Cook County Public Records Information

The public records are documents which are mainly collected by various governmental bodies and nongovernmental bodies. These records are compiled and stored in the form of books, maps, photographs, papers, cards, tapes, recordings, or any other documentary materials. Most of these are permitted for public inspection. It was the Freedom of Information Act passed in 1966 which made these records public. The public records serve the best for conducting a background check of an individual. Learn more about Cook County public records from: http://www.co.cook.il.us/portal/server.pt/community/topics/225/courts_safety.

Types of Cook County Public Records

A variety of public records are permitted for public inspection in the Cook County of Illinois. The most common types of public records include-

• Vital Records
• Census records
• Obituary records
• Records of deeds
• Property records
• Criminal records
• Civil actions records
• Driving records
• Court records

All the local, county and state law enforcement agencies maintain criminal records which mainly includes misdemeanors and felonies. Information on a particular sex offender or an inmate can be retrieved from the state Department of Corrections. Driving records can be obtained from the state and local departments of motor vehicles and transportation.

All of these public records are regularly checked and updated. Therefore you can be well assured about the authenticity of these files. You an even locate deeds of the Cook County. Relevant documents can be effectively obtained by means of a grantor search, document number search, trust number search, property identification number search, legal description search and subdivision search.

The vital records are available in a number of places. These are maintained in the state archives, genealogical offices, hospitals and other governmental offices. The marriage, birth and death records are compiled since 1872. To learn more visit: http://www.cookcountygenealogy.com/MoreInfo.aspx.

Search Cook County Public Records

Start searching an inmate in the state Department of Corrections by entering the last name of the inmate, DOC code or birth date. Click on the following link and begin your search:  http://www.idoc.state.il.us/subsections/search/default.asp.

For offender information you may directly contact: 217-558-2200.

This department will also help you to know about wanted fugitives and juvenile crimes. Investigate about a sex offender and protect your family and children accordingly. The following page has listed the sex offenders of all the counties of Illinois. You can check by the date of release, approximate period served as an inmate, Idoc number, zip code, city or simply by name. http://www.idoc.state.il.us/subsections/so_search/search.asp.

To search a vital record in the archives of the Cook County, you have to contact the Clerk of the circuit court. You can request a record online by submitting an application to the Chief Judge of the Illinois, Circuit Court of Cook County. Send a detailed application to the following address:

Honorable Timothy C. Evans
Chief Judge
Circuit Court of Cook County
2600 Richard J. Daley Center
Chicago, IL 60602

Generally it would better if you visit the court house personally for obtaining records, certified documents and copies of important records. You have to submit a completed Record Request Form providing as much information as possible in the appropriate division. Access these documents against a nominal administrative fee. You can also view case status and court records from this department. The two most important things that are required for obtaining records from this department are a detailed form and an authentic photograph identification card. For additional information click at: http://www.cookcountyclerkofcourt.org/?section=RecArchivePage&RecArchivePage=6020.

To conduct a property search contact the Cook County Recorder of Deeds. Visit the following page and start your investigation accordingly: http://www.ccrd.info/CCRD/il031/index.jsp.