Rock Island County Public Records Search

Public records in Rock Island County are held at the county courthouse and several county offices along Third Avenue in Rock Island. The county has about 142,000 residents and sits along the Mississippi River on the western edge of Illinois. Unlike some Illinois counties where the clerk and recorder have merged, Rock Island County still keeps these as separate offices. The county clerk handles vital records and elections. The recorder stores land documents. And the circuit clerk keeps court case files at the Justice Center.

Rock Island County Clerk

Karen Kinney is the current county clerk. The Rock Island County Clerk manages vital records, elections, voter registration, tax calculations, and several other functions. The office is on the first floor at 1504 Third Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201.

The Rock Island County Clerk website lists all available services and current fee schedules.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The main phone number is 309-558-3569. For elections and voter registration, call 309-558-3571. Back taxes go through 309-558-3572.

The clerk's office also handles assumed business name filings, liquor licenses, notary commissions, and campaign disclosure records. County board minutes are maintained here too. This office is a central point for many types of Rock Island County public records.

Vital Records in Rock Island County

The county clerk issues birth, death, marriage, and civil union certificates. Fees have been in effect since November 1, 2013. Here is what you can expect to pay:

• Birth certificates: $15 first copy, $8 each extra
• Death certificates: $20 first copy, $14 each extra
• Marriage certificates: $15 first copy, $8 each extra
• Civil union certificates: $15 first copy, $8 each extra
• Marriage license: $35
• Civil union license: $35

Birth records are restricted. Only the person named, parents, or legal guardians can get certified copies. Death records also have access limits. Marriage records are generally open. You can request copies in person at the clerk's office or by mail.

Note: Extra copies ordered at the same time as your first copy cost less. Ask the clerk when you place your order.

Rock Island County Recorder

Kelly Fisher serves as the county recorder. The Recorder's Office is the official land records office for Rock Island County. Records go back to the mid-1800s. This office keeps all original documents tied to property ownership in the county.

The Rock Island County Recorder's website explains the office's role and services for property documents.

Documents on file include deeds, mortgages, releases, assignments, and property liens. Federal, state, and local liens are all recorded here. The office also stores veterans' discharge papers, corporation papers, UCC instruments, subdivision plats, land surveys, and monument records.

Since October 7, 2019, the recorder's office accepts debit and credit cards. AllPaid handles the payment processing. There is a $3.99 minimum fee per card transaction. This applies to both copies and recordings.

The recorder's office runs a veterans program too. The Honor Rewards Program provides community service to thank veterans. A retail discount card is available for those who qualify.

Court Records in Rock Island County

The circuit clerk stores all court case files. The Rock Island County Justice Center is at 1317 Third Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201. Call 309-786-4451 for case information. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Rock Island County is part of the 14th Judicial Circuit. The circuit court hears civil, criminal, family, traffic, and small claims cases. E-filing is available for most case types. You can also check case status in person at the Justice Center.

The Rock Island County homepage has links to court-related resources and contact information.

Keep in mind that some records may not be available online right away. New filings can take a few days to show up in the system. For urgent matters, call the circuit clerk or visit in person.

FOIA Requests for Rock Island County

The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) gives anyone the right to request public records from Rock Island County offices. Each department has its own FOIA officer. You send your request in writing to the right department.

The law says public bodies must respond within 5 business days. They can extend that by another 5 days under certain conditions. If your request is denied, you can appeal to the Public Access Counselor at the Illinois Attorney General's office at 877-299-3642.

Common records requested through FOIA include county budgets, contracts, meeting minutes, employee compensation data, and policy documents. Court records follow a different process and go through the circuit clerk instead.

Note: You do not need to explain why you want the records. The law puts the burden on the government body to justify any denial.

Rock Island County Business Filings

The county clerk handles assumed business name filings. If you run a business under a name other than your own legal name, you need to file an assumed name certificate. The fee is $10 to index and file. Liquor license applications cost $115.50.

Statement of economic interest filings are also maintained by the clerk. These are required for certain public officials and employees. Political campaign disclosure records are on file here as well. All of these count as public records and can be viewed at the clerk's office.

Cities in Rock Island County

Rock Island County does not have any cities that meet the population threshold for their own dedicated page on this site. The city of Rock Island is the county seat, and other communities like Moline and East Moline are also in the county. All residents use the Rock Island County offices listed above for public records.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Rock Island County. Records for properties or cases near county lines might be filed in one of these neighboring counties.