Court records in DeKalb County, Illinois, can be searched through several channels. DekalbILCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also access records through official court resources such as the DeKalb County Courthouse, the Circuit Clerk's office in person, by mail, or at public terminals located inside the courthouse. Online state-level tools offer additional search options for criminal history and corrections records.
DeKalb Court System & Jurisdictions
DeKalb County is part of the 23rd Judicial Circuit in Illinois. Like all Illinois counties, the circuit court is the trial-level court of general jurisdiction, meaning it handles virtually every type of case that originates in the county.
Within the circuit court, cases are assigned to divisions based on subject matter:
- Criminal Division — Felonies, misdemeanors, and ordinance violations prosecuted in DeKalb County.
- Civil Division — Lawsuits involving contract disputes, personal injury, property damage, and other civil claims. Small claims cases (generally disputes under $10,000) are also filed here.
- Traffic Division — Moving violations, DUI charges, and other traffic-related offenses.
- Family Division — Dissolution of marriage (divorce), child custody, child support, orders of protection, paternity, and adoption cases. Certified copies of dissolution of marriage records are available from the Circuit Clerk.
- Probate Division — Estate administration, guardianship proceedings, and mental health cases.
- Juvenile Division — Delinquency, abuse, neglect, and dependency matters involving minors. Many juvenile records are restricted from public access under Illinois law.
If you are unsure which division handles your case type, contact the Circuit Clerk's office or use the Illinois Courts self-help resources for guidance.
DeKalb Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Court schedules in DeKalb County are managed by the 23rd Judicial Circuit. To find today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court calendar:
- Call the courthouse — Phone (815) 895-7160 during business hours (8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday) and ask the clerk for the hearing schedule in the relevant division.
- Visit in person — Court call sheets are typically posted inside the DeKalb County Courthouse. Public terminals may also be available for looking up scheduled hearings.
- Check the Illinois Courts website — The public resources page provides information on attending court by phone or video, court holiday schedules, and how cases proceed through the system.
Attorneys and parties to a case often receive hearing notices by mail or through the court's electronic filing system. If you are a self-represented litigant, confirm your hearing date directly with the clerk rather than relying solely on online sources, as schedules can change.
How to Get a Copy of a DeKalb Court Document
The DeKalb County Circuit Clerk's office is the custodian of court records for the county. You can request copies of most court documents — including case filings, orders, judgments, and docket sheets — through the following methods:
In Person
Visit the Circuit Clerk's office at the courthouse:
Bring the case number or the names of the parties involved. Staff can look up the case and provide copies on the spot, subject to applicable fees.
By Mail
Send a written request to the Circuit Clerk at the address above. Include:
- Full case number (if known)
- Names of the parties
- Description of the document(s) needed
- Whether you need certified or uncertified copies
- A check or money order for the estimated fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the clerk's seal and signature, confirming authenticity. These are typically required for legal proceedings, government applications, and official filings.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without the clerk's seal. They work for personal reference or informal use.
Some records — such as sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain mental health matters — are not available to the general public. Ask the clerk whether the document you need is subject to any access restrictions.
DeKalb Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Illinois are set by statute and local court rules. The following table reflects common fee categories. Confirm current amounts with the Circuit Clerk, as fees may be updated periodically.
| Service | Typical Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy (per document) | $6.00–$10.00 |
| Non-certified copy (per page) | $0.50–$2.00 |
| Certification / authentication of a document | $6.00–$10.00 |
| Case docket search (clerk-assisted) | Varies; ask the clerk |
| Record retrieval from archives | May involve additional fees for older records |
Payment methods: The clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Ask in advance whether credit or debit cards are accepted.
Fee authority: Court filing and copy fees in Illinois are governed by 705 ILCS 105/27.2 and related statutes. The DeKalb County Clerk & Recorder's office handles certain non-court records (such as vital records and property documents) under a separate fee schedule.
For statewide criminal history searches, the Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification maintains conviction records and charges its own fees for background checks. The Illinois Department of Corrections inmate search is available online at no cost.