Great Lakes Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Great Lakes, Illinois government websites.
About Great Lakes, Illinois
Government Type
City Council
The city government of Great Lakes, Illinois, operates under the Great Lakes Village Board, which consists of 6 elected trustees and a Mayor. Each trustee serves a term of 4 years, with elections held every 2 years for half of the board, ensuring continuity within the governing body. The Mayor, who also serves a 4-year term, is elected at-large by the residents of Great Lakes.5th Avenue, Great Lakes, IL 60088.
In addition, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office provides support and resources to the community. For matters involving detention, the Lake County jail is the primary facility for people who are arrested in the area. Arrest records and criminal records in Great Lakes are maintained by these law enforcement agencies and can be accessed by the public following specific procedures. Public records in Great Lakes are governed by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, which enables residents to access various types of information held by government agencies. The Lake County Clerk's office is responsible for vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, ensuring that residents have access to essential documentation. Property records can be obtained through the Lake Chief County Assessment Officer's office, providing important information about property ownership and valuations. For legal matters, court records can be accessed through the Lake County Circuit Court, offering insights into ongoing cases and historical legal decisions. This framework of public records enhances transparency, allowing residents to engage more fully with their community and local governance.
Law Enforcement
Several law enforcement agencies serve Great Lakes, Lake County, including the Lake County Sheriff's Office and municipal departments such as the Waukegan Police Department, Highland Park Police Department, and Lake Forest Police Department. Each municipal department maintains public safety within its own jurisdiction, handles local crimes, and coordinates with the Sheriff's Office when major investigations require broader collaboration. These agencies work together to address crime and protect residents throughout the county.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Lake County Jail in Waukegan is the primary detention facility for Lake County. When individuals are arrested, the booking process includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Visitation follows specific rules, including scheduled times and identification requirements.
Arrest Records
The Lake County Sheriff's Office and various municipal police departments throughout Lake County maintain arrest records for their respective jurisdictions. Residents and legal representatives can request these records by contacting the appropriate law enforcement agency. The records typically contain the individual's personal information, arrest details, charges filed, and arresting officer information. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act governs the process for obtaining these records, balancing public access to government information with individual privacy protections.
Court Records
The Lake County Circuit Court serves Great Lakes, Illinois and maintains a wide range of court records covering civil, criminal, and probate proceedings. The court's main location is at 18 North County Street, Waukegan, IL 60085, and can be contacted at (847) 377-3250. Residents and interested parties can access court dockets, case files, and other judicial records through the court's website at https://19thcircuitcourt.state.il.us/. The public records office in the community can also assist with court related inquiries.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Lake County covers various types of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can conduct background checks through the Illinois State Police, which provides access to statewide criminal history information. The Illinois State Police also offers services for more background checks, making sure of residents have access to necessary information for safety and employment purposes.
Public Records Access
The public records office in Great Lakes, Illinois, located at 2000 Sheridan Road, Great Lakes, IL 60088, is the central repository for official documents and information. Residents can access birth certificates, death records, marriage licenses, and other vital records through the office's online portal or by visiting in person. The office also maintains land records, property assessments, and other real estate-related documents. Additional information is available on the Lake County government website at https://www.lakecountyil.gov/.
Vital Records
The vital records department in Great Lakes, Illinois, is responsible for maintaining and issuing various personal documents, including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses. The office is located at 2000 Sheridan Road, Great Lakes, IL 60088, and can be contacted at (847) 688-3000. Residents can request these records online through the Lake County government website at https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2334/Vital Records or by visiting the office in person during regular business hours.
Business & Licensing Records
Great Lakes, Illinois hosts a diverse business community, and the public records office is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs and business owners. The office maintains information on registered businesses, licenses, and permits within the community. Individuals can search for business licenses, registered trade names, and other commercial records through the Lake County government website at https://www.lakecountyil.gov/2339/Business-Licenses. The public records office is located at 2000 Sheridan Road, Great Lakes, IL 60088, and can be reached at (847) 688-3000.
Economy & Demographics
The local economy of Great Lakes, Illinois, is heavily influenced by the presence of the Naval Station Great Lakes, which is the largest naval training facility in the United States. The base employs thousands of military personnel and civilian contractors, contributing significantly to the town's economic activity. In addition to the naval base, Great Lakes is home to a range of businesses, including healthcare providers, educational institutions, and retail establishments.
The public records office maintains information on the city's economic development, permits, and other business related data, which can be accessed through the Lake County government website at https://www.lakecountyil.gov/.
Elections & Voter Records
The Lake County Clerk's Office functions as the official election authority for Great Lakes, Illinois voters. Located at 18 N. County Street, Room 101, Waukegan, IL 60085, the office can be reached at (847) 377-2400 or through www.lakecountyil.gov/clerk. The Clerk oversees all aspects of voter registration, election administration, early voting, and vote tabulation for residents.
Illinois residents can register to vote online at www.ova.elections.il.gov (the Illinois State Board of Elections online voter registration portal), by mail using a downloadable application, or in person at the Lake County Clerk's office or designated registration sites. Mail registration must be completed 28 days before any election, while online registration closes 16 days before Election Day. Illinois also offers same-day voter registration during the early voting period and on Election Day itself. Applicants must provide their Illinois driver's license number or state ID number, or the last four digits of their Social Security number. Since the community is not an incorporated municipality, there are no city council or mayoral elections specific to the area. Residents vote in Lake County elections for county board members, countywide offices, and special districts, as well as state and federal races. The next major election is November 3, 2026, when Illinois voters will decide several critical races. In 2026, Illinois will elect a U.S. Senator (Dick Durbin's seat is up), all 17 U.S. House representatives, and numerous state legislative seats including Illinois House and Senate districts. Lake County voters will also elect county board members, the Lake County Clerk, Sheriff, State's Attorney, Treasurer, and other countywide constitutional offices. Residents can find their assigned polling place using the polling place lookup tool at www.lakecountyil.gov/clerk or by calling the Lake County Clerk's Elections Division. The lookup tool requires entering a residential address to determine the correct precinct and polling location. In the November 2024 presidential election, Lake County reported strong turnout with approximately 72% of registered voters participating, totaling over 385,000 ballots cast countywide. Illinois offers vote-by-mail options: any registered voter can request a mail ballot without providing a reason by submitting an application online through the Lake County Clerk's website, by mail, or in person. Mail ballot applications for the November 3, 2026 election will be accepted beginning 90 days before the election. Voters can also take advantage of early voting at multiple locations throughout Lake County, typically beginning 40 days before Election Day. Public election records in Illinois include voter registration lists (available with restrictions under 10 ILCS 5/1-7), campaign finance disclosures filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections at www.elections.il.gov, candidate filings and petitions, and precinct-level election results. The County Clerk publishes detailed election results by precinct on their website after each election. Illinois's open government laws ensure transparency in the electoral process, with most campaign finance records, candidate statements, and voting results available for public inspection online or through formal requests to the Lake County Clerk.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.5/10, Lake County, Illinois provides excellent online access to most public records including property databases, court case searches, jail rosters, and election information, though vital records require state-level requests with fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Great Lakes, Lake County, Illinois?
Public schools in Great Lakes, Lake County, Illinois are administered by the local school district. School performance data, enrollment information, and district boundaries are available through the Illinois Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
2 What are the crime statistics for Great Lakes, Lake County, Illinois?
Crime data for Great Lakes, Lake County, Illinois is maintained by local law enforcement agencies and reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Great Lakes, Lake County, Illinois Library?
The Great Lakes Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Lake County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.
4 Where is the Great Lakes, Lake County, Illinois Public Library located?
The Great Lakes Public Library serves residents of Great Lakes and the surrounding Lake County area in Illinois. Contact the library or visit the Lake County library system website for current address, hours, and services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Great Lakes, Lake County, Illinois?
Fingerprinting services for Great Lakes, Illinois residents are available through the local police department and authorized providers in Lake County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Great Lakes, Lake County, Illinois, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Great Lakes, Lake County, Illinois including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Illinois Department of Public Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Lake County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
7 How do I register to vote in Great Lakes, Illinois?
To register to vote in Great Lakes, Illinois, residents can register online through the Illinois State Board of Elections's website, by mail, or in person at the Lake 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's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Great Lakes, contact the Lake County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Great Lakes, Illinois?
Property records for Great Lakes, Illinois are maintained by the Lake Chief County Assessment Officer's Office and the Lake County County Recorder of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Lake County, including parcels in Great Lakes. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Lake County 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. For in-person requests, visit the Lake County offices at the county courthouse. The Lake County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Great Lakes, Illinois?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Great Lakes, 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 Lake County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Lake 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.
10 How do I find business license records in Great Lakes, Illinois?
Business licensing for Great Lakes, Illinois operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Great Lakes town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Great Lakes limits. Lake County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all Illinois businesses must register with the Illinois Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the Illinois Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant Illinois licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Great Lakes, contact the Great Lakes clerk's office and the Lake County economic development office.
Nearby Cities in Lake County, Illinois
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: