Cook County Court Records
Cook County court records are managed by the Clerk of the Circuit Court, one of the largest court clerk offices in the United States. The office handles filings across six courthouse locations and serves residents throughout the Chicago metro area, covering civil, criminal, traffic, family, and probate cases. Whether you need a case number, a certified copy, or just want to check a docket, the clerk's office has several ways to help you get what you need.
Cook County Quick Facts
Clerk of the Circuit Court
Mariyana T. Spyropoulos serves as the elected Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. The office describes itself as "Cook County's Front Door to the Justice System" and works to serve the public with excellence across all six district courthouses. Staff can assist with record requests, certified copies, and case status questions in person or by phone.
| Circuit Clerk | Mariyana T. Spyropoulos |
|---|---|
| Address | 50 W. Washington, Suite 1001, Chicago, IL 60602 |
| Phone | (312) 603-5030 |
| Fax | (312) 603-4557 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | cookcountyclerkofcourt.org |
The Cook County Circuit Court is a standalone court, separate from the 24 numbered judicial circuits that cover the rest of Illinois. It is the largest unified court system in the world by many measures, processing millions of case filings each year. The clerk's office has expanded online access and language services in recent years to better reach the public.
The Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court website, shown below, is the official online gateway for court records in the county.
The site includes case lookup, form downloads, and service information for all six court districts.
Six Court Districts
Cook County is divided into six courthouse districts. Each location handles specific cases tied to the area it covers. You should confirm which district handles your case before making a trip. Driving across the county to the wrong courthouse is a real time cost -- call ahead or check the clerk's website first.
- District 1 - Richard J. Daley Center: 50 W. Washington St., Chicago, IL 60602 -- open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- District 2 - Skokie: 5600 Old Orchard Rd, Skokie, IL 60077
- District 3 - Rolling Meadows: 2121 Euclid Ave, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
- District 4 - Maywood: 1500 Maybrook Ave, Maywood, IL 60153
- District 5 - Bridgeview: 10220 S 76th Ave, Bridgeview, IL 60455
- District 6 - Markham: 16501 S Kedzie Pkwy, Markham, IL 60428 -- phone (708) 232-4551
The contact page for the Cook County Circuit Clerk, pictured below, lists phone numbers and hours for each court location.
Call (312) 603-5030 for the customer service center, open weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
The Daley Center in Chicago is District 1 and handles the largest share of case types, including chancery, civil law, and complex commercial matters. Suburban residents are typically assigned to the district that covers their municipality. If you are not sure which district applies to your address, the clerk's office can tell you by phone.
Online Case Search
Cook County offers free online tools for looking up court records. No account is needed. Keep in mind that the system may take a few days to show recent filings. For the most current status on a case, call or visit in person.
Cook County's online case information page, pictured below, provides public access to civil, traffic, and probate case records.
The system shows docket summaries and case status, though it may take a few days to reflect recent filings.
Cook County's Case Lookup tool, shown here, lets you search by name, case number, or filing date.
This tool is available to the public and does not require an account.
Criminal records are not available through the online system. If you need criminal case records, you must visit the courthouse in person. Bring a valid photo ID and know the name or case number you are looking for. Staff at the clerk's window can help locate the file. You will need to fill out a request form and wait for the office to pull the record.
For broader statewide access, the re:SearchIL platform from the Illinois Supreme Court also provides case information across many courts. Cook County records may appear there depending on case type. The Judici platform is another free statewide resource that covers a large number of Illinois counties, though Cook County records are primarily accessed through the clerk's own tools.
Online Services Portal
Cook County's online services portal, shown below, allows users to pay fines, access case info, and file electronically.
Attorneys and justice partners use a separate portal for deeper case access.
Electronic filing is available through eFileIL, the statewide e-filing system. Most civil case types in Cook County now require e-filing. Self-represented parties can create a free account and file documents online without visiting the courthouse. The clerk's office has staff at each district location who can answer e-filing questions in person.
Getting Copies of Court Records
The public records request page, pictured here, explains how to obtain court file copies and certified documents from Cook County.
A Record Search Request Form (CCG 0026) is available for written requests.
You can request copies in person at any clerk's window or submit a written request using form CCG 0026. Mail written requests to the main office at 50 W. Washington, Suite 1001, Chicago, IL 60602. Include the case number, the names of parties, and a clear description of what documents you need. The clerk will contact you when copies are ready and advise on any applicable fees.
Certified copies carry the court's official seal. They are used in legal proceedings, insurance claims, immigration filings, and other formal situations. Plain copies work for most personal reference needs. Ask the clerk which type you need before you pay. Fees vary by document type and number of pages, so it helps to know exactly what you are requesting before you make the trip or mail your form.
Court Divisions and Case Types
Cook County's court divisions page, shown below, explains the different case types handled at each of the six courthouse locations.
Each division handles specific matter types -- check which location covers your case before visiting.
Case types in Cook County include civil law, criminal, traffic, family, domestic relations, juvenile, probate, municipal, and chancery matters. Large civil disputes and complex commercial litigation typically go through the Daley Center in Chicago. The clerk's divisions page explains what goes where. Knowing the right division and district before you arrive saves time at the window.
Some records are sealed. Juvenile case records, mental health records, and certain criminal records are restricted under Illinois law. If a file you want is sealed, you may need to file a motion with the court to request access. The clerk's office cannot override a seal order -- that is something only a judge can lift.
Language Access
The Cook County Circuit Clerk's office provides access to InLingo translation services in more than 200 languages. This is available at all six district locations. If you need documents translated or require an interpreter for your visit, let the clerk's staff know when you arrive. You do not need to arrange this in advance, though calling ahead is a good idea if your language is less common.
Court forms for the most common case types are also available in multiple languages. The Illinois Courts forms page lists many of these. For questions about what forms apply to your situation, the Illinois Court Help line at (833) 411-1121 can walk you through the options on weekdays from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
Legal Framework
Access to Illinois court records is shaped by several statutes. The Clerks of Courts Act (705 ILCS 105) sets out the duties of circuit clerks, including what records they must keep and how long they must keep them. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) gives the public the right to inspect and copy records held by public agencies, with exceptions for sealed files and confidential materials.
The Illinois State Records Act (5 ILCS 160) sets rules for how public records must be retained and managed. Court records in Illinois are generally public unless a judge has ordered them sealed or the law specifically limits access, as it does for juvenile cases and some mental health proceedings. If a record you want is sealed, you need to file a formal motion with the court to request access.
The Illinois Courts website provides the rules, forms, and a directory of all circuits in the state. The Find Your Court map is useful if you need to locate any specific courtroom or circuit in Illinois.
Legal Help
Not everyone who needs court records has a lawyer. Free help is available. Illinois Legal Aid Online offers guides, form tools, and referrals to legal aid organizations across the state. The site is free and covers many common legal situations, from evictions to family law to small claims.
The Illinois Court Help line at (833) 411-1121 provides guidance over the phone, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Staff can explain how to handle court matters, what forms to use, and what to expect in court. This service is particularly useful if you are navigating a case without a lawyer.
Cook County also has local legal aid organizations including Legal Aid Chicago and Prairie State Legal Services. Many offer free consultations or reduced-fee help based on income. If you are dealing with a family law case, eviction, or other civil matter, reaching out early can help you avoid costly procedural mistakes down the road.
Cities in Cook County
Cook County includes Chicago and many large suburban communities. The cities below have dedicated court records pages on this site: