Are Cook County court records free?

Searching the dockets is free. Downloading individual filings costs $7.50 per document. In-person record viewing at the Daley Center is free.

Can I look up a divorce in Cook County online?

Yes. Use the civil case search and select the 'Domestic Relations' division. Records are public unless the file was sealed by court order.

How do I search for a criminal case?

Use the dedicated Criminal Disposition Search at the link above. It indexes felony and misdemeanor dispositions but not active investigations.

Can I file a small claims case online in Cook County?

Yes — Illinois requires e-filing for most civil filings via efileIL.tylertech.cloud. Small claims (≤ $10,000) are filed in the Civil Division.

Are eviction records public after the case is dismissed?

Cook County passed a 2022 ordinance sealing eviction records 30 days after dismissal or after a ruling for the tenant, intended to prevent rental-screening companies from punishing tenants who win their cases.

Home / Court Records Directory / Illinois / Cook County

Illinois · Verified May 2026

How to look up court records in Cook County, Illinois

All the official portals, fees, and what's actually searchable. We don't host the records — we just tell you where to find them.

Official search portals

Civil cases Most useful Free to search

Clerk of the Circuit Court · Online Case Search

Search civil, family, probate, traffic, and small claims cases by name, case number, or attorney.

Open portal Document copies: $7.50/document

Criminal records Free to search

Criminal Disposition Search

Felony and misdemeanor dispositions, sentencings, and active warrants.

Open portal Document copies: Free

Real estate / deeds / liens Free to search

Cook County Recorder of Deeds

Property transfers, mortgages, mechanics' liens, and judgments recorded against real property.

Open portal Document copies: $5/document download

Eviction / forcible entry Free to search

Eviction (Forcible Entry & Detainer) Search

Eviction filings (filtered within civil portal). Sealed under Cook County's eviction record-sealing ordinance after dismissal.

Open portal Document copies: Free

Common filing fees

Civil case ≤ $50,000 $338.00

Civil case > $50,000 $413.00

Small claims $108.00

Eviction filing $185.00

Divorce (no children) $388.00

Probate (small estate) $135.00

Fees are publicly posted by the clerk and updated periodically. Confirm with the clerk's office before filing.

Frequently asked

Are Cook County court records free?: Searching the dockets is free. Downloading individual filings costs $7.50 per document. In-person record viewing at the Daley Center is free.
Can I look up a divorce in Cook County online?: Yes. Use the civil case search and select the 'Domestic Relations' division. Records are public unless the file was sealed by court order.
How do I search for a criminal case?: Use the dedicated Criminal Disposition Search at the link above. It indexes felony and misdemeanor dispositions but not active investigations.
Can I file a small claims case online in Cook County?: Yes — Illinois requires e-filing for most civil filings via efileIL.tylertech.cloud. Small claims (≤ $10,000) are filed in the Civil Division.
Are eviction records public after the case is dismissed?: Cook County passed a 2022 ordinance sealing eviction records 30 days after dismissal or after a ruling for the tenant, intended to prevent rental-screening companies from punishing tenants who win their cases.

Not legal advice. Portal availability and fees change. Verify with the clerk's office before relying on any specific link or number. We update this directory periodically; if you spot a stale link, please let us know.