How to Search Illinois Criminal Records (Start Here)

Illinois criminal records come from two main sources: the state criminal history repository (maintained by the state police or equivalent agency) and individual county court systems. These are separate databases that may show different information.

What this page covers: Illinois state-level criminal history searches, county court criminal case lookups, and sex offender registry searches. What it does not cover: Federal criminal cases (those require PACER) or arrest records that did not result in charges.

Where to start: For a broad criminal history check, start with the state repository. For specific case details (charges, dispositions, documents), go to the Circuit Clerk in the county where the case was filed. For sex offenders, use the state sex offender registry.

Common mistake: A state criminal history search and a county court search are not the same thing. The state repository compiles conviction data from across the state. County courts have the actual case files with full detail. You may need both.

Population
12,710,158
Households
4,956,000
Median Income
$78,433
Median Home Value
$250,800
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Last reviewed: June 04, 2026 · Methodology: Illinois repository URL, fee, and statute verified against the official Illinois State Police - Bureau of Identification publisher on review date. 6 primary .gov sources cited below.

Illinois Criminal Records — Key Numbers (2026)

Illinois UCIA name-based checks via the CHIRP system. Cannabis expungement is also handled through ISP BOI.
$20 name-based UCIA
Public access fee
Per state-only check
UCIA name-based (CHIRP)
Primary method
How to submit
Illinois State Police
Issuing agency
Statewide repository
20 ILCS 2630
Governing statute
State law citation
June 04, 2026
Last reviewed
By SearchSystems
What a state criminal-history check actually covers

State-only check (State Identification Bureau): Returns arrests, dispositions and convictions reported to that one state's repository. It does not include arrests from other states or most federal cases. See the FBI's directory of state agencies: State Identification Bureau Listing.

Multi-state / federal check (FBI Identity History Summary): Returns records contributed by federal, state, local, and tribal agencies through the FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III). See FBI Identity History Summary FAQs and Interstate Identification Index (III).

What state repositories miss: The FBI's national survey of state criminal-history information systems documents known reporting gaps (missing dispositions, delayed updates, sealed/expunged handling). See BJS: Survey of State Criminal History Information Systems.

What Changed in 2026 — Illinois Criminal Records

2026
Illinois state-only check active
The Illinois State Police - Bureau of Identification continues to process state criminal history checks via isp.illinois.gov.
2026
Illinois background check fee structure
Current fee for an Illinois state-only check: $20 name-based UCIA. Method: UCIA name-based (CHIRP) or fingerprint Access & Review.
2026
Illinois statutory framework
Illinois criminal history records are governed by 20 ILCS 2630 and disseminated through Illinois State Police - Bureau of Identification.
2026
FBI Identity History Summary (federal complement)
For records that may exist outside Illinois, the FBI Identity History Summary at fbi.gov complements the state-only result.

The 4-Step Illinois Criminal Records Pathway

1
Step 1 — Confirm what you need
For most non-employment uses, an Illinois state-only check from the Illinois State Police - Bureau of Identification is sufficient.
2
Step 2 — Choose your method
UCIA name-based (CHIRP) or fingerprint Access & Review. Current fee: $20 name-based UCIA.
3
Step 3 — Submit your request
Use the official portal at isp.illinois.gov — never a third-party data broker.
4
Step 4 — Add federal coverage if needed
For pre-employment FCRA screening or out-of-state coverage, add an FBI Identity History Summary check ($18) — fingerprint required.

Five Things People Get Wrong About Illinois Criminal Records

❌ Myth: "Illinois background check shows everything."
✓ Truth: False. The Illinois State Police - Bureau of Identification check covers ONLY Illinois arrests/convictions. Out-of-state and federal records are NOT included.
❌ Myth: "Free third-party 'instant' checks are accurate."
✓ Truth: False. Only isp.illinois.gov (the official Illinois repository) is authoritative. Data brokers often have stale data.
❌ Myth: "Sealed records will show on a check."
✓ Truth: False. Records sealed or expunged under Illinois law are removed from public-facing checks. Law enforcement may still access them.
❌ Myth: "Arrest = conviction on my record."
✓ Truth: False. An arrest is not a conviction. Most Illinois public checks distinguish arrests, dispositions, and convictions; the FCRA bars non-conviction arrests older than 7 years from employer checks.
❌ Myth: "State and FBI checks return the same data."
✓ Truth: False. The Illinois state check shows Illinois-only records. The FBI check is fingerprint-based and shows records reported by all agencies nationwide.

Primary Sources and Official Record Portals

Related Criminal Records Resources

Related Public Records
National view of this topic: All states: Criminal records
Sample Illinois counties: Adams · Alexander · Bond · Boone · Brown

Criminal Records Databases

36 official Illinois criminal records sources.

Criminal Records

Inmate List | Adams County, IL
Official Free
Official inmate / offender lookup database.
Commonly Used Case Forms -
Official Free
The Illinois Supreme Court has provided certain forms in languages other than English on their website. Please go to https://www.illinoiscourts.gov/documents-and-forms/ for further information about those forms. Illinois Legal Aid Online provides a guided interview called an Easy Form that will help you fill out the forms. The Easy Form asks you questions and completes the necessary forms with your answers. It is free to use. The Champaign County Circuit Clerk’s Office provides both paper and electronic court forms for you to use in your case.
Petition for Review of Circumstances Surrounding Extension of Registration
Official Free
Pursuant to the Sex Offender Registration Act (720 ILCS 150/1 et seq.) and/or the Murderer and Violent Offender Youth
Detainee Discharge Tracker - Individual in Custody Locator
Official Free
Search the Cook County Sheriff's Office inmate records by name or jail number.
Criminal History
Official Free
On January 1, 1991, the Uniform Conviction Information Act (UCIA) became law in Illinois . This act mandates that all criminal history record conviction information collected and maintained by the Illinois State Police, Bureau of Identification, be made available to the public pursuant to 20 ...
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE ARRESTS DUPAGE COUNTY MAN ...
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of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony) and three counts of Dissemination of Child Pornography ... Naperville, IL. Evidence was seized and extensive forensic examination was required. On September 4, 2025, The DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office approved an arrest warrant
DuPage County IL Sheriff Official Website - Correctional Facility
Official Free
The correctional facility consistently receives high marks from the Illinois Department of Corrections and continues to operate in an efficient, cost-effective manner, despite a rapidly increasing population. In 1868, a $20,000 two-story brick courthouse and jail was built on land donated by Wheaton resident Warren Wheaton. This building in downtown Wheaton served DuPage County until 1896. In 1896, a new jail and Sheriff's office was erected. The new jail was built to house 8 inmates, but was soon expanded to house 48.
Prisoner Review Board
Official Free
The Illinois Prisoner Review Board (PRB) is a separate entity from the Illinois Department of Corrections. The PRB is an independent body whose members are appointed by the Governor of Illinois. The PRB imposes release conditions for offenders exiting penal facilities, revokes and restores good conduct credits from inmates, conducts hearings to determine whether parolees have violated conditions of parole, and awards certificates of Relief from Disabilities and Certificates of Good Conduct
KANE COUNTY GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS
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Kane County State's Attorney's Office 37W777 Route 38 Suite 300 St. Charles, IL 60175-7535 © Kane County Illinois, Government Website
Logan County Circuit Court Criminal Case Files Index (1857–1945)
Official Free
The Logan County Circuit Court ... System at Illinois State University in Normal. The 3,987 records in the database were extracted from the Logan County Circuit Court Criminal Case Files (IRAD Accession 3/0005/01). Please note that the criminal case files for the Logan County ...
Madison County Illinois Circuit Clerk Home Page
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Madison County Courthouse 155 N. Main Street Edwardsville, IL 62025 Criminal Justice Center 509 Ramey Street Edwardsville, IL 62025 Alton Satellite Office (Open Tuesday and Friday Only) 8 AM - 4 PM 1700 E. Broadway Alton, IL 62002 618-692-6240 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m.
Case Search - Public Case Access
Official Free
Capitalization doesn't matter, ... case record · Search on a person's name using the format: [Last], [First] [Middle] Matches are names that start with the entered value · ex: "SMITH, J" returns SMITH, JOHN A and SMITH, JAY D · If you are getting too many results to page through, please make your search more specific ... McHenry County Circuit Clerk 2200 N. Seminary Ave Woodstock, IL 60098 Rooms 136 & 353 · Visiting the Courthouse Civil Information Criminal & Traffic ...
Court Records Search | McLean County, IL - Official Website
Official Free
Don R. Everhart, Jr., Mclean County Circuit Clerk, is pleased to present this information for public access. Freedom of Information Act: Court records are exempt from the requirements of the Act. The judiciary is exempt. Copley Press, Inc. v. Administrative Office of the Courts, 271 Ill.
LEADS Daily Bulletin January 21, 2025 NIBRS Code Table Changes
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Intent to Manufacture Meth · 720-646/50(a) Methamphetamine-Related Child Endangerment · 1980 · 35A · DRUG/NARCOTIC VIOLATION · Add an "S" to Violations: DRUG NARCOTIC · VIOLATIONS · 720-646/50(b) Aggravated Methamphetamine - Related Child · Endangerment -Death/Serious Bodily ·
Peoria County State's Attorney — Indictments 9/7/21
Official Free
Peoria County State's Attorney indictment list dated 9/7/21 — case numbers, defendant names, charges.
Legal Proceedings - City of Pittsfield, Illinois
Official Free
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view, go to www.adobe.com · 04/11/2022 - Lis Pendens & Notice of Foreclosure - Martin, Klatt & Unknown Heirs of Mary Dunmire 2022FC6 Lis Pendens & Notice of Foreclosure Dunmire
STATE OF ILLINOIS
Official Free
Attorney Court Date Requests · It is the mission of the Winnebago County Circuit Clerk's Office to provide accurate information and support to the judicial system. According to the Illinois State Statutes, the responsibility of the circuit clerk is to be the keeper of the court record.
Court Case Information
Official Free
View Court Case Information · Court case information can be viewed on this website. You may search for specific case information using participant name or case number · Search by Participant Name · To search by Participant Name, enter information below in Last Name First Name format · Smith ...
Public Access
Official Free
The Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court is responsible for maintaining a record of all traffic, civil, and criminal cases filed and heard in Will County . On a daily basis, the office interacts with the public and attorneys performing several functions including the collection and disbursement ...
Individual in Custody Search
Official Free
Important: IDOC has implemented new processes for non-privileged incoming mail and publications · Changes are effective immediately. More information is available here
Judici | FAQ
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Please note that Judici operates solely as the webhost of the court's data. If you have questions concerning a case on Judici, you will need to contact the Circuit Clerk's office directly in the county where the case was heard. The following link will give you the mailing addresses and phone numbers for all the County Circuit Clerks in Illinois: http://www.state.il.us/court/CircuitCourt/CircuitCourtJudges/CCC_County.asp
Copies of Court Documents
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The LaSalle County Circuit Clerk's records are open to any member of the public for inspection or to obtain copies during regular business hours at the office holding the records to the extent allowed by applicable statute, court rule or court order.
Champaign County, Illinois Electronic Payments
Official Free
Katie M. Blakeman - Circuit Clerk Champaign County Illinois 101 E. Main Street, Urbana, IL 61801 Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm (217) 384-3725 FAX: (217) 384-3879 Champaign County, Illinois is located in the heart of East Central Illinois . US Interstates 57, 72 & 74 intersect in the County which puts ...
Judici | Participating Courts
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For access to more than one court and one case at a time, check out our premium services: Attorneys and Judges can use Courtlook to search across all Judici counties, and access case file documents and judge docket notes via personalized case lists/dockets . E-Filing also available in some courts.
Kane County Sheriff's Office
Official Free
Welcome to the Kane County Sheriff’s Office, a dynamic correctional and law enforcement agency committed to tending to the diverse needs of our modern community. We hope you find the website useful and comprehensive as we continue to enhance our virtual services.
Macon County Inmate Inquiry
Official Free
Macon County Inmate Inquiry · Inmate Search · Showing 101 to 190 of 190 · First Previous · Next Last · Copyright © Tyler Technologies
Jail Report – News Progress
Official Free
The News•Progress is proud to partner with the Moultrie County Sheriff's Dept.
Cumberland County, IL
Official Free
This page is operated by Judici.com, not a court. Links to this page do not constitute endorsement by any court of the content, policies, or services offered here · For questions or comments about this web site, please see our Contacts Page
Peoria County Records Portal
Official Free
Your browser is currently set to block cookies. Your browser must allow cookies before you can use this application · Cookies are small text files stored on your computer that tell this application when you're signed in. To learn how to allow cookies, see online help in your web browser
Acknowledge City of Rockford Police Department 7 Day Arrest Log
Official Free
City of Rockford Police Department · 7 Day Arrest Log · All subjects are presumed innocent until proven · guilty in a court of law · 5/2/2023 · Jackson, Daryes · Age: 24 · Sex: M · Arrest Date\Time: 5/2/2023 1:00:00 · AM · Case Number: 20-058643 · KISHWAUKEE ST ·
Bureau of Identification - Illinois State Police
Official Free
Completed forms can be mailed to the Bureau of Identification at 260 North Chicago Street, Joliet, Illinois or dropped off in the main entrance vestibule at the above address. For more information follow the link https://isp.illinois.gov/BureauOfIdentification/MyRecord for additional information.
Illinois Northern Bankruptcy Court | PACER: Federal Court Records
Official Paid
Official websites use .gov A .gov ... Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. ... Multi-court Voice Case Information System: 866-222-8029 ext. ...

Illinois Counties

102 Illinois counties are indexed on SearchSystems.net — top 28 counties shown below. Browse the full directory or click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.

Frequently Asked Questions

Illinois's official statewide criminal-history check is administered by the Illinois State Police - Bureau of Identification. Begin the request at isp.illinois.gov. Most state-level checks require submitting fingerprints (live-scan or ink) plus a processing fee, and the response covers convictions and certain non-conviction data permitted by Illinois statute.

Most adult criminal-history information in Illinois is considered public record, but access is restricted depending on the requester (self, employer, government agency) and the data type (arrest, conviction, sealed, juvenile). The Illinois State Police - Bureau of Identification explains who can request what at isp.illinois.gov. County-court records are also public and searchable through the trial-court system.

A state check from the Illinois State Police - Bureau of Identification (isp.illinois.gov) covers only criminal activity within Illinois. An FBI Identity History Summary (fbi.gov) is the nationwide check covering federal records and contributing states. Employers and licensing boards often require both.

Generally, no — only the record subject (with their own ID and signature) or a specifically authorized requester (such as a credentialed employer under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, a licensing board, or law enforcement) can pull a third-party criminal history from the Illinois State Police - Bureau of Identification. The Illinois State Police - Bureau of Identification documentation at isp.illinois.gov lists each authorized requester category.

If you find an error on your Illinois criminal history, the Illinois State Police - Bureau of Identification offers a record-review and challenge process. Begin at isp.illinois.gov — typical steps include fingerprint verification, a written dispute, and supporting court documents (such as a dismissal or expungement order) for each contested entry.