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DuPage County Public Records

What Are Public Records in DuPage County?

Public records in DuPage County are defined as all documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made or received by any public agency in pursuance of law or in connection with the transaction of public business, as specified under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 ILCS 140/1). These records document the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of government bodies within DuPage County.

DuPage County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

Each record type is maintained by specific county departments or offices, with the DuPage County Clerk serving as the primary custodian of many county records pursuant to 55 ILCS 5/3-2013.

Is DuPage County an Open Records County?

DuPage County fully adheres to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which establishes the public's right to access government records. Under 5 ILCS 140/1, the Illinois General Assembly has declared that "all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts and policies of those who represent them as public officials and public employees."

The statute further states that "it is declared to be the public policy of the State of Illinois that access by all persons to public records promotes the transparency and accountability of public bodies at all levels of government." DuPage County implements this policy through comprehensive FOIA procedures established by each county department.

DuPage County has adopted specific FOIA policies in compliance with state law, including the designation of FOIA officers in each department who receive specialized training on proper records management and disclosure requirements. The county maintains a centralized FOIA request portal to facilitate public access to records.

Additionally, DuPage County complies with the Illinois Open Meetings Act 5 ILCS 120/1, which requires that meetings of public bodies be open to the public, with limited exceptions for specific topics that may be discussed in closed sessions.

How to Find Public Records in DuPage County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records from DuPage County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need:

  1. Online Access: Many records are available through the county's digital portals:

  2. Submit a FOIA Request: For records not available online, individuals may submit a formal FOIA request:

    • Complete the county's standard FOIA request form available on the DuPage County website
    • Submit the request to the specific department that maintains the desired records
    • Provide a reasonably detailed description of the records sought
    • Include contact information for response delivery

  3. In-Person Visits: Records may be inspected in person at the appropriate county office:

    • Visit during regular business hours (typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
    • Bring identification if required for specific record types
    • Call ahead to ensure records are available and to schedule appointments if necessary

  4. Mail or Email Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the appropriate department:

    • Include all information required on the standard FOIA form
    • Specify preferred delivery method (electronic, mail, or in-person pickup)

Under Illinois FOIA, the county must respond to requests within 5 business days, though this period may be extended for an additional 5 business days under certain circumstances as specified in 5 ILCS 140/3(e).

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in DuPage County?

DuPage County follows fee guidelines established by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act for providing public records. Current fee structures include:

  • Standard Copies: Black and white copies (letter or legal size) - First 50 pages are free; $0.15 per page thereafter
  • Color Copies or Oversized Documents: Actual cost of reproduction
  • Electronic Records: No charge when records are provided in electronic format, if available
  • Certified Copies: Additional certification fees apply as established by specific statutes

Specialized record types have statutorily established fees:

  • Vital Records:

    • Birth Certificates: $15 for first copy, $4 for each additional copy ordered at same time
    • Death Certificates: $21 for first copy, $9 for each additional copy ordered at same time
    • Marriage/Civil Union Certificates: $14 for first copy, $4 for each additional copy ordered at same time

  • Property Records:

    • Recording Fees: Standard documents $55 for first page, $1 for each additional page
    • Copies of Recorded Documents: $1 per page

  • Court Records:

    • Case Filing Fees: Vary by case type as established by 705 ILCS 105/27.1a
    • Copies of Court Documents: $2.00 for first page, $0.50 for each additional page
    • Certified Court Documents: $6.00 certification fee plus copy costs

Payment methods accepted by DuPage County offices include:

  • Cash (in-person only)
  • Personal checks
  • Money orders
  • Credit/debit cards (subject to processing fees)
  • Electronic payments for online services

The county may waive or reduce fees if the requester demonstrates that the request is in the public interest, as defined by 5 ILCS 140/6(c). Commercial requests may incur additional fees for employee time spent searching for and retrieving records.

Does DuPage County Have Free Public Records?

DuPage County provides several avenues for accessing public records at no cost:

  • In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may inspect any non-exempt public record during normal business hours at no charge. This right is guaranteed by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act 5 ILCS 140/3.

  • Free Online Resources:

  • Free Copies Under FOIA:

    • The first 50 pages of black and white, letter or legal-sized copies are provided free of charge
    • Electronic records, when available in that format, are provided at no cost
    • Fee waivers are available when the request is in the public interest

  • Veterans' Records:

  • Public Access Terminals:

    • Free public access computers are available at county facilities including the DuPage County Law Library and the Circuit Clerk's Office for searching court records

While these resources are provided at no cost, certain specialized or certified records will still require payment of statutory fees as outlined in the previous section.

Who Can Request Public Records in DuPage County?

Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, any person may request public records from DuPage County. The statute specifically states in 5 ILCS 140/3(a) that "each public body shall make available to any person for inspection or copying all public records."

Key eligibility considerations include:

  • Residency: Illinois law does not restrict FOIA requests to state residents; any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may submit a request
  • Identification: For most general records, requesters are not required to provide identification or state the reason for their request
  • Commercial Requests: Persons requesting records for commercial purposes must disclose this intent, as different fee structures and response timelines may apply under 5 ILCS 140/3.1

Special considerations apply to certain record types:

  • Vital Records: Access to birth, death, and marriage certificates is restricted to:

    • The person named in the record
    • Immediate family members
    • Legal representatives
    • Persons with legitimate interest as defined by 410 ILCS 535/25

  • Court Records: While most court records are open to any person, access to sealed or impounded cases is restricted to parties to the case and their attorneys

  • Law Enforcement Records: Access may be limited for ongoing investigations, juvenile records, and other sensitive information as specified in 5 ILCS 140/7(1)(d)

  • Personal Records: When requesting records about oneself, proper identification is required to protect privacy and prevent identity theft

Requests may be submitted anonymously for general public records, though providing contact information is necessary for the county to respond to the request.

What Records Are Confidential in DuPage County?

While DuPage County strives for transparency, certain records are exempt from disclosure under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/7, the following categories of records are considered confidential:

  • Personal Privacy Information:

    • Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, biometric identifiers
    • Personal financial information, medical records, and personal telephone numbers
    • Home addresses of certain public employees (law enforcement, judges, etc.)

  • Law Enforcement Records:

    • Records that would interfere with pending or contemplated law enforcement proceedings
    • Confidential sources, confidential information, or confidential investigative techniques
    • Records that would endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel or others

  • Juvenile Records:

    • Law enforcement and court records relating to minors as protected by the Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/1-7)
    • School student records as protected by federal and state student privacy laws

  • Deliberative Process Materials:

    • Preliminary drafts, notes, and recommendations in which opinions are expressed or policies formulated
    • Communications between a public body and its attorney that would be subject to attorney-client privilege

  • Security Information:

    • Vulnerability assessments, security measures, and response plans
    • Architectural and engineering plans for government facilities where disclosure would jeopardize security

  • Trade Secrets and Commercial Information:

    • Trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person or business where disclosure would cause competitive harm

  • Sealed Court Records:

  • Personnel Records:

    • Performance evaluations
    • Information regarding discipline, except final outcomes in cases resulting in discipline

When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, DuPage County will redact the exempt information and provide the remainder of the record, as required by 5 ILCS 140/7(1).

DuPage County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

DuPage County Recorder's Office
421 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 407-5400
DuPage County Recorder

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

DuPage County Clerk's Office
421 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 407-5500
DuPage County Clerk

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

DuPage County Circuit Court Clerk
505 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 407-8700
DuPage County Circuit Court Clerk

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and court holidays

DuPage County Administration Building
421 N. County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 407-6500
DuPage County Government

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Lookup Public Records in DuPage County

Search property records and land documents through the DuPage County Recorder's digital imaging system.

Access court case information through the 18th Judicial Circuit Court Clerk's online portal.

View recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, and liens through the DuPage Recorder Search system.

Search property tax information by address, PIN, or owner name through the county's property lookup database.

Access court records electronically through the Circuit Court Clerk's Public Information Application.

Find information about the DuPage County Courthouse including contact details and services.

Learn about veterans' discharge record services offered by the DuPage County Recorder's Office.

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