Vermilion County Public Records
Vermilion County public records are held by offices in Danville, the county seat. With more than 72,000 residents, Vermilion County sits along the Indiana border in east-central Illinois. The county clerk and recorder each handle different types of public records. Court files go through the circuit clerk. Vital records like birth, death, and marriage certificates date back to the mid-1800s. Land records are searchable online through the recorder's office. You can get most Vermilion County records in person, by mail, or through web-based search tools.
Vermilion County Quick Facts
Vermilion County Clerk Office
The Vermilion County Clerk handles vital records, elections, and other public filings. The office is at 201 N. Vermilion St. in Danville, IL 61832. This is the main source for birth, death, and marriage records in Vermilion County. Birth records go back to 1858. Death records start from 1877. Marriage records are the oldest, dating to 1826.
Fees for vital records in Vermilion County are set by state and local rules. A first copy of a birth certificate costs $19. Each extra copy is $8. Death certificates are $23 for the first copy and $12 for each one after that. These fees apply to in-person and mail requests. You will need a valid photo ID and a completed request form to get any vital record.
The Vermilion County government site gives you access to department pages, contact info, and forms you may need for public records requests.
The clerk also runs elections and handles property tax extensions for Vermilion County.
| Office | Vermilion County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 201 N. Vermilion St. Danville, IL 61832 |
| Website | vercounty.org/county-clerk |
Vermilion County Land Records
The Vermilion County Recorder keeps all land records for the county. This includes deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and other property documents filed in Vermilion County. The recorder's office is in Danville at the same county building complex.
You can search Vermilion County land records online for free. The free index search covers documents from July 1987 to the present. This tool lets you look up recorded documents by name, date, or document type without paying a fee. It is a good starting point for anyone who needs basic information about a land record in Vermilion County.
The Vermilion County Recorder provides a look at the online land records search portal on its website, where you can begin a free index search for documents recorded since 1987.
For more in-depth access, the county offers two paid options. Laredo subscription service costs $75 per month and gives you full access to recorded document images. Tapestry is a per-search option at $8.95 each. Both work well for title companies, attorneys, and anyone who needs to pull up full document images in Vermilion County.
Note: The free index search only shows basic document data from 1987 forward, not full document images.
Vermilion County Recorder Office
The recorder's office page on the Vermilion County website has forms, fee schedules, and links to land record search tools.
Recording fees in Vermilion County follow the state fee structure set by Illinois law. Standard documents, non-standard documents, and plats each have different fee levels. If you need to record a deed or mortgage, check the recorder's website for the most current fee schedule before you visit. E-recording may also be available for certain document types, which lets you file without going to the office in person.
The recorder also keeps military discharge records (DD-214 forms) on file. Veterans or their families can request copies of these documents at the recorder's office in Danville.
Court Records in Vermilion County
The Vermilion County Circuit Clerk manages all court case files. Vermilion County is part of the Fifth Judicial Circuit in Illinois. The circuit court hears civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases. All court records are kept at the courthouse in Danville.
You can request copies of court records in person at the circuit clerk's office. Bring a case number or party name to help the staff find what you need. Some case types are restricted under Illinois law. Juvenile cases, sealed records, and certain family matters are not open to the public. For everything else, the circuit clerk can provide copies for a fee.
E-filing is now the standard method for civil filings in Illinois courts. Attorneys and self-represented litigants use the statewide e-filing system to submit documents in Vermilion County cases. Paper filings are still accepted for certain case types that are exempt from e-filing rules.
Vital Records in Vermilion County
Birth records are restricted in Illinois. Only the person named on the certificate, a parent, or a legal representative can get a certified copy. This rule applies in Vermilion County and across the state. Death records also have limits. You must show a personal or property interest to get a death certificate.
Marriage records in Vermilion County go all the way back to 1826. That makes them some of the oldest public records kept by the county. Marriage certificates are open to the public. Anyone can request a copy. Genealogy copies of older records are available at reduced fees. Birth records that are 75 years or older and death records that are 20 years or older qualify for genealogy access.
Note: Always bring a valid photo ID when you visit the clerk's office in Danville to pick up vital records.
FOIA Requests in Vermilion County
Any person can file a FOIA request for Vermilion County public records. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) requires all public bodies to respond within 5 business days. You do not need a special form. Put your request in writing and send it to the FOIA officer at the county department that has the records you need.
If a request is denied, the office must give a reason. You can then appeal to the Public Access Counselor at the Illinois Attorney General's office. The phone number for appeals is 877-299-3642. Vermilion County offices must follow FOIA rules for all records they hold, unless a specific exemption applies under the law.
Vermilion County Public Records Online
The main Vermilion County website ties together all departments and public services. You can find links to the clerk, recorder, and court offices from the county homepage.
Starting your search on the county website is a good first step. It lists office hours, phone numbers, and direct links to forms and online search tools. Vermilion County has put effort into making records available through its web portal, so you can often find what you need before making a trip to Danville.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Vermilion County. If your property or event took place near a county line, the records may be filed in a neighboring county instead.