Illinois Public Records Key Terms

Learn key terms so you can navigate through Illinois public records

Illinois public records include the usual births, deaths, marriages and divorces records as well as documents put out by governmental agencies at the local or county level. With few exceptions, most of these records are available for public inspection and copying. Whether you’re doing market research studies in expanding neighborhoods or just trying to confirm details in an employee’s background, getting to know some key concepts and terms can facilitate your search through Illinois public records.

 

New homeowners

A new homeowners public records search in Illinois gives you the chance to learn about the changing demographics in Illinois neighborhoods. These searches return results that identify those who have recently purchased homes in case you're doing market research or sales promotions in the area.
Try: Record Information Services explains how a new homeowners search benefits your market research.

New businesses

Be the first to identify startup companies in many Illinois counties when you perform a new businesses search through Illinois public records. These searches even identify individuals who have opened businesses in their homes.
Try: At Record Information Services, you’ll find out why a new businesses search benefits marketing professionals in ways that other business searches do not.

Illinois State Archives

The Illinois State Archives maintains the state's public records, including those from various governmental agencies and from county administrative offices. The Archives is considered the state's official depository of these records.
Try: The Secretary of State’s website explains how and where you can get access to Illinois public records.

Public domain land tract sales

Since 1957, the Illinois State Archives has maintained records concerning the public domain land tract sales. The records relate to the sale of land that is in the public domain, approximately 570,000 square miles.
Try: To learn how to search through the database of public domain land tract sales, check out the Illinois State Archives website.

Illinois Department of Public Health

If you're performing a search through Illinois Public Records, you're likely to come across the Illinois Department of Public Health. This agency is the repository of Illinois' births, deaths, marriages and divorces records. The records on births and deaths date back to 1916.
Try: Get details on who is permitted to obtain these public records at the Illinois Department of Public Health website. You’ll also find out how to obtain certified copies of public records.

Freedom of Information Act

In Illinois, the Freedom of Information Act passed by the Illinois legislature defines the term public records and states who is permitted to inspect and copy public records.
Try: Read more about the Freedom of Information Act at the Records Project where you'll learn about exceptions to the public disclosure policy.

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