Highwood Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Highwood, Illinois government websites.
About Highwood, Illinois
Government Type
City Council
The governing body of Highwood, Illinois, is the Highwood City Council, which consists of 6 elected members, including the Mayor. Council members are elected at-large for a term of 4 years. The current Mayor is Andrew "Andy".
Working with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, the department is committed to upholding the law and providing a responsive approach to public safety. Residents can access general information about law enforcement activities, including crime statistics and safety programs, through their official channels. This transparency supports community awareness and engagement, emphasizing the importance of safety and accountability. Public records in Highwood are accessible under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, which ensures that residents have the right to request information held by public agencies. The Lake County Clerk's office is responsible for maintaining vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, providing an essential service for residents needing to access these important documents. Property records can be accessed through the Lake Chief County Assessment Officer's office, while court records are available via the Circuit Court of Lake County. These resources empower residents to stay informed and engaged with civic matters, building community participation and responsibility in Highwood.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement services in Highwood, Lake County come from both municipal departments and county-level agencies working in coordination. Each department handles local crimes and daily policing within its own jurisdiction while collaborating with the Sheriff's Office when major investigations require broader resources.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Lake County Jail in Waukegan is the primary detention facility for arrested individuals across Lake County. During booking, detainees are fingerprinted, photographed, and have their personal information recorded into the system. Visitation follows specific protocols, with scheduled times and identification requirements enforced for all visitors.
Arrest Records
The Lake County Sheriff's Office and 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 that handled the arrest. Each record typically contains the arrested individual's personal information, circumstances of the arrest, charges filed, and details about the arresting officer.
Court Records
Residents of Highwood are served by the Lake County Circuit Court, which holds jurisdiction over the 60040 zip code and surrounding areas. The court handles everything from traffic violations to serious felony cases, providing a county-level venue for both civil and criminal matters. Those seeking information on court records, case dockets, or scheduled hearings can access the Lake County Circuit Court's online portal or visit the courthouse in person.
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
Multiple government offices maintain public records for Highwood, Lake County, Illinois. The Highwood Assessor's Office oversees property assessment and tax records, giving residents access to information on home values, available exemptions, and current tax bills. For real estate transactions, the Lake County Recorder of Deeds office handles deed records and land records for properties within the 60040 zip code.
Homeowners and prospective buyers can tap into extensive data through these channels, from ownership history to detailed property tax information, supporting informed decisions in the local real estate market.
Vital Records
Vital records for Highwood residents, such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses, are managed by the Lake County Clerk's Office. This centralized repository is the official custodian of these important documents, which are essential for a variety of legal, financial, and personal purposes. Individuals in need of copies of their vital records can submit requests directly to the Lake County Clerk, either in person, by mail, or through the office's online portal, making sure of convenient and secure access to these critical documents.
Business & Licensing Records
Businesses operating in Highwood, Lake County, Illinois must obtain necessary licenses and permits from Highwood City Hall. The city's Economic Development Department oversees the application and approval process for commercial ventures, so that new and existing businesses comply with local zoning regulations and business requirements. Prospective entrepreneurs can find information on business license applications, zoning maps, and permit procedures through the city's website and by contacting Economic Development staff directly.
Economy & Demographics
Highwood's diverse economy is anchored by a mix of local businesses, regional employers, and thriving industries. The city's vibrant downtown district is home to a variety of independent restaurants, specialty shops, and professional services, contributing to the area's unique character and appeal. Major employers in the Highwood region include the Lake County government, NorthShore University HealthSystem, and several manufacturing and distribution companies.
The city's strategic location, skilled workforce, and business-friendly policies have also attracted a growing number of technology startups and creative enterprises, further diversifying the local economy and providing ample opportunities for residents and newcomers alike.
Elections & Voter Records
The Lake County Clerk's Office administers elections for Highwood voters from its location at 18 North County Street, Room 103, Waukegan, IL 60085. Residents can reach the office at 847-377-2406 or visit lakecountyil.gov/217/County-Clerk for general information, with elections-specific details at lakecountyil.gov/278/Elections. Illinois residents register to vote online at ova.elections.il.gov, the state board's official portal. The registration deadline falls 16 days before any election for online, mail, and in-person registration.
The state also offers Election Day registration and voting at designated county locations, allowing unregistered voters to register and cast ballots on the same day with proper identification showing current address. Acceptable ID includes an Illinois driver's license, state ID, or two pieces of mail bearing the voter's name and current address. Municipal elections in the city occur during consolidated elections on the first Tuesday in April of odd-numbered years, when voters select the Mayor and City Council aldermen. The next municipal election is scheduled for April 1, 2025, with candidate filing typically taking place in December of the preceding year. Local government consists of a Mayor and six-member City Council, with aldermen representing three wards at two per ward, all serving four-year staggered terms. Information about local candidates and ballot measures can be found through the Lake County Clerk's elections page and the City of Highwood website. Residents can locate their assigned polling place by visiting elections.il.gov and using the polling place lookup tool, or by contacting the Lake County Clerk's office directly. In the November 2024 presidential election, Lake County reported approximately 65 percent voter turnout, with over 260,000 ballots cast out of approximately 400,000 registered voters, reflecting strong engagement in this suburban Chicago county. For the November 3, 2026 general election, voters in the area will decide several important races including one U.S. Senate seat (Senator Dick Durbin's seat is contested if he runs for re-election), Illinois state legislature seats including State Senate and State House representatives for districts covering the community, Lake County Board seats, county constitutional officers (County Clerk, Sheriff, Treasurer, Recorder, State's Attorney), and potentially local referenda or municipal questions. Illinois voters can request vote-by-mail ballots through the Lake County Clerk's office by submitting an application online at lakecountyil.gov/VoteByMail, by mail, by email, or in person. Applications must be received by the Thursday before Election Day for regular processing, though grace period provisions allow later applications. All Illinois voters are eligible to vote by mail without stating a reason. Public election records available in Illinois include voter registration data (name, address, date of birth, voting history, but not vote choices), campaign finance disclosures through the Illinois State Board of Elections at elections.il.gov/CampaignDisclosure, candidate statements and filings, precinct-level election results, and early voting statistics, all accessible through the State Board of Elections and Lake County Clerk websites.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Free Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Yes: Online Ordering | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 9.2/10, Lake County and Illinois provide exceptional public records access with free online databases for property records, court case searches, inmate information, business entity searches, and full-service online voter registration and election information, representing one of the most transparent and accessible public records systems in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Highwood, Lake County, Illinois?
Public schools in Highwood, 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 Highwood, Lake County, Illinois?
Crime data for Highwood, 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 Highwood, Lake County, Illinois Library?
The Highwood 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 Highwood, Lake County, Illinois Public Library located?
The Highwood Public Library serves residents of Highwood 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 Highwood, Lake County, Illinois?
Fingerprinting services for Highwood, 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 Highwood, Lake County, Illinois, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Highwood, 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 Highwood, Illinois?
To register to vote in Highwood, 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 Highwood, contact the Lake County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Highwood, Illinois?
Property records for Highwood, 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 Highwood. 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 Highwood, Illinois?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Highwood, 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 Highwood, Illinois?
Business licensing for Highwood, Illinois operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Highwood town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Highwood 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 Highwood, contact the Highwood 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: