Kane County Court Records Search
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Kane County occupies the Fox River Valley west of Chicago and includes the cities of Aurora, Elgin, St. Charles, and Geneva. Its courts operate within the 16th Judicial Circuit, which serves Kane County exclusively. Criminal, civil, family, and probate proceedings are all handled by the Circuit Court, and the Kane County Circuit Clerk serves as custodian of all court records generated by these proceedings. The county also maintains several branch courthouses spread across its geographic footprint, giving residents in both the northern and southern portions of the county convenient access to court services.
For anyone searching court records in Illinois, the process typically begins with the clerk’s office responsible for maintaining those files. Kane County provides a free online case search portal that covers all case types filed in the 16th Judicial Circuit. Statewide court information and e-filing resources can also be found through IllinoisCourts.us. Beyond digital tools, records may be reviewed at any of the Circuit Clerk’s offices or requested by email or mail with appropriate identifying details and payment of applicable fees.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Kane County?
Kane County offers multiple channels for locating case information, whether you need basic docket data or certified copies of filed documents.
Online Case Search
The Circuit Clerk’s case search portal is available to the public at no charge. To use it:
- Navigate to the portal and select “Smart Search”.
- Search by party name (enter last name, then first name) or by case number.
- Case number searches require a four-digit century year, the case type code, and the remaining digits — for example, 2024MR3.
- Review the results for docket entries, hearing dates, parties, and case status.
Note that the system is party-name-based, meaning names must be spelled exactly as they appear in the clerk’s records. Misspellings will return no results.
As of May 1, 2025, the Illinois Supreme Court also opened free remote public access to reviewing court (appellate and Supreme Court) documents through the re:SearchIL portal for non-confidential cases filed on or after April 1, 2025.
In-Person Requests
Records may be viewed or copied at any of the Circuit Clerk’s locations during business hours:
| Location | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Main Office | 540 S. Randall Rd., St. Charles, IL 60174 | Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| Judicial Center Satellite | 37W777 Route 38, St. Charles, IL 60175 | Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. & 1:00–4:30 p.m. |
| Kane County Courthouse Satellite | 100 S. Third St., Geneva, IL 60134 | Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. & 1:00–4:30 p.m. |
| Aurora Branch Court Satellite | 1200 E. Indian Trail Rd., Aurora, IL 60505 | Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. & 1:00–3:00 p.m. |
All satellite offices close for lunch. The main office does not.
By Email or Mail
Written requests for copies can be sent to the Circuit Clerk’s Research and Photocopy division at Research@KaneCountyIL.gov or mailed to:
Clerk of the Circuit Court
540 S. Randall Rd.
St. Charles, IL 60174
Fax: (630) 208-2172
Include sufficient identifying information — party names, case number, date range, and the specific documents needed. The clerk will respond with the applicable fees before fulfilling the request.
Copy and Research Fees (per the 16th Judicial Circuit fee schedule, effective 12/31/2025):
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Record search (per case or year) | $6.00 |
| First page copy | $2.00 |
| Pages 2–20 (per page) | $0.50 |
| Page 21 and beyond (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certification (non-judgment document) | $6.00 |
| Certification (judgment, small claims/eviction) | $6.00 |
| Certification (all other judgments) | $10.00 |
Are Court Records Public in Kane County?
Illinois law generally favors public access to court records. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) grants citizens the right to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies, including the courts. The Court Record and Document Accessibility Act (705 ILCS 86) further establishes the framework for electronic access, directing that remote access over the internet shall follow the Illinois Supreme Court’s Remote Access Policy.
Most case filings — including complaints, motions, orders, judgments, and docket sheets — are available for public review at the Circuit Clerk’s offices or through the online case search portal. The clerk’s main office lobby also provides computers and scanners for public use.
Restricted and Confidential Records
Certain categories of records are shielded from public disclosure by statute or court order:
- Juvenile delinquency and abuse/neglect records (705 ILCS 405/1-7, 1-8)
- Adoption records, which are sealed upon finalization
- Mental health proceedings (filed under the MH case code)
- Records sealed or expunged by court order
- Impounded records designated by a judge for restricted access
- Personal financial information, Social Security numbers, and other sensitive identifiers redacted under court rules
When a record contains both public and restricted information, the clerk may redact the confidential portions before providing copies. Requesters seeking access to restricted records must demonstrate legal authorization and may be required to present valid photo identification.
The 16th Judicial Circuit has adopted its own electronic access policy governing remote viewing of court records, consistent with the statewide policy issued by the Illinois Supreme Court.
Kane County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Kane County are prosecuted in the Circuit Court. Felony cases are designated with the CF code, misdemeanors with CM, DUI offenses with DT, domestic violence cases with DV, and traffic violations with MT (major) or TR (minor). The Circuit Clerk maintains all criminal case records and processes requests through the Research division.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal docket information is accessible through the Circuit Clerk’s online case search. Enter the defendant’s name or case number to retrieve charge descriptions, hearing dates, dispositions, and related filings. For copies of specific documents, contact the Research division by email at Research@KaneCountyIL.gov or visit the main office at 540 S. Randall Rd., St. Charles. For criminal case-type inquiries, the dedicated email is TrafficCriminalSpecialist@KaneCountyIL.gov, and the criminal fax line is (630) 208-3306.
Criminal Filing Fees (Selected)
| Case Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Petition to expunge (adult) | $234.99 |
| Petition to seal (adult) | $234.99 |
| ISP court order to expunge/seal | $60.00 |
| Appearance/answer (criminal) | $239.00 |
Statewide Criminal History Checks
The Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification compiles criminal history information from agencies across the state. Under the Uniform Conviction Information Act (20 ILCS 2635), conviction information is public, while the full criminal history — including arrests without convictions — is available only to the record subject or authorized agencies.
Name-based criminal history checks can be submitted through the CHIRP portal. Fees are:
- Name-based inquiry (electronic): $10.00
- Name-based inquiry (paper): $16.00
- Fingerprint-based check (electronic/Live Scan): $15.00
- Fingerprint-based check (manual): $20.00
Kane County Sheriff’s Office
The Kane County Sheriff’s Office maintains arrest records, booking information, and an online detainee search. The sheriff’s office processes FOIA requests for incident reports and arrest data. The first 50 pages of black-and-white copies are free; additional pages cost $0.15 each.
Kane County Sheriff’s Office
37W755 Illinois Route 38, Suite A
St. Charles, IL 60175
Non-Emergency Phone: (630) 232-6840
FOIA Fax: (630) 513-6984
FOIA requests may also be submitted through the sheriff’s online FOIA form.
Kane County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in the 16th Judicial Circuit cover a broad range of disputes. The Circuit Clerk organizes them by case code: Chancery (CH) for equitable actions, Law over $50,000 (LA), Law $50,000 or less (LM), Small Claims (SC), Evictions (EV), Foreclosures (FC), and Miscellaneous Remedies (MR), among others.
Filing Fees (Selected Civil Case Types)
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Chancery (CH) — most actions | $364.00 |
| Law over $50,000 (LA) | $364.00 |
| Law $10,001–$15,000 (LM) | $314.00 |
| Law $15,001–$50,000 (LM) | $364.00 |
| Small claims up to $2,500 (SC) | $139.00 |
| Small claims $2,501–$10,000 (SC) | $314.00 |
| Eviction — residential | $314.00 |
| Eviction — possession only | $139.00 |
| Foreclosure — residential | $364.00 |
| Jury demand (most case types) | $212.50 |
| Appearance/answer only | $239.00 |
| Change of name (MR) | $364.00 |
E-filing is mandatory for all civil cases in Illinois through the eFileIL system. Self-represented litigants who obtain an exemption may file in person at the main office or any satellite, or by mail. The Circuit Clerk’s website offers online forms that can be completed, printed, and filed. The Kane County Law Library & Self Help Legal Center provides additional guidance for pro se litigants.
Civil case records — dockets, orders, judgments, and filed documents — are searchable through the online case search portal and available in person at the clerk’s offices. For civil case-specific questions, email CivilSpecialist@KaneCountyIL.gov or fax inquiries to (630) 232-3419.
Garnishment, Wage Deduction, and Citation Fees
| Amount in Controversy | Fee |
|---|---|
| Not more than $1,000 | $15.00 |
| $1,001–$5,000 | $30.00 |
| Greater than $5,000 | $50.00 |
Kane County Family Court Records
Family law proceedings in Kane County are assigned to the Family Division of the Circuit Court. Case types include Dissolution with Children (DC), Dissolution without Children (DN), Family (FA — covering parentage, custody, visitation, and support), Adoption (AD), Juvenile Abuse (JA), Juvenile Delinquent (JD), and Order of Protection (OP).
Dissolution of Marriage Filing Fees
| Case Type | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Dissolution with children (DC) | $454.00 |
| Dissolution without children (DN) | $364.00 |
| Domestic violence dissolution (with or without children) | $364.00–$454.00 |
| Appearance/answer only | $239.00 |
| Kids Divorce Educational Program (per General Order 16-17) | $90.00 |
| Child support payment history printout | $6.00 |
| Child support/maintenance annual fee | $36.00 |
Parentage and Family (FA) Cases
Filing fees for parentage, custody, and visitation petitions where parentage has been established are $364.00. Adoption filings cost $119.00. There is no filing fee for abandoned baby petitions, notice to putative father filings, or juvenile matters (emancipation of a minor is $75.00 but guardianship of a minor carries no fee for the initial petition).
Access Restrictions
Family court records involving juveniles are confidential and accessible only to parents, guardians, and other authorized parties. Adoption records are sealed upon finalization. Dissolution records are generally public, but personal financial information and certain sensitive details may be redacted from copies provided to third parties. The clerk may require valid photo identification before releasing certified copies of divorce decrees or custody orders.
Marriage Licenses and Records
The Kane County Clerk — not the Circuit Clerk — issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records. The license application fee is $32.00 (cash only), and both applicants must appear in person. Applications may be started online at the Kane County marriage license portal.
Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $16.00 for the first copy and $6.00 for each additional copy. Requests may be made in person at any of the County Clerk’s three offices, or by mail using the Certificate Request Form sent to:
Kane County Clerk, John A. Cunningham
Vital Records
719 S. Batavia Ave., Bldg. B
Geneva, IL 60134
Phone: (630) 232-5950
Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Credit and debit card payments incur an additional $2.50 service fee.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates are also maintained by the County Clerk. Under the Illinois Vital Records Act (410 ILCS 535/25), birth records are available only to the individual (if of legal age), a parent, legal representative, or a person with a genealogical interest. Death records are available to those with a personal, genealogical, or property-right interest. Fees are $16.00 for the first birth certificate copy ($6.00 additional) and $20.00 for the first death certificate copy ($10.00 additional). The same Certificate Request Form and process apply, including the requirement for a photocopy of valid identification with mailed requests.
Statewide marriage verification and vital records can also be obtained from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records at 925 E. Ridgely Ave., Springfield, IL 62702-2737.
Kane County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Kane County are heard by the Circuit Court under the PR case code. These proceedings include the administration of decedent estates, will contests, claims against estates, and related filings. Guardianship and conservatorship matters are handled under the GR case code.
Probate Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Administration of decedent’s estate | $414.00 (includes $100 surcharge per 705 ILCS 105/27.3f©) |
| Missing person estate | $414.00 |
| Wrongful death / collection of judgment | $314.00 |
| Claim on estate ($150–$500) | $25.00 |
| Claim on estate ($500.01–$10,000) | $40.00 |
| Claim on estate (over $10,000) | $60.00 |
| Guardianship of estate (living person) | $314.00 |
| Guardianship of person with disability | $314.00 |
| Guardianship of minor | No fee |
| Letters of office (each) | $2.00 |
| Each account and report | $25.00 |
| Appearance/answer (probate) | $239.00 |
| Jury demand (probate/guardianship) | $137.50 |
| Filing a will (no administration) | No fee |
Searching Probate Records
Probate cases can be looked up through the Circuit Clerk’s online case search by entering the decedent’s name or the case number. In-person review is available at any of the clerk’s offices during regular hours. Certified copies of wills, letters of office, and distribution orders can be requested by emailing Research@KaneCountyIL.gov or visiting the main office. Standard copy and certification fees apply.
Access and Restrictions
Probate filings are generally open to public inspection. Wills, inventories, accountings, and distribution orders are all accessible. However, guardianship files involving persons with disabilities may contain medical evaluations and financial disclosures that are restricted. Mental health proceedings, filed separately under the MH code, are entirely confidential and not accessible through the public search portal. When restricted information exists within an otherwise public probate file, the clerk will redact those portions before releasing copies to the general public.