About Great Lakes
Great Lakes, Illinois is a community in Lake County, Illinois. This page consolidates verified public records resources for Great Lakes, including law enforcement, court, vital, property, and government records.
Read more about public records in Great Lakes
Great Lakes is located in Lake County, Illinois. County and state agencies serving Lake County are the primary source for most government records affecting Great Lakes residents.
Law enforcement in Great Lakes is served by Great Lakes Police Department and Lake County Sheriff's Office. Arrest records, booking information, and incident reports are maintained by these agencies and can usually be requested in person, by mail, or via online portals where available.
Court case records for civil, criminal, family, and probate matters in Lake County are maintained by the county trial court of general jurisdiction and, where applicable, by municipal or district courts. Statewide court case search tools published by the Illinois Judicial Branch can also be used to locate cases.
Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates for Great Lakes residents are issued through the Illinois Department of Public Health (Division of Vital Records), with local copies often available through the Lake County Clerk's office. Real-property records (deeds, mortgages, liens) and parcel assessments are recorded with the county Recorder and the county Assessor.
Most government records held by Illinois agencies are accessible under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, which sets a response window of 5 business days and requires agencies to publish procedures for written records requests. Certain records (juvenile, sealed, victim, and active investigation records) may be withheld or redacted under statutory exemptions.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Great Lakes
Great Lakes Police Department
Great Lakes · Law Enforcement Agencies · Police Departments · Great Lakes Police Department · Police Departments, Law Enforcement Agencies-Government · (2) Add Hours · (847) 688-5555CallVisit WebsiteVisit WebsiteMap & DirectionsDirections735.
Lake County Sheriff's Office
The Lake County Sheriff’s Office serves as the largest law enforcement agency in the county with many key and diverse roles; Access information about their services, the jail, and crime prevention.
https://www.lakecountyil.gov/209/Sheriffs-Office---Old-URL-Do-Not-Delete
⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Great Lakes
Lake County Clerk, IL | Official Website
The Clerk of the Circuit Court (Clerk’s Office) is, by law, the official keeper of records for all judicial matters brought into the Circuit Court of Lake County.
🏠 Property & Public Records in Great Lakes
Lake County Recorder of Deeds
Property records for Great Lakes, Illinois are maintained by the Lake County Recorder of Deeds. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Lake County, including Great Lakes.
Public Records & Services in Great Lakes
About Great Lakes — In Depth
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.
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.
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. 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. 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. 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 Resources for Great Lakes, Illinois
Official government websites for Great Lakes, Illinois and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov, .us, or .mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or .com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.
- Illinois Criminal History RecordsAccess and review or challenge state criminal history record transcripts
- Illinois Criminal Background CheckBackground Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) Overview
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Chicago OfficeObtain criminal background checks or request FBI records.
- Illinois Inmate and Offenders SearchFind the location and release information of individuals incarcerated with the Illinois Dept of Corrections.
- Illinois Sex OffendersSearch the Illinois state police database of registered offenders by name or location from the State Police.
- Illinois Most WantedSearch the most wanted fugitives and absconders by the Illinois Department of Public Safety.
- Illinois State PoliceForensics, investigations, reports and more
- Illinois Department of Natural ResourcesHunting licenses, fishing licenses, law enforcement and more
- Illinois Attorney GeneralCivil, criminal and appellate courts
- Illinois Business And Corporation SearchFind corporations, search business entity by name to lookup Certificate of Good Standing with the Illinois Secretary of State.
- Illinois Fictitious Business Names FilingsFind a certificate of existence for a business or corporate entity with the Illinois Secretary of State.
- Illinois License LookupSearch by name, license number, or business to verify a professional license filed with the state of Illinois.
Nearby Cities in Lake County, Illinois
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain vital records in Great Lakes, Illinois?
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.
How do I find public school records in Great Lakes, 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.
How do I access crime data and statistics for Great Lakes, 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. Residents can access crime statistics through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting the Great Lakes police department or the Lake County Sheriff's Office.
How do I access public library records in Great Lakes, Illinois?
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.
Where can I get fingerprinting services in Great Lakes, Illinois?
Fingerprinting services for Great Lakes, Illinois residents are available through local police (where present) and authorized providers in Lake County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening. Contact the Great Lakes Police Department or Lake County Sheriff's Office for scheduling and fees.
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 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 voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Great Lakes, contact the Lake County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
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 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 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 Lake County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
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.