Search Clark County Public Records

Clark County public records are available through the county clerk, circuit clerk, and other offices in Marshall, the county seat. The county clerk serves as custodian for many court records, which is a somewhat unusual arrangement in Illinois. Court case searches going back to 1990 are available online. Clark County also participates in the VINELink notification system. Whether you need a deed, a vital record, or a court filing, this guide covers where to look and how to request copies of Clark County public records.

Clark County Clerk and Recorder

Laura H. Lee is the Clark County Clerk and Recorder. The office is at 501 Archer Ave., Marshall, IL 62441. Call (217) 826-8311 for questions. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Clark County Clerk website has details on office services and available forms.

The Clark County Clerk is the custodian for many court records in the county. This is worth knowing because in most Illinois counties, court records are held solely by the circuit clerk. In Clark County, the county clerk plays a bigger role in records management. If you are looking for certain types of court-related documents, you may want to check with both offices to make sure you find everything.

The clerk also handles vital records and land recordings. Birth, death, and marriage certificates are issued from this office. The recorder side files deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property instruments. Every real estate transaction in Clark County must be recorded here. Fees are standard across Illinois, though call ahead to confirm current amounts before you visit.

Birth records are restricted. Only the named person, parents, or legal representatives can get certified copies. Death records need a demonstrated interest. Marriage records are public. Bring a valid photo ID to the office in Marshall when you request copies.

Court Records in Clark County

Ami L. Shaw is the Clark County Circuit Clerk. Call (217) 826-2811 for court record questions. The Clark County Circuit Clerk website has information about court services and filing procedures. Clark County is part of the 5th Judicial Circuit.

Clark County court records from 1990 to the present are searchable online. You can look up civil, criminal, traffic, and other case types by name or case number. The system provides basic case information and status updates. For detailed documents or certified copies, contact the circuit clerk's office directly. Some records may only be available in paper form at the courthouse in Marshall.

E-filing is available for many case types in Clark County. Attorneys and individuals can submit documents electronically through the state system. This saves a trip to the courthouse. Paper filings are still accepted at the clerk's window. For older cases before 1990, the clerk may need to pull files from storage, so allow some extra time.

Clark County also participates in VINELink, a victim notification system. VINELink lets victims of crime register to receive alerts about changes in an offender's custody status. This is a free service available across Illinois, and Clark County residents can sign up through the VINELink website.

Note: The county clerk in Clark County serves as custodian for some court records, so check both the circuit clerk and county clerk offices when searching for documents.

FOIA Requests in Clark County

The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) applies to all Clark County government offices. Any person can submit a written request for public records. Send your request to the FOIA officer at the specific department that holds the records you want.

Clark County has five business days to respond. Most government records are available through FOIA. Meeting minutes, budgets, contracts, payroll data, and internal correspondence are all common request types. Some records are exempt under the law, including files tied to active investigations, personal health information, and certain legal communications.

The first 50 pages of standard copies are usually free. After that, a small per-page fee applies. If your request is denied, you can appeal to the Illinois Attorney General's Public Access Counselor at 877-299-3642. Be specific in your description of the records you need. That helps Clark County staff find the right documents and avoids back-and-forth delays.

Clark County Property Records

Property records in Clark County span several offices. The recorder stores deeds, mortgages, and liens. The assessor sets property values. The treasurer collects taxes. For a complete view of any parcel in Clark County, you may need data from all three.

Title searches begin at the recorder's office. The chain of title traces every ownership transfer from the original grant to the current owner. The assessor's records show current valuations, exemptions, and property descriptions. The treasurer can tell you about tax payments, outstanding balances, or any pending tax sales. These Clark County records together give buyers, sellers, and researchers a full picture of a property's status.

In-person searches at the courthouse in Marshall are available during office hours. Staff can help you find documents by name, property description, or document number. Call (217) 826-8311 before you visit to ask about current recording fees.

Vital Records in Clark County

The county clerk in Marshall issues birth, death, and marriage certificates for events that took place in Clark County. Birth records are restricted to the named person, parents, or legal representatives. Death records need a demonstrated personal or property interest. Marriage records are open to anyone.

Fees follow the state schedule. You will need a valid photo ID to request a certified copy. The office in Marshall can handle most requests the same day if you visit in person. Mail requests are also accepted but take longer to process. The Illinois Department of Public Health keeps statewide copies of all vital records if you need a backup source or if the event happened outside Clark County.

Note: Both the county clerk and circuit clerk in Clark County may hold records you need, so it pays to check with both offices when searching for documents.

Nearby Counties

Clark County is on the eastern border of Illinois next to Indiana. These counties surround it.