Boone County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Boone County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents may access publicly available information related to public records through BooneILRecords.us, a directory resource covering records maintained by agencies in Boone County, Illinois. The site may assist users in locating information across a range of record categories, including court filings, property documents, vital records, and law enforcement logs. Access and completeness of records depend on the maintaining agency, applicable state law, and the nature of the request.
Records in Boone County may be searched through official court resources, the Boone County Clerk & Recorder office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and select online tools maintained by county and state agencies.
Online Access:
- The Boone County official website provides departmental portals for the Clerk & Recorder, Assessor, and other offices where certain records may be viewed or requested digitally.
- The Illinois Courts website provides directory information for the Boone County Courthouse, including access to court-related resources.
- Property records and recorded documents may be searchable through the county recorder's online index, where available.
- Some online tools require user registration or payment of applicable fees prior to document retrieval.
In-Person Requests:
- Members of the public may visit the Boone County Clerk & Recorder's Office at 1212 Logan Avenue, Suite 103, Belvidere, IL 61008.
- Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Requestors should identify the record type, provide relevant names or dates, and present valid identification where required by the maintaining office.
Written/Mail Requests:
- Written requests may be submitted to the Boone County Clerk & Recorder at the address above.
- Requests should include the full name of the subject, the type of record sought, the approximate date range, and the requestor's contact information.
- Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), public bodies must respond to FOIA requests within five business days of receipt.
Phone/Email:
- Main telephone: 815.544.3103
- Fax: 815.547.8701
- Email inquiries may be directed through the contact information listed on the official county website.
What Are Public Records in Boone County?
Public records in Boone County are defined under Illinois law as all records, reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books, papers, maps, photographs, microfilms, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing records, electronic communications, recorded information, and all other documentary materials pertaining to the transaction of public business, regardless of physical form or characteristics. Under 5 ILCS 140/2, a "public record" is any document prepared by or for, or used by, received by, in the possession of, or under the control of any public body.
The following record types are maintained by Boone County agencies:
- Court records — civil, criminal, probate, and family court filings maintained by the Boone County Circuit Court Clerk at the Boone County Courthouse
- Property records — deeds, mortgages, liens, and recorded instruments maintained by the Clerk & Recorder
- Vital records — birth, death, marriage, and civil union certificates maintained by the Boone County vital records office
- Business records — assumed name filings and business licenses maintained by the Clerk's office
- Tax records — property tax and assessment records maintained by the County Assessor and Treasurer
- Voting and election records — voter registration data and election results maintained by the County Clerk
- Meeting minutes and agendas — county board and committee records available through the county website
- Budget and financial documents — annual budgets and audit reports maintained by the county
- Law enforcement records — arrest logs and incident reports available from the Boone County Sheriff's Office, subject to applicable exemptions
- Land use and zoning records — maintained by the Boone County Planning and Zoning Department
Is Boone County an Open Records County?
Boone County operates in full compliance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, which establishes the public's right to access government records. Under 5 ILCS 140/1, the Illinois General Assembly declared that "it is the public policy of the State of Illinois 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 Act applies to all public bodies in Illinois, including county offices, boards, commissions, and agencies. Each public body is required to designate a Freedom of Information Officer responsible for receiving and responding to requests. The Illinois Attorney General's Public Access Counselor provides guidance and oversight on compliance with the Act, and members of the public may file requests for review if a public body denies access to records.
As the Illinois Attorney General's office notes, "The FOIA is designed to ensure that the public has access to information about their government." Boone County public bodies are required to post certain records proactively on their websites, including meeting agendas, budgets, and contact information for FOIA officers.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Boone County?
The cost to obtain public records in Boone County varies by record type and the office maintaining the record. Under 5 ILCS 140/6, public bodies may charge fees for copies of records but may not charge for the first 50 pages of black-and-white, letter- or legal-sized copies.
| Fee Type | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Black-and-white copies (after first 50 pages) | Actual cost per page |
| Color copies | Actual cost per page |
| Certification of records | Varies by office |
| Vital record certified copies | Set by state statute |
| Electronic format | No charge if already in electronic format |
| Inspection of records | No charge |
- Vital records — certified copies of birth and death certificates carry fees established by the Illinois Department of Public Health; current fees are listed on the Boone County vital records page.
- Recorded documents — fees for certified copies of deeds and other recorded instruments are set by the Recorder's office.
- Court records — copy and certification fees are set by the Circuit Court Clerk.
- Accepted payment methods vary by office and may include cash, check, money order, or credit card.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or when disclosure is in the public interest, as determined by the public body.
Does Boone County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available in Boone County. Illinois law requires that public bodies allow members of the public to inspect records at no charge during regular business hours. The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while viewing records in person carries no fee, obtaining physical or certified copies is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Free access to certain records is available through the following government resources:
- The Boone County Clerk & Recorder's office provides in-person inspection of recorded documents, election records, and other public files at no charge.
- The Boone County Courthouse provides public access terminals where court case information may be viewed without charge.
- The county's official website currently provides access to meeting minutes, agendas, budgets, and other proactively disclosed records at no cost.
- Voter registration status and certain election records are available for inspection through the County Clerk's office without charge.
Who Can Request Public Records in Boone County?
Any person may submit a public records request in Boone County. Illinois law does not restrict access to public records based on residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, a "person" includes any individual, corporation, partnership, firm, organization, or association.
- Requestors are not required to be Illinois residents.
- Requestors are not required to state the purpose of their request for most record types.
- Identification is not required for general FOIA requests, though certain record types — such as vital records — require proof of eligibility or relationship to the subject.
- Non-residents retain the same rights to access public records as Illinois residents under state law.
- Individuals requesting their own records may be required to provide identification to verify identity and protect personal information.
- Certain sensitive records, such as sealed court files, juvenile records, and adoption records, are restricted regardless of who is requesting them.
Requestors seeking vital records in Boone County must demonstrate eligibility, as birth and death certificates are restricted to the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with a direct and tangible interest as defined by Illinois law.
What Records Are Confidential in Boone County?
Not all government records are subject to public disclosure. Illinois law establishes specific categories of exempt records that public bodies are not required — and in some cases are prohibited — to release. The following records are currently exempt from disclosure under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act and related statutes:
- Sealed court records — records sealed by court order are not accessible to the public
- Juvenile records — records pertaining to minors in delinquency or abuse proceedings
- Ongoing investigation records — law enforcement records that would interfere with active investigations
- Personal identifying information — Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar identifiers
- Medical records — protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- Adoption records — sealed by statute and accessible only under specific legal circumstances
- Child welfare and protective services records — maintained as confidential under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act
- Personnel records — employee performance evaluations and disciplinary records, with limited exceptions
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information — submitted to government agencies in confidence
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details — withheld to protect public safety
The Illinois FOIA provides a balancing test for certain exemptions, allowing public bodies to weigh the public interest in disclosure against the potential harm of release. Requestors who believe a denial is improper may seek review through the Illinois Attorney General's Public Access Counselor.
Boone County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Office Name: Boone County Clerk & Recorder
Physical Address: 1212 Logan Avenue, Suite 103 Belvidere, IL 61008
Phone: 815.544.3103 Fax: 815.547.8701 Website: Boone County Clerk & Recorder
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Closed on federal and state holidays
The Clerk & Recorder's office handles recorded real estate documents, vital records, election administration, and assumed name filings. As stated on the county's official site, the office serves as the central repository for a broad range of public documents affecting Boone County residents and property owners.
Additional Offices:
Boone County Circuit Court Clerk 601 N. Main Street Belvidere, IL 61008 Phone: 815.544.0371 Boone County Courthouse
Boone County Sheriff's Office 615 N. Main Street Belvidere, IL 61008 Phone: 815.544.2144 Boone County Sheriff
Boone County Assessor's Office 1212 Logan Avenue, Suite 101 Belvidere, IL 61008 Phone: 815.544.2958 Boone County Assessor