Search Jo Daviess County Public Records

Jo Daviess County public records are managed by county offices in Galena, the county seat. This northwestern Illinois county borders Iowa and Wisconsin and has about 21,000 residents. The county clerk and recorder handles vital records and land documents. The circuit clerk maintains court case files. Records are available in person, by mail, and through some online tools. Staff at both offices can help you find the records you need for Jo Daviess County.

Jo Daviess County Clerk and Recorder

The Jo Daviess County Clerk and Recorder is currently at a temporary location: 219 Kelly Lane, Galena, IL 61036. The courthouse is under renovation. Call (815) 777-0161 for the county clerk or (815) 777-9694 for the recorder. Fax is (815) 777-3688.

This office handles birth, death, and marriage certificates for Jo Daviess County events. Birth records are restricted under Illinois law. Only the person named, a parent, or a legal representative can order a certified copy. Death records also have limits. You need a personal or property interest. Marriage records are public, and anyone can request a copy from the Jo Daviess County clerk.

The recorder side of the office stores all land documents for Jo Daviess County. Deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats are on file. The office also runs elections and handles business name registrations. Because the courthouse is being renovated, check with the office before visiting to confirm the temporary location is still in use.

Note: The Jo Daviess County Clerk has moved to a temporary office at 219 Kelly Lane while the courthouse is being renovated.

Court Records in Jo Daviess County

The Jo Daviess County Circuit Clerk keeps all court files. The circuit clerk's office is at 330 N. Bench St., Galena, IL 61036. Call (815) 777-0037 for court record questions. Jo Daviess County is part of the 15th Judicial Circuit.

Court records cover civil, criminal, family law, traffic, probate, and small claims cases. Visit the circuit clerk in person to search case files. Bring a case number or party name if you have it. Staff will pull the record and can provide copies for a fee. The Illinois Courts directory lists the Jo Daviess County Courthouse details, including judge assignments and contact information.

Some older Jo Daviess County court records may be in archival storage or on microfilm. If you need a record from many years ago, call the circuit clerk ahead of time so staff can locate it before you arrive. This saves time and helps make sure the record is ready when you get there.

Jo Daviess County Land Records

The county clerk and recorder stores all land documents for Jo Daviess County. Deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property records are on file. You can search in person at the temporary office on Kelly Lane in Galena during regular hours.

Online land record access may be available through the Tapestry platform. Check with the Jo Daviess County recorder to see if their documents are searchable online. The Illinois State Archives has historical Jo Daviess County records for genealogy and old property research. These go back to the county's founding in 1827.

To record a new deed or other land document in Jo Daviess County, bring the original to the recorder's office. Staff will stamp and index it. Fees vary based on the type and page count. The original comes back to you after processing.

Vital Records in Jo Daviess County

The county clerk issues certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates for events in Jo Daviess County. The Illinois Department of Public Health also keeps state-level copies. The county office is usually faster.

Genealogy copies cost less for older Jo Daviess County records. Birth certificates 75 years or older, death records 25 years or older, and marriage records 50 years or older qualify. The state archives has free searchable indexes for marriages (1763 to 1900) and deaths (pre-1916) that cover Jo Daviess County. Find them at the state archives databases page.

FOIA Requests for Jo Daviess County

Anyone can file a FOIA request for Jo Daviess County public records. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) applies to all county offices. Write to the FOIA officer at the department that holds the records you want. No special form is needed.

The county must respond within 5 business days. Denials must include a written reason. Appeal any denial to the Public Access Counselor at 877-299-3642. Copy fees are capped at the actual cost of reproduction. The law covers all public bodies in Jo Daviess County, from the county board to school districts and fire districts.

Jo Daviess County Records Resources

The Illinois state courts website lists all 102 county courthouses. This page shows the type of court records information available for Jo Daviess County.

Use this state resource to find phone numbers, office hours, and judge assignments for the Jo Daviess County Courthouse in Galena.

The state FOIA statute page on the Illinois General Assembly site shows the full law that governs records access in Jo Daviess County and across Illinois.

This is the text of the law itself. It covers your rights as a records requester, the duties of each public office, and the appeal process if a request is denied.

Nearby Counties

These counties are next to Jo Daviess County in the far northwest corner of Illinois.