DuPage County Court Records
DuPage County court records are formal documents that detail proceedings in cases handled by the 18th Judicial Circuit of Illinois. The Circuit Clerk maintains court records in accordance with the Illinois Supreme Court Rules and applicable Illinois laws (e.g., 705 ILCS 86/1). Court records help to keep the judicial system transparent and accountable to the public. These records are available to the public unless a law or court order limits access.
DuPage County court records are distinct from other categories of public records, such as vital records, arrest records, and federal court documents. Nevertheless, they may still reference other public records.
Are DuPage County Court Records Public?
Yes. Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 8, court records are accessible to the public. The rule requires the 18th Judicial Circuit Court Clerk to make these documents available to anyone upon request. However, the clerk has the authority to limit access to documents that are deemed confidential. Examples of such records include adoption records, unexecuted arrest warrants, wills deposited for safekeeping, and juvenile court records. Confidential court records are open only to case parties and to anyone with a court order.
What Information is Available in DuPage County Court Records?
DuPage County court records typically contain the following information:
- Case number and case type, case status, and parties’ names
- Filing dates and courtroom locations
- Motions, pleadings, and orders submitted in the case
- Docket entries that summarize hearings and court actions
- Judgments, verdicts, or sentencing details
DuPage County Court Records Search
DuPage County offers many methods for seeking and viewing court documents:
- Online Access: The 18th Judicial Circuit Court Clerk provides a Clerk Case History Restriction Information System that allows customers to obtain copies of DuPage County court records online. Requesters will need to register an account and sign in with an email and password. A fee is required before requests are processed.
Additionally, individuals can view case statuses, upcoming court dates, and docket entries at no cost via the Circuit Court Clerk’s Public Information Application. The system is searchable by name, case number, or ticket/complaint number.
- In-Person Access: The Clerk’s office has public terminals where persons can look up records for free. They can also print out documents from the terminals or request copies from the records staff for a fee.
- Mail: Individuals can send a written request for court records to the clerk’s office. The application should include a self-addressed stamped envelope (SASE) and payment for copies or certification.
Fees for Court Records in DuPage County
DuPage County court records are generally available for a fee, including copying and certification. The standard fees are $2 for the first page, 50 cents per page for pages 2 to 20, and 25 cents per page for further pages. Certified copies of court records cost $6 plus copy fees. Record search by staff also costs $6. Fees apply whether records are requested online, in person, or by mail, and payment can be made via a credit or debit card, cash, check, or money order. However, the Circuit Court Clerk’s Public Information Application is a free service.
Note: Vital records are handled independently by the DuPage County Clerk and require different statutory fees. Accessing vital documents is more expensive than court records. The clerk charges $14 for the first certified copy of birth or marriage records. Each additional copy costs $2. Conversely, death records cost $18 for the first certified copy and $6 for each other copy.
DuPage County Courthouse Locations
The 18th Judicial Court handles all civil and criminal matters in DuPage County. The Court is located at
DuPage County Courthouse Judicial Office Facility
DuPage County Judicial Center
505 North County Farm Road
Wheaton, IL 60187
Phone (Civil Department): (630) 407-8700
Phone (Criminal Traffic): (630) 407-8600
Criminal Records Access in DuPage County
Individuals seeking criminal records in DuPage County can obtain the information from both state and local agencies. The Illinois State Police (ISP) issues official state-level criminal histories by mail and in person for a fee. These checks are comprehensive but only issued to record subjects.
Criminal records in DuPage County (specifically criminal case records) are also accessible through the 18th Judicial District Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. Members of the general public can request these records online, by mail, or in person. To conduct a search, one must have a party name, the case number, or the filing date. Please note that obtaining copies of criminal case records requires payment of a fee.
DuPage County Probate Records
The 18th Judicial Circuit Court Clerk serves as the custodian for DuPage County probate records. These records encompass the legal documentation and filings related to the administration of a person’s estate after their death, as well as the appointment of a guardian/conservator for a minor or incapacitated person.
The Clerk offers multiple ways to access these records. Probate records are accessible online Clerk Case History Restriction Information System and Public Information Application, as explained earlier. Individuals can also visit the Clerk’s office during business hours to submit in-person requests.
Probate information can be accessed at no cost using the public access computers situated at the courthouse, though a minor fee applies for printing copies.
Plain or certified copies of estate records, including wills and probate filings, are available from the court staff. Acquiring these copies may incur both a search fee and standard copy fees.
DuPage County Family Court Records
The Circuit Court Clerk maintains DuPage County family court records, which encompass documents related to divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, and adoption, among other family law matters. The Clerk provides access to some of these records online through a paid Case History Restriction Information System and a free Public Information Application. Individuals requesting records in person can use the public access terminals at the courthouse for their searches or ask a staff member for assistance. Fees apply for copies of documents.
Federal Court Records in DuPage County
The United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois has jurisdiction over federal issues that arise in DuPage County. Anyone seeking access to records of these federal cases can search the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system. Users will need to register for an account and log in to the system with their username and password. Access to federal court records costs 10 cents per page, but the fee for a single document is capped at $3. Users can access the portal for free if their usage does not exceed $30 in a billing quarter.
Record seekers may also obtain copies of federal court records from the Federal Court Clerk’s Office. They can complete an online request form and email it to JLND@ilnd.uscourts.gov, or call (312) 435-5670 to provide the necessary search information over the phone. The clerk will then email the requester about payment after the request is received. Payment can be made online via a credit/debit card, by mail with a check, or in person. Plain copies of federal court records cost 50 cents per page, and certified copies cost $12 per document. Record search and verification costs $34 per name.