Chicago, Illinois Public Records

To register to vote in Chicago, Illinois, residents can register online through the Illinois State Board of Elections website, by mail, or in person at the Cook County elections office. Illinois requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Illinois State Board of Elections voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Chicago, contact the Cook County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.

Property records for Chicago, Illinois are maintained by the Cook Chief County Assessment Officer's Office and the Cook County Recorder of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Cook County, including parcels in Chicago. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Cook County Recorder of Deeds maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Illinois counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. The Cook County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.

Birth, death, and marriage records for Chicago, Illinois residents are available through both county and state offices. The Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records, located in Springfield, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Illinois. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Cook County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Cook County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.