Illinois public records include vital records, court records, property records, criminal records and a variety of other records that are available to the public such as incarceration records or jail records.  Many of these records area available through online searches while others may be accessed directly through the state offices that maintain them.  These records are excellent for conducting people searches or free background checks.

Largest City in Illinois: Chicago

States Adjacent to Illinois: Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana

Website: http://www.Illinois.gov

Population: 12,419,293 (2000 American Community Survey - US Census)

Illinois was first settled by Native American hunters and French villagers.  In the 1810s, American settlers began arriving from Kentucky.  The area became a state in 1818.  In the 1830s, the beginnings of Chicago were established.

Illinois Statewide Marriage Index for 1763 to 1900 - Search the statewide marriage index through the Illinois State Archives and Illinois State Genealogical Society.

Illinois Department of Corrections - Search for inmates by last name, department of corrections number or birth date.

Illinois Sex Offender Information - Search the Illinois Sex Offender registry.  These people have been charged with certain sex offenses and/or crimes against children.

Illinois State Archives - Search online databases, genealogical researching, holdings and the archives inventory.

Adams County - Search court cases for Adams County, Illinois by case, name or charge text.

Boone County Assessment Office - Search for property information including residential and commercial information through PropertyMax.

Carroll County - Search for Carroll County court records and cases.

Champaign County - Search the circuit clerk case query system for traffic, civil, criminal, small claims, probates cases and ordinance information.

City of Chicago - Search the Chicago Sex Offender database.  The database contains the names of registered sex offenders who reside in Chicago.

Cook County Sheriff's Office Most Wanted Sex Offenders - These individuals are wanted because they have failed to register as a sex offender or have violated probation.  Includes photos and brief descriptions.

DuPage County Foreclosure Sales - Listing of all homes and addresses that are up for foreclosure auction.

DuPage County Real Estate Levy Sales - Listing of real estate that is to be levied by the sheriff's office.

DuPage County Sex Offender Registry - Search the DuPage County Sheriff's Sex Offender registry.

DuPage County Sheriff's Office - DuPage County's most wanted fugitives from justice as well as deadbeat parents who are delinquent on child support payments.