Boone County Court Records Search
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Boone County sits in northern Illinois with its county seat in Belvidere. The county’s judicial operations are administered through the 17th Judicial Circuit, which Boone County shares with neighboring Winnebago County. A single trial court — the Boone County Circuit Court — handles all case types arising within the county’s borders, including criminal prosecutions, civil disputes, family law proceedings, juvenile matters, and probate administration. Court records produced through these proceedings are maintained by the Circuit Clerk’s office and include filings such as complaints, motions, orders, judgments, warrants, and docket entries. This guide covers the practical steps needed to locate, search, and obtain court records in Boone County.
Individuals seeking court records in Illinois can draw on several official resources. The 17th Judicial Circuit Court website provides general court information, self-help forms, and links to case search tools for both Boone and Winnebago Counties. Local clerk offices handle in-person and mail requests, while statewide online tools allow electronic searches from any location. For additional guidance on accessing publicly available court case information across the state, IllinoisCourts.us may be a helpful reference. The Illinois Courts website maintained by the Office of the Illinois Courts also publishes directories, fee schedules, and policy updates related to record access.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Boone County?
There are three main ways to look up a court case in Boone County: through an online database, in person at the courthouse, or by submitting a written request to the Circuit Clerk.
Online Case Search
All Boone County Circuit Court cases filed since August 1993 are searchable through the Judici online platform. Users can search by party name, case number, or attorney name at no charge to view basic docket information. The 17th Judicial Circuit’s website also links directly to the Boone County Court Records search page for convenience.
For appellate-level records, the Illinois Supreme Court launched free remote public access to reviewing court documents through re:SearchIL effective May 1, 2025, covering non-confidential filings in Supreme Court and Appellate Court cases filed on or after April 1, 2025.
In-Person Access
Visitors can review case files at the Boone County Courthouse during business hours. The Circuit Clerk’s office maintains both electronic records and physical files, including indexes and microfilm for cases predating August 1993 that are not available online.
Boone County Circuit Clerk’s Office
Address: 601 North Main Street, Belvidere, IL 61008
Phone: (815) 544-0371
Fax: (815) 547-9213
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Note: Due to ongoing courthouse construction, the Circuit Clerk’s office has temporarily relocated to the lower-level jury assembly room. The front entrance is closed; in-person visitors should use the temporary entrance on Webster Street at the rear of the building.
Written Search Requests
The Circuit Clerk’s staff will conduct record searches on your behalf when you submit a written request. Each request must include:
- The name(s) to be searched
- The year(s) to be searched
- A search fee of $6.00 per name, per year
- Prepaid copy fees if copies are needed
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Allow four to six weeks for results to be mailed. A single in-person inquiry by plaintiff or defendant name, or by case number, with no request for hard copies carries no charge when the records are on the automated system.
Are Court Records Public in Boone County?
Court records in Boone County are presumptively public under Illinois law. The Court Record and Document Accessibility Act (705 ILCS 86/1 et seq.), effective January 1, 2024, establishes a framework for access to court records statewide. Under this act, a “public” document or case is one accessible by any person upon request. Remote internet access to court records is governed by the Illinois Supreme Court Remote Access Policy.
The act also defines restricted categories of access:
- Impounded — accessible only to parties of record unless a court orders otherwise
- Confidential — accessible only to the party who submitted the document, unless a court orders otherwise
- Sealed — accessible only upon court order
- Expunged — accessible only upon court order, as provided in the Criminal Identification Act
Several types of Boone County court records are routinely restricted from public inspection:
- Juvenile case records
- Adoption records
- Domestic violence case filings (certain portions)
- Mental health records
- Drug and alcohol treatment records
- Records pertaining to victims of sex offenses
Additionally, 720 ILCS 5/32-8 addresses the tampering with and unauthorized disclosure of court records, reinforcing protections around confidential case information. If Supreme Court Rule 8 conflicts with any other state statute regarding confidential records, Rule 8 controls. Individuals seeking access to a restricted record may petition the court for an order permitting disclosure.
Boone County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Boone County are prosecuted in the Circuit Court. Felonies proceed through indictment or information, while misdemeanors, ordinance violations, and traffic offenses are handled on the court’s criminal and traffic dockets. Records for these cases — including charging documents, motions, plea agreements, sentencing orders, and docket entries — are maintained by the Circuit Clerk.
How to Search Criminal Court Records
Online searches through Judici cover all criminal cases filed since August 1993. For older matters, an in-person visit to the courthouse is necessary to review microfilm and physical indexes. Written search requests may also be submitted to the Circuit Clerk at the address listed above, subject to the $6.00 per name per year fee.
Traffic citations and district criminal fines can be looked up and paid electronically through AlaPay — note that this is specifically an Alabama system. For Boone County, payments on criminal and traffic cases can be made through the Boone County Circuit Clerk’s payment page.
Sheriff’s Office Records
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest logs, incident reports, and other law enforcement records. Requests for these records are processed under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140). FOIA requests may be submitted in person, by mail, by fax, or by email to the Sheriff’s FOIA officer:
Boone County Sheriff’s Office — Records Division
Address: 615 North Main Street, Belvidere, IL 61008
Phone: (815) 544-3024
Fax: (815) 544-9573
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
The Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification processes criminal history background checks. Two options are available:
| Request Type | Manual/Paper Fee | Electronic/Live Scan Fee |
|---|---|---|
| State only | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| FBI only | $12.00 | $12.00 |
| State and FBI | $32.00 | $27.00 |
| Name-based inquiry (Uniform Conviction Information Act) | $16.00 | $10.00 |
To request conviction information by name, order a form from the Uniform Conviction Information Forms page and mail the completed form with payment to:
Illinois State Police, Bureau of Identification
P.O. Box 88727
Chicago, IL 60680-1727
Fingerprint-based checks require a valid fingerprint card, which can be obtained from the Boone County Sheriff’s Office or other authorized agencies.
Boone County Civil Court Records
The Boone County Circuit Court exercises jurisdiction over all civil matters filed within the county, including general civil lawsuits, contract disputes, personal injury claims, forcible detainer (eviction) actions, and small claims. The Circuit Clerk is the official custodian of all civil case records.
Accessing Civil Records
Civil case information is available through the same channels as other court records. Online searches via Judici provide docket information for cases filed since August 1993. In-person visits and written requests are accepted at the Circuit Clerk’s office at 601 North Main Street, Belvidere, IL 61008.
Copy and Certification Fees
The Circuit Clerk’s office charges the following fees for copies and related services:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| First page of a document | $2.00 |
| Pages 2–20 | $0.50 each |
| Pages over 20 | $0.25 each |
| Certification (per document) | $6.00 |
| Exemplified copy | $6.00 |
| Authenticated copy | $6.00 |
| Certified copy of judgment (at time of entry) | No charge |
| Certified copy of judgment (thereafter) | $10.00 |
| Record search | $6.00 per name per year |
A current civil filing fee schedule effective December 12, 2025, and a miscellaneous fee schedule effective August 1, 2019, are posted on the Circuit Clerk’s website.
Court Forms and E-Filing
Self-represented litigants can obtain approved forms from the 17th Judicial Circuit Self-Help Center, the Illinois Courts approved forms page, or through Illinois Legal Aid Online. E-filing is available for subsequent filings on criminal cases and is handled through the statewide eFileIL system. A self-help center is located inside the courthouse and open during regular business hours.
Property and Land Records
Property-related records in Boone County are maintained by the County Clerk and Recorder. The recorder’s office provides three public workstations for searching documents via Laredo Connect, and a free online document search is available through the Boone County Vital Records Search portal. Additional property information — including tax data, assessed values, and ownership details — is accessible through the Boone County Property Tax Inquiry system and the county’s GIS-based property maps.
Boone County Clerk and Recorder
Address: 1212 Logan Avenue, Suite 103, Belvidere, IL 61008
Phone: (815) 544-3103
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Boone County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Boone County — including dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, and orders of protection — are heard by the Circuit Court’s civil division. The Circuit Clerk’s office stores all family case records and processes requests for copies.
Divorce Records
Divorce filings, including petitions, agreed orders, parenting plans, and final judgments of dissolution, are part of the Circuit Clerk’s records. These can be searched online through Judici or requested in person or by mail from:
Boone County Circuit Clerk’s Office
Attn: Civil Division
601 North Main Street, Belvidere, IL 61008
Phone: (815) 544-0371
The court has issued several standing orders governing family proceedings, including a Dissolution Stay Order and a Family Division General Order.
Child Support
The Circuit Clerk’s office records child support payments collected and disbursed through the county, as well as payments processed through the Illinois State Disbursement Unit (SDU). For child support inquiries, contact the Circuit Clerk at (815) 544-0371, extension 6915 or 6924, or the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services at (800) 447-4278.
State Disbursement Unit (SDU)
P.O. Box 5400, Carol Stream, IL 60197
Phone: (877) 225-7077
Orders of Protection
The Boone County Circuit Clerk’s office provides information on filing emergency orders of protection. Domestic violence case records may have restricted access under Illinois law.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses in Boone County are issued by the County Clerk’s office. The license fee is $30.00, payable in cash only. Applicants must complete the online application and then schedule an appointment by calling (815) 544-3103 or emailing countyclerk@boonecountyil.gov. Both parties must appear in person with valid photo identification. A one-day waiting period applies, and the license is valid for 60 days. Ceremonies must occur within Boone County; couples wanting a courthouse ceremony should contact the Circuit Clerk’s office.
Certified copies of marriage certificates are available from the County Clerk:
- Years 1932 to present: $12.00 for the first copy, $4.00 each additional
- Years 1838 to 1931: $25.00 for the first copy, $4.00 each additional
Mail requests should include a completed Marriage Certificate Request Form, payment by check or money order, and a copy of valid photo identification.
Birth and Death Records
Birth certificates are restricted records in Illinois and may only be obtained by the individual named, a parent, legal guardian, legal representative, or a person with a court order. Death certificates are available to the general public. Both types are maintained by the Boone County Clerk and Recorder and can be requested in person, by mail, or through the county’s vital records portal. Fees from the County Clerk’s office are:
- Birth certificate (1916–present): $12.00 first copy, $4.00 each additional
- Birth certificate (1877–1915): $25.00 first copy, $4.00 each additional
- Death certificate: $14.00 first copy, $6.00 each additional
Mail requests should include the appropriate request form (Birth Certificate Request Form or Death Certificate Request Form), a copy of valid identification, and payment sent to:
Boone County Clerk and Recorder
1212 Logan Avenue, Suite 103
Belvidere, IL 61008
Boone County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Boone County are adjudicated by the Circuit Court and administered by the Circuit Clerk. The probate docket encompasses estate administration, will contests, guardianships of minors and disabled adults, conservatorships, and related proceedings.
Searching Probate Records
Probate cases filed since August 1993 can be searched through Judici using the decedent’s name, the estate case number, or the name of a guardian or conservator. For estates and guardianships predating 1993, researchers must visit the courthouse to consult physical indexes and microfilm.
Requesting Copies
Written requests for probate records follow the same procedure as other case types. Submit a request to the Circuit Clerk’s office that identifies the case by name and year, includes the $6.00 per name per year search fee, prepaid copy fees (per the fee schedule above), and a self-addressed stamped envelope. In-person requests are handled at:
Boone County Circuit Clerk’s Office
601 North Main Street, Belvidere, IL 61008
Phone: (815) 544-0371
Guardianship and Estate Forms
Standardized forms for probate proceedings are available through the 17th Judicial Circuit Court forms page and through Illinois Legal Aid Online. The Self-Help Center inside the courthouse can also assist with locating the correct forms. Because the Circuit Clerk’s office is prohibited by law from providing legal advice, individuals with questions about which forms to file should consult an attorney or visit Illinois Legal Help for guidance.
Petitions to reopen an estate carry no fee for filing a petition to vacate. Other probate filing fees align with the Circuit Clerk’s current civil filing fee schedule. E-filing through the eFileIL system may also be available for certain probate filings; check with the clerk’s office for current e-filing eligibility by case type.