Find Kankakee County Public Records

Kankakee County public records are available through several county offices in the city of Kankakee. The county has more than 106,000 residents and sits about 60 miles south of Chicago. Three main offices handle public records here. The county clerk keeps vital records and business filings. The recorder stores land documents. The circuit clerk holds all court case files. Most records can be searched online or in person at the Kankakee County Administration Building.

Kankakee County Clerk Office

The Kankakee County Clerk handles vital records, elections, and business name filings. The office is at 189 E. Court St. in the Kankakee County Administration Building. Hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Call (815) 937-2990 or email countyclerk@kankakeecountyil.gov for questions about records.

The clerk issues long-form birth certificates with both parents listed. This is a detail that matters for many legal uses. Birth records cost $10 for the first copy and $4 for each extra. Death records are $14 for the first copy and $8 for each one after that. Marriage records cost $10 for the first copy and $4 per extra copy in Kankakee County.

Vital Records in Kankakee County

Birth records in Kankakee County are not public. Only the person named (if 18 or older), a parent on the certificate, or a legal representative can get a certified copy. Death records have similar limits. You need a personal or property interest to get a death certificate in Kankakee County.

Genealogy copies are available for older records at a reduced cost. Birth certificates that are 75 years or older, marriage licenses 50 years or older, and death certificates 20 years or older qualify as genealogy records. These cost $10 each. Marriage certificates are open to the public in Kankakee County, so anyone can request a copy of those.

Note: The clerk provides long-form certificates only, which include both parents' names on the document.

Kankakee County Land Records

The Kankakee County Recorder, Lori Gadbois, has served since 2008. The office records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other land documents. You can search Kankakee County land records online around the clock.

The recorder offers remote access to land records 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All you need is a web browser. When you search by name, use the format LASTNAME FIRSTNAME with one space and no commas. This search covers all recorded documents in Kankakee County. You can also search through Tapestry for additional land record access.

The online tools let you view document images and index data from anywhere. For certified copies, you still need to visit the recorder's office in person or request them by mail.

Court Records in Kankakee County

The Kankakee County Circuit Clerk, Sandra Cianci, keeps all court case files. The circuit clerk's office maintains and preserves all records of the circuit court. Staff are dedicated to serving the public with professionalism, transparency, and courtesy.

Court records in Kankakee County include civil cases, criminal cases, family law matters, and traffic violations. You can visit the circuit clerk office in person to search case files. Bring a case number or the name of a party to speed up the search. For public records requests under FOIA, you can write to the clerk directly. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) requires a response within 5 business days.

The recorder's office keeps property-related records separate from court files. If you need a deed or a mortgage document in Kankakee County, go to the recorder instead of the circuit clerk.

FOIA Requests in Kankakee County

Any person can file a FOIA request for Kankakee County public records. Put your request in writing and send it to the FOIA officer at the county department that has the records. No special form is needed. The office must respond within 5 business days under Illinois law.

If a 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 by calling 877-299-3642. All records held by Kankakee County offices are presumed open to the public unless a specific exemption applies under the FOIA statute.

Note: Fees for copies cannot exceed the actual cost of reproduction under the Illinois FOIA law.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Kankakee County. Check which county handles records for your address if you live near a county line.