Boone County Court Records
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Boone County sits in northern Illinois with its county seat in Belvidere. The county's judicial operations run through the 17th Judicial Circuit, which Boone County shares with neighboring Winnebago County. A single trial court—the Boone County Circuit Court—handles every case type arising within the county's borders: criminal prosecutions, civil disputes, family law proceedings, juvenile matters, and probate administration. All records from these proceedings, including complaints, motions, orders, judgments, warrants, and docket entries, are kept by the Circuit Clerk's office. This guide walks you through the practical steps for finding, searching, and obtaining court records in Boone County.
If you're looking for court records in Illinois, several official resources can help. The 17th Judicial Circuit Court website has general court information, self-help forms, and links to case search tools for both Boone and Winnebago Counties. For broader statewide guidance, IllinoisCourts.us and the Illinois Courts website maintained by the Office of the Illinois Courts both publish directories, fee schedules, and policy updates on record access.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Boone County?
You have three main options for looking up a court case in Boone County: search online, visit the courthouse in person, or submit 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. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney name at no charge to pull up basic docket information. The 17th Judicial Circuit's website links directly to the Boone County Court Records search page as well.
For appellate-level records, the Illinois Supreme Court launched free remote public access to reviewing court documents through re:SearchIL, effective May 1, 2025. This covers non-confidential filings in Supreme Court and Appellate Court cases filed on or after April 1, 2025.
In-Person Access
You can review case files at the Boone County Courthouse during business hours. The Circuit Clerk's office keeps both electronic records and physical files, including indexes and microfilm for cases predating August 1993 that aren't 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
If you can't visit in person, the Circuit Clerk's staff will conduct a record search on your behalf. Each written 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 you need copies
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Allow four to six weeks for results to be mailed. A single in-person name or case-number inquiry—with no request for hard copies—carries no charge when the records are in 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 statewide framework for court record access. A public document or case is one that any person may access upon request. Remote internet access to court records is separately governed by the Illinois Supreme Court Remote Access Policy.
The act also defines restricted categories:
- 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
720 ILCS 5/32-8 addresses 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. Anyone 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, you'll need to visit the courthouse 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.
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 keeps 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). You can submit a FOIA request 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 you can obtain from the Boone County Sheriff's Office or another authorized agency.
Boone County Civil Court Records
The Boone County Circuit Court handles all civil matters filed within the county, including general lawsuits, contract disputes, personal injury claims, forcible detainer (eviction) actions, and small claims. The Circuit Clerk keeps 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
| 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 find approved forms through the 17th Judicial Circuit Self-Help Center, the Illinois Courts approved forms page, or 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 also 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—dissolution of marriage, child custody, child support, and orders of protection—are heard by the Circuit Court's civil division. All family case records are stored and processed for copies by the Circuit Clerk's office.
Divorce Records
Divorce filings, including petitions, agreed orders, parenting plans, and final judgments of dissolution, are part of the Circuit Clerk's records. Search for them online through Judici, or request copies 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 also issued standing orders that apply to 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. To apply, complete the online application first, 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 take place within Boone County; if you want a courthouse ceremony, 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 someone 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 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 covers 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, you'll need to visit the courthouse and 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, and include 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 help you find the right forms. Because the Circuit Clerk's office is prohibited by law from providing legal advice, anyone unsure 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.