Find Public Records in Livingston County
Livingston County public records are available through county offices in Pontiac, the county seat. Located in central Illinois along Interstate 55, Livingston County is home to about 35,500 people. The county clerk and recorder handles vital records and land documents. The circuit clerk manages all court case files. Both offices are in downtown Pontiac. You can search for records in person during regular hours, by mail, or through online tools. Each office can direct you to the right records for your needs.
Livingston County Quick Facts
Livingston County Clerk and Recorder
The Livingston County Clerk and Recorder is at 112 W. Madison St., Pontiac, IL 61764. Call (815) 844-2006 for questions about public records. Hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
This office handles birth, death, and marriage certificates for events in Livingston County. Illinois law restricts birth records. Only the person named, a parent on the certificate, or a legal representative can get a certified copy. Death records need a personal or property interest. Marriage records are public. Anyone can request a copy. Fees vary by record type.
The recorder side stores all land documents for Livingston County. Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements are on file here. The office also manages elections, tax extensions, and business name registrations. You can search recorded land documents in person at the Madison Street office during regular hours. Staff will help you locate the records you are looking for.
| Office | Livingston County Clerk and Recorder |
|---|---|
| Address | 112 W. Madison St. Pontiac, IL 61764 |
| Phone | (815) 844-2006 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
Note: Livingston County vital record fees change from time to time, so verify the current cost before mailing in a request.
Court Records in Livingston County
The Livingston County Circuit Clerk maintains all court case files. The office is at the Law and Justice Center, 110 N. Main St., Pontiac, IL 61764. Call (815) 844-2602 for court record questions. Hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Livingston County is part of the 11th Judicial Circuit.
Court records cover civil, criminal, family, traffic, probate, and small claims cases. The circuit clerk files and preserves all records of the Livingston County courts. Visit the office with a case number or party name to search for a file. Staff will pull the record and can provide copies for a fee. The Law and Justice Center is a separate building from the county clerk's office on Madison Street.
The Illinois Courts directory has contact details for all circuit clerk offices across the state, including Livingston County. Use this to verify phone numbers and addresses before your visit. E-filing through the state system is also available for many case types in Livingston County.
Livingston County Land Records
The county clerk and recorder keeps all land records for Livingston County. Deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats are stored at the Madison Street office. You can search in person during business hours by name or document number.
Online access may be available through the Tapestry platform used by many Illinois county recorders. Check with the Livingston County recorder to see if their documents are online. The Illinois State Archives also holds historical Livingston County records for genealogy and old property research.
To record a new deed or other document in Livingston County, bring the original to the recorder. Staff stamp and index it. Fees depend on the document type and page count. The original gets returned to you after processing.
Vital Records in Livingston County
The Livingston County Clerk issues certified copies of birth, death, and marriage certificates. The Illinois Department of Public Health keeps state-level copies as well. The county office is usually faster for local events.
Genealogy copies are available at reduced fees for older Livingston 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 online indexes for marriages (1763 to 1900) and deaths (pre-1916) that include Livingston County data. Search them at the state archives databases page.
FOIA Requests for Livingston County
Any person can file a FOIA request for Livingston County public records. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) covers all public bodies. Write to the FOIA officer at the Livingston County office that holds the records. No form is needed.
The county must respond within 5 business days. A denial must include the specific legal reason. Appeal any denial to the Public Access Counselor at 877-299-3642. This is a free service from the Illinois Attorney General's office. Copy fees are capped at the actual cost of making the copies. FOIA covers all Livingston County offices, townships, school boards, and other public bodies.
Livingston County Records Resources
The Illinois vital records page through the Department of Public Health shows how to order birth, death, and other records at the state level when the county office cannot help.
This is a backup option for getting vital records. Processing at the state level takes longer but is available by mail from Springfield.
The Illinois courts website provides a directory for all county courthouses. This resource helps you find the right office in Livingston County before your visit.
Use this directory to find phone numbers, addresses, and judge assignments for Livingston County courts in Pontiac. It covers all 102 Illinois counties.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Livingston County. Records for addresses near the county line may be filed in a neighboring county.