Boone County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Boone County in 2026
BooneILRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Boone County, Illinois. Members of the public may find data pertaining to ownership history, assessed valuations, recorded instruments, tax information, and land use designations. Available record categories may include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, zoning classifications, building permits, and tax assessment records. Information presented reflects what is available through official public sources and may not capture all transactions or encumbrances.
Records in Boone County may be searched through several official channels, including the Boone County Clerk & Recorder's Office, the Supervisor of Assessments Office, and the county's online GIS and mapping portal. The following sections detail each access method, the types of documents available, applicable fees, and the legal framework governing public access.
Multiple Access Methods:
- Online searches through county portals (most convenient for basic inquiries)
- In-person visits to county offices (required for certified copies and historical documents)
- By mail (written requests with applicable fees)
- Through licensed professionals such as title companies and real estate attorneys
Online Search Methods
1. Property Appraiser / Supervisor of Assessments Website
The Supervisor of Assessments Office serves as the primary resource for property valuation and assessment information in Boone County, Illinois. The office administers homestead exemptions and preferential assessments as provided under the Illinois Property Tax Code (35 ILCS 200).
Search Options:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel identification number (PIN)
- By subdivision name
- By GIS map location
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Legal description and parcel/PIN number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size, building type)
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history and transfer records
- GIS map location and aerial imagery
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Boone County property information portal
- Locate the property's PIN from a tax bill or prior deed
- Enter the PIN or property address into the search interface
- Review the results list and select the relevant parcel
- View the full property card, including assessment history, sales data, and map location
- Print or save the information as needed
Boone County Supervisor of Assessments Office
1212 Logan Avenue, Suite 102
Belvidere, IL 61008
Phone: (815) 544-2958
Supervisor of Assessments Office
2. County Clerk & Recorder Official Records Search
The Boone County Clerk & Recorder maintains the official record of all instruments affecting real property in the county, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and plat maps. The office is responsible for the computation of property taxes and the redemption of delinquent taxes, as well as the recording and indexing of all land records.
Searchable By:
- Grantor name (seller)
- Grantee name (buyer)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Book and page number or instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Satisfactions and releases of mortgage
- Mechanic's liens, judgment liens, and tax liens
- Easements and declarations of restrictions
- Plats and surveys
- Powers of attorney affecting property
- Lis pendens notices
- HOA documents and condominium declarations
How to Search:
- Visit the recording information page on the Boone County website
- Select the appropriate search type (grantor, grantee, document type, or date range)
- Enter the search criteria and review the results
- Click on a document entry to view the image, if available online
- Note the book and page or instrument number for reference or copy requests
Boone County Clerk & Recorder
1212 Logan Avenue, Suite 103
Belvidere, IL 61008
Phone: (815) 544-3103
Boone County Clerk & Recorder
3. GIS and Mapping System
The Boone County GIS Department performs all cadastral (property lines) mapping in-house, which allows new deeds to be incorporated into county maps within weeks of recording. The GIS portal provides interactive maps with property boundaries, aerial photography, zoning layers, and links to assessment data.
How to Use:
- Navigate the interactive map to the property location
- Click on a parcel to view ownership and assessment information
- Access linked records including deeds and tax data
- View zoning overlays, flood zones, and environmental features
- Measure distances and lot dimensions
4. Boone County, Missouri Property Records Search
Members of the public seeking records in Boone County, Missouri may access the Boone County Assessor's Office portal, which provides assessed valuations as the tax base for property taxes levied by the county and its various political subdivisions. The Assessor's Office processes personal and real estate property declarations and assessed values. The Search Property Records portal allows searches by owner name, address, parcel ID, and tax account number.
Boone County Assessor's Office (Missouri)
801 E. Walnut Street, Room 143
Columbia, MO 65201
Phone: (573) 886-4270
Boone County Assessor
What Is Boone County Property Records
Property records are official documents related to real property — land and buildings — maintained by county government as legal records of ownership, transfers, encumbrances, and valuations. These records are essential for establishing clear title and are accessible to any member of the public without a stated purpose or special permission.
Types of Property Records:
- Ownership Records: Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's), title documents, transfer records, chain of title, life estate deeds, and trust documents affecting property
- Encumbrance Records: Mortgages and deeds of trust, tax liens, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, easements, restrictions and covenants, HOA documents, and lis pendens notices
- Tax and Assessment Records: Property tax assessments, tax bills and payment history, homestead and other exemptions, millage rates, special assessments, and delinquency records
- Legal Descriptions: Plat maps, surveys, subdivision plats, lot and block information, metes and bounds descriptions
- Building and Permit Records: Building permits, certificates of occupancy, code violations, and zoning information
Who Maintains Property Records:
The Boone County Clerk & Recorder maintains official recorded instruments including deeds, mortgages, and liens. The Supervisor of Assessments Office maintains property valuations, assessment records, and exemption applications. The Boone County Building & Zoning Department maintains building permits, certificates of occupancy, and code enforcement records, operating under the 2021 International Building Code and the 2024 Illinois amendments.
Legal Framework:
Under 55 ILCS 5/3-5010, the County Recorder is required to record all instruments affecting title to real property presented for recording. Illinois recording statutes establish the principle of constructive notice — any instrument properly recorded is deemed notice to all subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) further guarantees public access to government-held records, including property documents.
Are Property Records Public Information in Boone County?
Property records in Boone County are public information. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1), 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. Property records fall squarely within this framework, as they are maintained by public offices and serve the public interest in transparent land ownership.
Why Property Records Are Public:
- Transparency: The public has a right to know who owns property, how it is assessed, and what encumbrances affect it. Transparent records prevent fraudulent transfers and secret conveyances.
- Commercial Purposes: Real estate transactions, title searches, mortgage lending, and property appraisals all depend on open access to recorded instruments and assessment data.
- Legal Protections: Recording an instrument provides constructive notice to all subsequent parties, protecting the priority of interests and enabling enforcement of property rights.
- Public Interest: Tax assessment transparency, community planning, historical research, and journalistic investigation all rely on open property records.
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
- Sale prices and transfer amounts
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics (size, age, building type)
- Deeds and all recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations:
Certain personal information is protected even within public property records. Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are redacted from documents recorded under current Illinois law. Individuals in protected categories — including law enforcement officers, judges, and domestic violence victims — may request address confidentiality under applicable state programs. Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; the Supervisor of Assessments Office maintains policies governing access to such materials.
Who Can Access Property Records:
Any member of the public may inspect property records regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents and brokers, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, property owners reviewing their own records, investors, genealogists, and journalists.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Boone County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at no charge during regular business hours. Fees apply when copies or certified documents are requested. The following fee structure reflects current charges maintained by the Boone County Clerk & Recorder and the Supervisor of Assessments Office.
Recording Fees (Boone County Clerk & Recorder):
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Recording a document (first page) | $10.00 |
| Each additional page | $1.00 |
| Certified copy of a recorded document | $1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee |
| Non-certified copy of a recorded document | $1.00 per page |
| Plat recording | Fee varies by size |
Assessment and Property Information Fees:
- Online viewing of assessment records and property information: Free
- Printed copies from the Supervisor of Assessments Office: Standard per-page copying fees apply
- GIS map prints: Fees vary by size and format
Tax Records:
- Online viewing of tax payment history and current bills: Free
- Certified copies of tax records: Fees apply per document
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check (payable to Boone County Clerk)
- Credit and debit cards (where available at the counter)
Under 55 ILCS 5/3-5018, the County Recorder is authorized to collect fees for recording and copying services as established by statute. Fee waivers are not available for standard copy requests; however, government agencies and certain nonprofit organizations may be entitled to reduced fees under applicable Illinois law. Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost without requesting copies.
What's Included in a Boone County Property Record?
A complete Boone County property record draws from multiple official sources and encompasses ownership, physical characteristics, valuation, tax, encumbrance, and legal information.
Ownership Information:
- Current owner name(s) as recorded on the most recent deed
- Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, corporation, life estate)
- Acquisition date and deed book/page or instrument number
- Mailing address for tax bill purposes
- Chain of title with previous owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address
- Parcel identification number (PIN)
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page, section/township/range where applicable)
- Tax account number
Physical Characteristics:
- Lot size (square feet or acres), dimensions, and frontage
- Zoning classification (accessible through the Boone County Zoning Ordinance)
- Total living area (square feet), year built, number of stories
- Building type, construction type, exterior wall material, roof type, and foundation
- Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and total rooms
- Additional features: garage, pool, porch/patio, fireplace, HVAC, water source, sewer system
Valuation Information:
- Land value and building value (assessed)
- Total assessed value and estimated market value
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural classification where applicable
Tax Information:
- Current tax amount due, broken down by taxing authority (county, school district, municipality, special districts)
- Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, disability, veteran, agricultural)
- Tax payment history and delinquency records
- Millage rates
Sales History:
- Sale dates, prices, and deed types for recent transfers
- Grantor and grantee names
- Documentary stamp amounts and qualified/unqualified sale designation
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Recorded mortgages (lender name, original amount, recording date)
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, and code enforcement liens
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and lis pendens notices
Legal and Regulatory Information:
- Zoning classification and permitted uses (see Boone County zoning information)
- Special district assignments (school, fire, water)
- Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants
- FEMA flood zone designation and environmental constraints
Maps and Images:
- Property photograph and aerial imagery
- GIS map with parcel boundaries (available through the Boone County GIS portal)
- Plat map and property sketch
Building Permit Information:
- Permits issued, permit dates, descriptions, and contractor information
- Certificate of occupancy and inspection records (maintained by the Boone County Building & Zoning Department)
What Is NOT Typically in Public Property Records:
- Current mortgage balances (only original amounts at recording)
- Social Security numbers (redacted under current law)
- Interior photographs
- Private agreements not recorded with the Clerk & Recorder
- Confidential exemption application details
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Boone County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Boone County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting title to real property are never destroyed, as they form the legal chain of title essential to every real estate transaction. The Illinois Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205) governs the retention and disposition of local government records and establishes that certain categories of records, including recorded instruments affecting real property, must be preserved indefinitely.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types) dating back to county formation
- All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, and releases
- All recorded liens and lien releases
- All plats, subdivision plats, re-plats, and condominium declarations
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and all other instruments affecting title
- Court documents and powers of attorney affecting property
Format and Storage:
Historical records in Boone County exist in multiple formats depending on the era of recording. Very old records are preserved in handwritten ledger books; mid-twentieth century records may be on microfilm; and records from recent decades are maintained as digital scans within electronic document management systems. The Boone County GIS Department's in-house cadastral mapping program, operational since 2009, ensures that new deeds are incorporated into the county's digital map system within weeks of recording.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Time Period | Availability |
|---|---|
| Recent (last 20+ years) | Fully online in most cases |
| Moderate age (20–50 years) | May be online; microfilm available at office |
| Historical (50+ years) | In-person access; original books or microfilm |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; advance notice may be required |
Assessment and Tax Record Retention:
- Current and historical assessment rolls: Permanent
- Property cards: Permanent
- Tax payment records: Minimum 7–10 years (recent years available online)
- Tax deed records: Permanent
- Exemption applications: Retained for a period determined by the state retention schedule, subject to the Illinois Local Records Act
Accessing Historical Records:
Members of the public seeking historical documents should contact the Boone County Clerk & Recorder directly. Staff can retrieve records from storage, including original books and microfilm. Very old records may require advance notice. The same public access rights and copying fees apply to historical records as to current documents.
Boone County Clerk & Recorder
1212 Logan Avenue, Suite 103
Belvidere, IL 61008
Phone: (815) 544-3103
Boone County Clerk & Recorder
How To Find Liens on Property in Boone County?
Liens on property in Boone County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record maintained by the Boone County Clerk & Recorder. A lien search requires examining the grantor/grantee index for the property owner's name and the parcel's legal description across the relevant time period.
Types of Liens Recorded:
- Federal and state tax liens (IRS and Illinois Department of Revenue)
- Judgment liens arising from court proceedings
- Mechanic's liens filed by contractors and materialmen
- HOA assessment liens
- Code enforcement liens
- Child support liens
Steps to Search for Liens:
- Obtain the property's legal description and current owner name from the Boone County property information portal or a prior deed
- Visit the Boone County Clerk & Recorder's recording information page to access the online index
- Search the grantor index under the current and all prior owner names for the relevant period
- Search by document type, selecting lien categories (tax lien, judgment lien, mechanic's lien)
- Review each result and note the book and page or instrument number
- Request copies of any identified lien documents for review
- For federal tax liens, also search the Illinois Secretary of State's UCC and lien database, as federal liens may be filed at the state level
In-Person Lien Search:
Members of the public may conduct lien searches in person at the Clerk & Recorder's office using public access terminals. Staff can assist with locating records and retrieving documents from storage. Certified copies of lien documents are available for the standard per-page fee plus the certification charge.
Professional Lien Searches:
Title companies conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process. A title commitment issued by a licensed title insurer reflects all recorded liens and encumbrances identified through a full search of the public record. Real estate attorneys may also perform or supervise lien searches for clients with complex ownership or litigation histories.
Boone County Clerk & Recorder
1212 Logan Avenue, Suite 103
Belvidere, IL 61008
Phone: (815) 544-3103
Boone County Clerk & Recorder
What Is Property Owner Rule in Boone County?
The property owner rule in Boone County, Illinois refers to the body of legal principles governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership within the county's jurisdiction.
Establishing Ownership:
Under Illinois law, ownership of real property is established by a recorded deed. The recording of a deed with the Boone County Clerk & Recorder provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers pursuant to the Illinois Conveyances Act (765 ILCS 5). An unrecorded deed is valid between the parties but does not protect the grantee against a subsequent bona fide purchaser who records first.
Forms of Ownership Recognized in Illinois:
- Sole ownership: A single individual holds title in fee simple
- Joint tenancy: Two or more persons hold equal shares with right of survivorship; upon the death of one joint tenant, the surviving joint tenant(s) take the deceased's interest automatically
- Tenancy in common: Two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal and are freely transferable; no right of survivorship
- Tenancy by the entirety: Available only to married couples in Illinois; provides protection against individual creditors of one spouse
- Trust ownership: A trustee holds legal title for the benefit of named beneficiaries
- Entity ownership: LLCs, corporations, and partnerships may hold title to real property in Illinois
Transfer of Ownership:
Property in Boone County is transferred by deed, which must be signed by the grantor, acknowledged before a notary public, and recorded with the Clerk & Recorder. Illinois imposes a Real Estate Transfer Tax under 35 ILCS 200/31-1 at the rate of $0.50 per $500 of consideration (or fraction thereof) at the state level, with additional county and municipal transfer taxes where applicable.
Property Owner Rights and Obligations:
Property owners in Boone County hold the right to use, enjoy, and transfer their property subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, and easements. The Boone County Zoning Ordinance, adopted by the Boone County Board in accordance with the Official Comprehensive Plan and Illinois statutes, divides land into specific zoning districts that regulate permitted uses, setbacks, lot coverage, and building heights. Property owners are obligated to pay real estate taxes assessed by the Supervisor of Assessments Office and levied by the county and its political subdivisions. Failure to pay taxes may result in the issuance of a tax certificate and, ultimately, a tax deed conveying ownership to a third party.
Homestead Exemptions:
Owner-occupants of residential property in Boone County may apply for the General Homestead Exemption, the Homestead Improvement Exemption, and other preferential assessments administered by the Supervisor of Assessments Office under the Illinois Property Tax Code. These exemptions reduce the equalized assessed value of the property for tax purposes and must be applied for through the Assessments Office.
Boone County Supervisor of Assessments Office
1212 Logan Avenue, Suite 102
Belvidere, IL 61008
Phone: (815) 544-2958
Supervisor of Assessments Office
Lookup Property Records in Boone County
- Boone County Property Information
- Search Property Records – Boone County Government (Missouri)
- Recording Information – Boone County Clerk & Recorder
- Boone County Assessor (Missouri)
- Boone County Clerk & Recorder
- Supervisor of Assessments Office – Boone County Illinois
- Boone County Zoning Ordinance
- Boone County Zoning Information – Planning Department
- Geographic Information Systems & Maps – Boone County
- Boone County Building & Zoning Department