Illinois Criminal Records at a Glance
Illinois criminal records are maintained by the Illinois State Police (ISP), Bureau of Identification. ISP provides both name-based background checks through the Criminal History Information Response Process (CHIRP) and fingerprint-based checks through licensed LiveScan vendors. All criminal history record conviction information collected by ISP is available to the public. Cour
1Illinois Statewide Criminal Search Resources
Under the Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act (20 ILCS 2635), all criminal conviction data collected by the Illinois State Police must be made available to the public. Anyone can request conviction records through the CHIRP system. This is one of the more transparent approaches among U.S. states.
- ISP, Background Checksisp.illinois.govAll criminal history record conviction information collected and maintained by the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification is available to the public.
- ISP, Name-Based Background Checks (CHIRP)isp.illinois.govName-based inquiries available through the Criminal History Information Response Process (CHIRP) for Illinois criminal records.
- ISP, Fingerprint-Based Background Checksisp.illinois.govAll fingerprint transactions must be submitted to ISP electronically through a licensed LiveScan fingerprint vendor.
- ISP, What's On My Record (Access & Review)isp.illinois.govView and challenge your criminal history. Visit a LiveScan vendor, complete an Access & Review, and get fingerprinted. Results mailed to you.
- ISP Bureau of Identificationisp.illinois.govISP Bureau of Identification portal. Background checks, record sealing, identity theft, disposition updates, and criminal history services.
- Cook County Clerk, Online Case Searchwww.cookcountyclerkofcourt.orgSearch general status of historical and active Cook County court cases including criminal, civil, probate, and domestic matters.
- Cook County Clerk, Case Look Upwww.cookcountyclerkofcourt.orgCase lookup for criminal, county, probate, and domestic cases through the Cook County Circuit Court portal.
- IDOC, Individual in Custody Searchidoc.illinois.govSearch for individuals currently in custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections by name or IDOC number.
- IDOC, Offender Search Portalidoc.illinois.govIDOC offender search portal including in custody search, wanted fugitives, sex offender information, and parolee sex registrant search.
- IDOC, Parolee Sex Registrant Searchidoc.illinois.govSearch publicly available information on persons convicted of sex offenses who are on parole or mandatory supervised release in Illinois.
- Illinois Department of Correctionsidoc.illinois.govOfficial IDOC portal. Offender search, facility information, programs, victim services, and family resources.
- Illinois VINELink, Victim Notificationvinelink.vineapps.comSearch for offenders in Illinois custody and register for automated victim notification of custody status changes.
2Federal & National Authoritative Sources
These federal and national sources complement Illinois's state-level records. They are the authoritative sources you should cross-check when Illinois state records are incomplete or out-of-state activity matters.
The Department of Justice's single national search across every state, territory, and tribal registry. Authoritative for offender status but does not include every historical conviction.
https://www.nsopw.gov/ (nsopw.gov)
How to request your own FBI rap sheet (CJIS Identity History Summary) under Title 28 CFR § 16.30, 16.34. $18 fee, fingerprint submission required.
https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/need-an-fbi-service-or-more-information/identity-history-summary-checks (fbi.gov)
The FBI's aggregate crime statistics program. Useful for context on offense frequency but not a record of individual persons.
https://ucr.fbi.gov/ (ucr.fbi.gov)
Illinois Criminal Records, FAQ
Is there a single nationwide criminal record search?
No public one. The FBI's Interstate Identification Index (III) is nationwide but is only accessible to law enforcement agencies and approved employers under Public Law 92-544. Individuals can order their own rap sheet through the CJIS Identity History Summary service.
What is the difference between state and FBI record checks?
A state check searches one state's conviction database. The FBI III check searches every state that participates in III. Both are fingerprint-based.
Can arrests without conviction appear on a background check?
Yes, on some. State BCI responses vary, a few states return arrests without disposition for up to seven years, others redact non-conviction arrests. The FCRA (15 U.S.C. § 1681c) caps non-conviction arrests on consumer reports at 7 years.
How long does an expungement take?
It is a court process governed by state statute, typically 60 - 180 days from petition to order, plus another 60 - 90 days for agency updates.