About Highwood — In Depth
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.
Local specifics: The Highwood Police Department is located at 17 Highwood Avenue and reachable at 847-604-8992.
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.
Local specifics: Statewide criminal background checks covering Highwood residents can be requested through isp.illinois.gov.
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. 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.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 Resources for Highwood, Illinois
Official government websites for Highwood, 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 register to vote in Highwood, Illinois?
To register to vote in Highwood, 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 Highwood, contact the Lake County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
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 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 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 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.