Illinois Court Access
Illinois Public Court Records Search
Start with your county Circuit Clerk for trial court files; use that office’s public search if offered.
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Circuit Clerk
Docket Search
Case Lookup
Courthouse Terminal
Find Illinois court cases and request copies or dockets.
Your county Circuit Clerk (records counter or website).
Page Sections:
Best first step
Identify the filing county and contact that county’s Circuit Clerk.
Often searchable online
Basic dockets, case numbers, party names, and hearing dates (by county).
Usually requires clerk or courthouse
Full case files, older records, and copy requests not posted online.
Official access routes in Illinois
| Official Path | Best For | How to Access | What You May Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| County Circuit Clerk – Records Counter | Complete trial court files and in-person docket help | Visit the county Circuit Clerk office during business hours. | Docket printouts, case file viewing, copy requests. |
| County Circuit Clerk – Online Case Search (where offered) | Quick docket lookups by name or case number in that county | Use the clerk’s public case search on the county site. | Case numbers, parties, charges, events, and dispositions (availability varies). |
| Courthouse Public Access Terminals | Onsite electronic docket lookup and calendars | Use public terminals in the clerk’s records area. | Register of actions, upcoming hearings, basic case data. |
| Reviewing Court Clerk – Appellate/Supreme | Appeal case docket information | Search the reviewing court clerk’s public docket or contact the clerk. | Appellate case numbers, parties, filings, and decision dates. |
Practical questions
Who keeps Illinois trial court records?
County Circuit Clerks maintain trial-level records. Start with the clerk in the filing county.
I don’t know the county. How should I begin?
Use details like venue or incident location to identify the likely county, then check that Circuit Clerk’s site or office.
The county site has limited search. What next?
Contact the clerk’s records counter or use courthouse terminals; some counties do not post full dockets online.
How do I request copies of case documents?
Ask the county Circuit Clerk. Requests may be made in person and, in some counties, by mail or online; availability and fees vary by office.