Finding Cook County Illinois public records is fast and mostly free when you use the official Circuit Court Clerk, Recorder of Deeds, and county portals. Court cases, criminal records, arrest records, property deeds, marriage records, death records, birth records, probate, tax records — everything you need is covered here with complete step-by-step instructions.
No paid third-party sites. Just official clickable links, detailed guides, maps, and practical tips that work perfectly on your phone or desktop.
Quick facts you need first
Cook County Illinois Public Records Search at a Glance – 2026
Cook County provides online access to most public records through the Clerk of the Circuit Court, Recorder of Deeds, and Assessor. Here is every major type and the exact official link.
| Record Type | Best Official Portal | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Court & Criminal Records | cookcountyclerkofcourt.org | Free search |
| Arrest Records | Circuit Court Clerk | Free |
| Property Records & Deeds | cookcountyil.gov/agency/recorder-of-deeds | Free viewing |
| Property Appraiser Data | cookcountyassessor.com | Free |
| Marriage Records | Clerk of the Circuit Court | $10+ |
| Death Records | Recorder of Deeds / IDPH | $10–$15 |
| Birth Records | Recorder of Deeds / IDPH | $10–$15 |
| Probate Records | Circuit Court Clerk | Free |
| Tax Records & Liens | Cook County Assessor | Free |
What this guide helps you do
Cook County Clerk Office Location & Best Time to Visit
The main Clerk of the Circuit Court and Recorder of Deeds offices are located in downtown Chicago (Richard J. Daley Center) and other branches including the Domestic Relations Division. Many records are available online, but certified copies or older files may require an in-person visit.
How to Search Cook County Court Records Online
Choose the free case search tools.
Search by name, case number, or other criteria.
Use full legal name and correct spelling. Add date range if known.
Click any case to see full history and available documents.
Save all available documents immediately.
Use the online request system for stamped copies.
How to Search Cook County Criminal Records and Arrest Records
Go to cookcountyclerkofcourt.org.
Navigate to criminal division or case search.
Enter full name or booking/case number.
Use date range to narrow results.
Click cases to see charges and disposition.
Save available charging documents and reports.
How to Search Cook County Property Records and Official Records
Visit cookcountyil.gov/agency/recorder-of-deeds for real estate records.
Search by name (grantor/grantee) or document number.
Go to cookcountyassessor.com for owner, valuation, and tax info.
Download available PDFs of deeds and liens.
Check latest recorded documents for current ownership.
How to Get Cook County Marriage Records
Certified copies are needed for legal use.
Visit cookcountyclerkofcourt.org or the Recorder of Deeds.
Provide both parties’ full names and marriage date.
$10–$30 depending on delivery.
Keep confirmation number.
How to Get Cook County Death Records
Go to cookcountyil.gov/agency/recorder-of-deeds or Illinois Department of Public Health.
Use the secure portal or VitalChek for fastest service.
Full name, date of death, and your relationship.
$10–$15 per certified copy.
Save confirmation number.
How to Get Cook County Birth Records
Visit cookcountyil.gov/agency/recorder-of-deeds or Illinois Department of Public Health.
Choose online or mail option.
Provide full names and date of birth.
$10–$15 per certified copy.
15 Cook County Public Records FAQs people actually search in 2026
1) How do I search Cook County court records for free?
Use the free case search tools at cookcountyclerkofcourt.org. No login is required for basic case information.
2) How do I find arrest records in Cook County?
Search criminal cases on the Circuit Court Clerk public access portal using the person’s name or case number.
3) Where can I search official records and deeds?
Go to cookcountyil.gov/agency/recorder-of-deeds for free viewing of deeds, mortgages, and liens.
4) How do I find who owns a property in Cook County?
Use the free search at cookcountyassessor.com – enter the address or PIN.
5) How do I order a marriage certificate?
Request it through the Clerk of the Circuit Court or Recorder of Deeds.
6) Where do I get a death certificate in Cook County?
Order through cookcountyil.gov/agency/recorder-of-deeds or Illinois Department of Public Health.
7) How do I get a birth certificate?
Use the same Clerk/Recorder or Illinois Department of Public Health system.
8) Are probate records public?
Yes. Probate cases can be searched on the Circuit Court Clerk public access portal.
9) How do I check for tax liens or tax deeds?
Use the Assessor site and the Recorder of Deeds Official Records search together.
10) Is there a fee for viewing records online?
Viewing most records is free. Only certified copies have a small fee.
11) How long does it take to get certified records?
Online viewing is instant. Certified copies are usually processed within days to weeks.
12) Can I search records from any year?
Most modern records are online. Older records may require an in-person visit or special request.
13) What if my search returns no results?
Try spelling variations, different date ranges, or contact the Clerk’s office.
14) How do I request other public records?
Use the official Public Records request process on cookcountyil.gov or the specific department site.
15) Are criminal records sealed or expunged?
Some records can be sealed or expunged by court order and will not appear in public searches.
Official Cook County Public Records Links and Resources
Final practical takeaway
Always use the official links. Have exact names and dates ready. Save every result. These three habits save you time and money on every Cook County public records search.