois search questions
Illinois Criminal Records FAQs
Can I search Illinois criminal records for free?
Many county Circuit Clerks provide free public case searches, and Judici provides free ordinary public access for participating courts. Illinois State Police criminal-history requests and certified court copies can involve fees.
Is there one statewide Illinois criminal court records search?
No single general-public online case search reliably replaces all Illinois county Circuit Clerks. Begin with the county Clerk directory, Cook County system or a participating county’s Judici search.
How do I search Cook County criminal records?
Open the Cook County Clerk of Circuit Court Online Case Information page. Follow its public lookup instructions and use the Criminal Department for official document requests.
What is Judici Illinois?
Judici is a privately operated court information service for participating Illinois jurisdictions. Search a supported county and verify official records with its Circuit Clerk.
How do I get an Illinois State Police criminal background check?
Use the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification criminal-history instructions. Choose the appropriate authorized UCIA or fingerprint-based process and review its current requirements and fees.
How do I get a copy of my own Illinois criminal record?
Follow Illinois State Police’s Access and Review process, which involves submitting fingerprints through an authorized facility or vendor and receiving an ISP response.
Where do I find Illinois inmate records?
Use the Illinois Department of Corrections Individual in Custody Search. For someone held in a county jail, consult the relevant sheriff or jail instead.
How do I obtain certified Illinois criminal court records?
Contact the Circuit Clerk in the county where the case was filed. Provide the case number and request the required certified disposition, judgment or court order.
Can Illinois sealed or expunged records appear online?
Sealing and expungement can restrict or eliminate public access to eligible records. Visibility depends on the applicable order, law, agency and stage of implementation. Contact the official custodian for lawful access questions.
Where do I search federal criminal records in Illinois?
Use PACER or the PACER Case Locator. Illinois state Circuit Clerk searches do not replace federal district court case searches.
Official references
Illinois Criminal Records: Source Directory
Official county Clerk directory.
Find courts, addresses and contact information.
Public case status and docket summaries.
County participation and search access.
Private court-data provider; not a government agency.Public conviction information and record-check rules.
Current UCIA and authorized applicant charges.
How individuals review and challenge their own record.
State correctional custody search.
Official public registry access.
Electronic filing and reviewing-court document resources.
Approved statewide court forms and guidance.
Federal court case search and documents.
Editorial and accuracy notice: This guide provides general information about Illinois public criminal court records. Court portals, search coverage, fees, access laws and agency procedures may change. Verify consequential information with the responsible court or government agency.
Research basis: Illinois Courts, Illinois State Police, Illinois Department of Corrections, Cook County Circuit Clerk, Judici and federal judiciary resources. Reviewed October 16, 2026.
This article does not imply that CriminalCourtRecord.org operates any official criminal-history system or government service.