Access DeKalb County Public Records

DeKalb County public records are managed by the county clerk and recorder, circuit clerk, and other offices in Sycamore. The county has about 100,700 residents and is home to Northern Illinois University. Tasha Sims serves as both the county clerk and recorder. This combined office handles vital records, elections, and land document recording. You can search land records online at any time through the county's Land Records Search system in DeKalb County.

DeKalb County Clerk and Recorder

Tasha Sims serves as the DeKalb County Clerk and Recorder. The office is on the 2nd floor of the Administration Building at 110 East Sycamore Street in Sycamore. Hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

The clerk handles vital records, elections, and business filings. The recorder side of the office stores deeds, mortgages, liens, and other land documents for DeKalb County. Having both functions in one office makes it easier for people who need multiple types of records. You can reach different departments at separate numbers. Call 815-895-7149 for vital records, 815-895-7156 for recording questions, and 815-895-7147 for elections in DeKalb County.

The DeKalb County Clerk website has details on all services the office provides. You can find forms, fee schedules, and contact info for each department on the site.

The combined clerk and recorder office processes thousands of documents each year for DeKalb County residents. Recording fees and vital records fees are set by state law and updated from time to time.

DeKalb County Land Records Search

The DeKalb County Land Records Search lets you look up recorded documents online. You can search by name, date range, or document type. The system shows up to 1,000 records per search. This is a useful tool for finding deeds, mortgages, and other recorded documents in DeKalb County.

Documents printed from the website are unofficial. The recorder's office cannot guarantee they will be considered legal in a court of law. For certified copies, you need to contact the office directly or visit in person. The land records search is free to use for basic lookups in DeKalb County.

Note: Unofficial copies from the online portal may not be accepted for legal proceedings in DeKalb County.

Court Records in DeKalb County

The DeKalb County Circuit Clerk keeps all court case files. The office maintains records for civil, criminal, family, and traffic cases. You can visit in person to search case files or get copies of court documents.

DeKalb County also offers online court records access. This system lets you search for case information from home. Keep in mind that online data may not be as current as what the clerk has on file. For the most recent filings, visit the courthouse in Sycamore.

Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), you can request any public records held by DeKalb County offices. Submit your request in writing. The office must respond within 5 business days. Court records are generally public except for sealed cases, juvenile matters, and adoption files in DeKalb County.

DeKalb County Vital Records

The county clerk issues birth, death, and marriage certificates for events that took place in DeKalb County. Birth records are restricted under the Illinois Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535). Only the person named, parents, or legal guardians can get certified copies. Death records require a personal or property interest. Marriage records are open to the public in DeKalb County.

Genealogy copies are available for older records at a lower cost. Birth records over 75 years old, death records over 25 years old, and marriage records over 50 years old qualify. These older records are useful for family tree research and historical work. Call 815-895-7149 for vital records questions in DeKalb County.

Note: Bring valid photo identification when you visit the clerk's office to request vital records in DeKalb County.

FOIA Requests in DeKalb County

Any person can file a Freedom of Information Act request for DeKalb County public records. Put your request in writing and send it to the FOIA officer at the office that holds the records you need. The DeKalb County government website lists contact information for each department. Under state law, the office must respond within 5 business days.

If your request is denied, the denial must state the specific reason. You can appeal to the Public Access Counselor at the Illinois Attorney General's office. Most routine requests for DeKalb County records are filled without issues. Fees for copies cannot exceed the actual cost of reproduction.

Nearby Counties

These counties border DeKalb County. Make sure you search for records in the right county based on your address.