Peoria County Public Records
What Are Public Records in Peoria County?
Public records in Peoria County are defined as all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, electronic data, or other material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, prepared, owned, used, received, or possessed by a public body. This definition is established under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 ILCS 140/1 et seq., which governs public access to government records throughout Illinois.
Peoria County maintains numerous types of public records, including:
- Court Records: Civil, criminal, traffic, probate, and family court cases maintained by the Circuit Clerk's office
- Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and property transfers recorded with the County Recorder
- Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and civil union certificates maintained by the County Clerk
- Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and registrations
- Tax Records: Property tax assessments, payments, and delinquencies
- Voting Records: Voter registration information and election results
- Meeting Records: Minutes and agendas from County Board and committee meetings
- Budget Documents: County financial records, audits, and expenditure reports
- Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports (with certain restrictions)
- Land Use Records: Zoning applications, building permits, and property development plans
The Peoria County Clerk's office serves as the primary custodian for vital records and election information, while the Circuit Clerk maintains court records. Property records and land transactions are managed by the County Recorder's office through their land records system. Tax records can be accessed through the Peoria County Property Tax Inquiry portal.
Is Peoria County an Open Records County?
Peoria County fully complies with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which establishes the public's right to access government records. Under 5 ILCS 140/1, the Illinois General Assembly has declared that "all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts and policies of those who represent them as public officials and public employees."
The statute further states in § 140/1.2 that "All records in the custody or possession of a public body are presumed to be open to inspection or copying. Any public body that asserts that a record is exempt from disclosure has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that it is exempt."
Peoria County has established specific procedures for handling FOIA requests in accordance with state law. The County has designated FOIA officers in each department who are responsible for receiving and processing requests for public records. These procedures ensure compliance with the Illinois Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/1 et seq.) as well, which requires that official meetings of public bodies be open to the public.
The County maintains a public records policy that outlines the process for requesting records, applicable fees, and exemptions as defined by state law. This policy reinforces Peoria County's commitment to transparency and open government.
How to Find Public Records in Peoria County in 2026
Members of the public seeking records from Peoria County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need:
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Online Access: Many records are available through the County's official website. The Peoria County Records Inquiry system provides access to court records, jail records, and other public documents. Property records can be searched through the Land Records portal.
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In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours to request records:
- Court records: Visit the Circuit Clerk's office at the Peoria County Courthouse
- Vital records: Visit the County Clerk's office
- Property records: Visit the County Recorder's office
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Written FOIA Requests: Submit a formal FOIA request to the appropriate department using the County's FOIA Request Form. Requests must include:
- Requestor's name, address, and contact information
- Description of records sought (be as specific as possible)
- Whether records are for commercial purposes
- Preferred format for receiving records (paper or electronic)
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Electronic Submission: Email completed FOIA request forms to the designated FOIA officer for the department that maintains the records.
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Telephone Inquiries: Call the appropriate department to determine record availability and request procedures before submitting a formal request.
Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/3(d), the County must respond to FOIA requests within 5 business days (or 21 days for commercial requests). Extensions may apply in certain circumstances as permitted by law.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Peoria County?
Peoria County assesses fees for public records in accordance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, specifically § 140/6. The current fee structure includes:
- Black and White Copies: $0.15 per page after the first 50 pages (first 50 pages are free)
- Color Copies: Actual cost of reproduction
- Electronic Records: No charge when records are provided in electronic format, unless the request requires specialized programming
- Certified Copies: Additional certification fees apply
- Specialized Records:
- Birth Certificates: $15 for first copy, $4 for each additional copy
- Death Certificates: $19 for first copy, $4 for each additional copy
- Marriage/Civil Union Certificates: $14 for first copy, $4 for each additional copy
For court records, the Circuit Clerk's office charges:
- Regular copies: $2.00 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page
- Certified copies: $4.00 for the first page, $0.50 for each additional page
Property record fees through the Recorder's office include:
- Standard document recording: $75.00 for the first page, $1.00 for each additional page
- Copies of recorded documents: $1.00 per page
Accepted payment methods include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards (for certain departments). A convenience fee may apply for credit card payments.
Fee waivers may be granted if the requestor demonstrates that the request is in the public interest as defined in 5 ILCS 140/6(c), which requires showing that the principal purpose of the request is to access and disseminate information regarding the health, safety, and welfare or legal rights of the general public.
Does Peoria County Have Free Public Records?
Peoria County provides several options for accessing public records at no cost:
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In-Person Inspection: Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/3, all public records may be inspected free of charge during normal business hours at the office where they are maintained. No fees may be charged for examining records.
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First 50 Pages: Under Illinois FOIA (5 ILCS 140/6), the first 50 pages of black and white, letter or legal-sized copies are provided free of charge.
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Electronic Records: When records are maintained in electronic format and can be emailed or provided on digital media, no copying fees are typically assessed.
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Online Resources: The County provides free access to numerous records through its website, including:
- Court case information through the judicial case management system
- Property tax records through the Treasurer's online portal
- County Board meeting minutes and agendas
- Jail records and inmate information
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Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at the County Courthouse and certain county offices for public use to access electronic records at no charge.
The Peoria Public Library also provides free access to certain county records and resources that can assist with public records research.
Who Can Request Public Records in Peoria County?
Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act § 140/3, any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request public records from Peoria County. The statute defines "person" broadly to include individuals, corporations, partnerships, firms, organizations, and associations.
Key provisions regarding requestor eligibility include:
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No Residency Requirement: Non-residents of Peoria County and Illinois have the same rights to access public records as residents.
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Identification Requirements: For most general records, requestors are not required to provide identification or state the reason for their request. However, certain records may require verification of identity, particularly when:
- Requesting one's own confidential records
- Seeking vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Requesting records that may contain personal information protected by privacy laws
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Commercial Requests: Persons requesting records for commercial purposes must disclose this intent. Per 5 ILCS 140/3.1, commercial requests are subject to extended response times (up to 21 business days) and may incur additional fees.
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Prisoner Requests: Under § 140/3(e), incarcerated individuals have more limited rights to request records and are subject to specific procedures outlined in the statute.
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Representatives: Attorneys, researchers, or other representatives may request records on behalf of another person, though additional documentation may be required for certain confidential records.
For requests involving vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), the Illinois Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535/) establishes specific eligibility requirements, including proof of identity and demonstration of direct interest in the record.
What Records Are Confidential in Peoria County?
While Peoria County strives for transparency, certain records are exempt from disclosure under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Section 7 of the Act (5 ILCS 140/7) specifically exempts the following categories of records:
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Personal Privacy Information: Private information including Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, biometric identifiers, personal financial information, medical records, and home addresses of certain individuals
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Law Enforcement Records: Information that would:
- Interfere with pending or contemplated law enforcement proceedings
- Deprive a person of a fair trial
- Identify confidential sources or witnesses
- Disclose specialized investigative techniques
- Endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel or others
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Juvenile Records: Records related to juvenile offenders are confidential under the Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/)
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Sealed or Expunged Court Records: Records that have been ordered sealed or expunged by a court
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Preliminary Drafts and Notes: Preliminary drafts, notes, recommendations, and memoranda in which opinions are expressed or policies formulated
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Trade Secrets: Trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person or business where disclosure would cause competitive harm
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Attorney-Client Privileged Information: Communications between the County and its attorneys
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Employee Personnel Files: Personnel files and personal information of public employees, except for the names, titles, salaries, and dates of employment
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Security Information: Vulnerability assessments, security measures, and response plans designed to identify potential threats to critical infrastructure
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Examination Data: Test questions, scoring keys, and other examination data used to administer academic or occupational examinations
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Certain Real Estate Information: Appraisals or evaluations of real property to be acquired by the County until final acquisition
The County applies a balancing test as required by § 140/7(1)(c) when determining if disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, weighing the individual's right to privacy against the public's right to information.
Additionally, records protected by other state or federal laws, such as health information protected by HIPAA, educational records protected by FERPA, and adoption records sealed under the Illinois Adoption Act (750 ILCS 50/), remain confidential.
Peoria County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Peoria County Recorder of Deeds
Peoria County Courthouse
324 Main Street, Room G-4
Peoria, IL 61602
(309) 672-6090
Recorder of Deeds
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Peoria County Clerk
Peoria County Courthouse
324 Main Street, Room 101
Peoria, IL 61602
(309) 672-6059
County Clerk
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Peoria County Circuit Clerk
Peoria County Courthouse
324 Main Street, Room 211
Peoria, IL 61602
(309) 672-6984
Circuit Clerk
Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Lookup Public Records in Peoria County
Court records and case information
Property tax records and payment information
Land records and property documents
Vital records including birth, death, and marriage certificates
Jail records and inmate information