Washington County

Washington County is located in southern Illinois, approximately 60 miles southeast of St. Louis, Missouri. Established in 1818, the same year Illinois became a state, Washington County was named in honor of George Washington and is one of the original counties formed at statehood. Washington County seat is Nashville, a small city of approximately 14,000 residents that is the governmental and commercial center. Washington County includes approximately 563 square miles of predominantly agricultural land, with rolling terrain characteristic of the transition zone between the flat prairies of central Illinois and the more rugged terrain of southern Illinois. Washington County's population is approximately 14,000 residents, reflecting a gradual decline from its mid-20th century peak as Washington County transitioned from coal mining to an agriculture-based economy. Washington County Courthouse, located at 101 East St. Louis Street in Nashville, houses the County Clerk, Circuit Clerk, State's Attorney, and other administrative offices. Washington County Recorder's office maintains land records at the same location, while the County Assessor's office at 101 Public Square handles property valuations and tax assessments. Major landmarks include the historic courthouse square in Nashville, Okawville's historic downtown district, and the rural agricultural scenes that define Washington County's character. Washington County is traversed by Illinois Route 127 and Illinois Route 153, providing north-south and east-west connectivity. Washington County's economy has historically relied on agriculture, particularly corn and soybean production, along with coal mining which once employed thousands. Today, Washington County maintains its agricultural heritage while developing light manufacturing and service sectors.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Processing fees for copying records may apply as permitted under statute.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process in Illinois allows for the release of individuals pending trial, with specific conditions set by the court.

• The Circuit Clerk's office maintains all court records and provides public access during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding court holidays.
• Remote access fees may apply for electronic records when available.
• Requests for bulk data or extensive copying may incur additional charges as permitted under Supreme Court rules.

Property records for Washington County, Illinois are maintained by the Washington County Recorder of Deeds. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Washington County.

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

• Certified copies of birth certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $2.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.
• Death certificates cost $19.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy.
• Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if the record is on file; mail requests generally require two to four weeks.
• State vital records can be ordered online through VitalChek at www.illinois.gov/mph/vitalrecords for an additional processing fee, with expedited shipping available.
• Marriage licenses are issued by Washington County Clerk's office, with a license fee of approximately $40.00 and no waiting period for Illinois residents.

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

• The Illinois Business Entity Search is available online at www.ilsos.gov, providing free public access to information on business entity status, registered agents, formation dates, and good standing.
• This database is searchable by entity name, registered agent, or file number.