Champaign County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Champaign County?

Public records in Champaign County are defined according to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 ILCS 140/1 et seq.). Under § 2(c) of this Act, public records include "all records, reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books, papers, maps, photographs, microfilms, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing records, electronic communications, recorded information and all other documentary materials pertaining to the transaction of public business."

Champaign County maintains numerous types of public records, including:

Court records (civil, criminal, probate, family law)
Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens, assessments)
Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce certificates)
Business records (licenses, permits, fictitious business names)
Tax records (property tax assessments, tax bills)
Voting and election records
Meeting minutes and agendas (County Board, committees, commissions)
Budget and financial documents
Law enforcement records (arrest logs, incident reports where permitted)
Land use and zoning records

The Champaign County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for many county records, while specialized records are maintained by various departments:

Court records are maintained by the Circuit Clerk's Office
Property records are maintained by the County Recorder's Office
Law enforcement records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office
Tax records are maintained by the County Treasurer and Assessor's offices

Each department follows specific procedures for record maintenance and public access in accordance with state law and county ordinances.

Is Champaign County an Open Records County?

Yes, Champaign County is an open records county that fully complies with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. Under 5 ILCS 140/1, the Illinois General Assembly has declared that "it is the public policy of the State of Illinois that all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts and policies of those who represent them as public officials and public employees."

The Illinois FOIA establishes the presumption that all records in the custody of public bodies are open to inspection and copying. According to § 1.2 of the Act, "All records in the custody or possession of a public body are presumed to be open to inspection or copying. Any public body that asserts that a record is exempt from disclosure has the burden of proving by clear and convincing evidence that it is exempt."

Champaign County has implemented comprehensive policies to ensure compliance with state transparency laws. The County Board has adopted formal procedures for handling public records requests, and each county department has designated FOIA officers responsible for processing requests in accordance with statutory requirements.

Additionally, Champaign County adheres to the Illinois Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/1 et seq.), which requires that meetings of public bodies be open to the public, with limited exceptions for specific topics that may be discussed in closed sessions.

How to Find Public Records in Champaign County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records from Champaign County may utilize several methods to access information:

Online Access: Many records are available through the county's official website. The Champaign County departments page provides links to various offices that maintain public records. Property tax information can be accessed through the County Property Tax Inquiry system.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours to request records in person. The Champaign County Courthouse houses many county offices that maintain public records.
Written Requests: FOIA requests may be submitted in writing to the appropriate department. The City of Champaign Police Department and other county agencies provide FOIA request forms on their websites.
Electronic Requests: Many departments accept FOIA requests via email or through online submission forms.

For court records, the Circuit Clerk's office maintains files for all cases filed in Champaign County. Criminal records, including inmate information, are available through the Sheriff's Office.

When submitting a FOIA request, requestors should:

Clearly identify the records sought
Provide contact information
Specify the preferred format for receiving records (electronic or paper)
Indicate whether the request is for commercial purposes

Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140/3(d), public bodies must respond to FOIA requests within 5 business days, with possible extension for an additional 5 business days under certain circumstances.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Champaign County?

The cost structure for obtaining public records in Champaign County is governed by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/6). Under current fee schedules, the following charges apply:

Standard Paper Copies: $0.15 per page for black and white copies (after the first 50 pages, which are provided free of charge for non-commercial requests)
Color Copies or Oversized Documents: Actual cost of reproduction
Electronic Records: Generally provided at no cost when records are already maintained in electronic format
Certified Copies: Additional certification fees may apply
Specialized Records: Some records, such as vital records, have statutorily set fees:
- Birth Certificates: $15 for the first copy, $4 for each additional copy
- Death Certificates: $19 for the first copy, $4 for each additional copy
- Marriage/Civil Union Certificates: $14 for the first copy, $4 for each additional copy

The county accepts payment by cash, check, money order, and in some departments, credit/debit cards. Online services may have separate fee structures for electronic access.

It is important to note that under § 6(b) of the Illinois FOIA, public bodies may not charge for the first 50 pages of black and white, letter or legal-sized copies for non-commercial requests. Additionally, fees may be waived or reduced when the information requested is in the public interest and the requestor's principal purpose is not commercial.

For commercial requests, the county may charge for the actual cost of retrieving and transporting public records, as well as the personnel costs associated with searching for, retrieving, and examining the requested records.

Does Champaign County Have Free Public Records?

Yes, Champaign County provides free access to certain public records. In accordance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, all public bodies must allow the inspection of public records at no charge. Additionally, the first 50 pages of black and white, letter or legal-sized copies are provided free of charge for non-commercial requests.

The following records are currently available at no cost:

Online Records: Many records are freely accessible through the county's official website, including:
- County Board meeting agendas and minutes
- Sheriff's Office public documents
- Property tax information
- Court case information (basic docket information)
In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may inspect any non-exempt public records during regular business hours at the appropriate county office at no charge.
Electronic Records: When records are maintained in electronic format and can be emailed, they are typically provided at no cost.

The Illinois State Archives also maintains certain historical records related to Champaign County that are available for free public access.

It should be noted that while inspection is free, reproduction costs may apply if copies are requested beyond the free allocation. Additionally, commercial requestors may be charged fees even for records that would be free to non-commercial requestors.

Who Can Request Public Records in Champaign County?

Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/3), any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request public records from Champaign County. The statute defines "person" broadly to include individuals, corporations, partnerships, firms, organizations, and associations.

Key provisions regarding eligibility to request records include:

No Residency Requirement: Requestors need not be residents of Champaign County or Illinois to submit FOIA requests.
Identification: While basic contact information is required, requestors generally do not need to provide identification to access most public records. However, certain records, such as vital records or records containing personal information, may require verification of identity or legal right to access.
Purpose Statement: According to § 3(c) of the Illinois FOIA, public bodies may not require the requestor to state the purpose of their request, with one exception: requestors must disclose if their request is for commercial purposes.
Commercial Requestors: Persons requesting records for commercial purposes must identify themselves as commercial requestors. Commercial requests are subject to different timeframes and potentially higher fees.
Requesting Your Own Records: Individuals requesting their own records may need to provide identification to verify their identity.
Requesting Others' Records: Access to records containing personal information about others may be limited by privacy exemptions under § 7 of the Illinois FOIA.

Public bodies in Champaign County are prohibited from discriminating against requestors based on their identity, purpose (except for commercial purposes), or intended use of the records.

What Records Are Confidential in Champaign County?

While Champaign County operates under the presumption of openness, certain records are exempt from disclosure under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act. According to 5 ILCS 140/7, the following categories of records are considered confidential:

Personal Privacy: Information that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Biometric identifiers
- Personal financial information
- Medical records (protected under HIPAA)
- Personal contact information
Law Enforcement Records: Certain records that, if disclosed, would:
- Interfere with pending or contemplated law enforcement proceedings
- Endanger the life or physical safety of law enforcement personnel or others
- Compromise confidential sources or investigative techniques
Juvenile Records: Records relating to juvenile offenders are generally confidential under the Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/1-7).
Preliminary Documents: Draft documents, notes, and preliminary policy recommendations before a final decision is made.
Trade Secrets: Commercial or financial information obtained from a person or business where disclosure would cause competitive harm.
Attorney-Client Privileged Communications: Communications between the county and its attorneys.
Security Information: Records relating to security procedures, vulnerability assessments, or response plans.
Sealed Court Records: Records that have been sealed by court order.
Personnel Files: Certain information in personnel files, including performance evaluations.
Adoption Records: Records related to adoptions are confidential under the Adoption Act (750 ILCS 50/18).
Educational Records: Student records protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

It is important to note that under § 7(1) of the Illinois FOIA, when a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the public body must redact the exempt information and provide the remainder of the record.

Champaign County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Champaign County Recorder of Deeds
1776 East Washington Street
Urbana, IL 61802
(217) 384-3774
Champaign County Recorder

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

The Recorder's Office is responsible for maintaining and providing access to property records in Champaign County, including:

Deeds
Mortgages
Liens
Plats
Military discharge records
Miscellaneous documents affecting real property

The office provides both in-person and online services for searching and obtaining copies of recorded documents. Standard recording fees apply in accordance with Illinois state law (55 ILCS 5/3-5018). The Recorder's Office accepts payment by cash, check, and credit/debit card for in-person transactions.

Researchers may use public computer terminals at the office to search records at no charge. Copies of documents are available for a fee, with certified copies available for an additional charge.