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How to Find Public Records in Marion County in 2026

Members of the public seeking government documents may access a broad range of publicly available information through MarionCountyRecords.us, which aggregates data related to public records maintained by county and state agencies. Individuals researching property ownership, court proceedings, vital statistics, or government financial activity in Marion County, Illinois may find relevant record categories through official government channels. The types of records that may be accessible include:

Court filings and case histories
Property deeds and tax assessments
Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and dissolution of marriage)
Arrest logs and incident reports (where permitted by law)
Business licenses and permits
County board meeting minutes and agendas
Budget and financial documents

Records may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.

Online Access: The Marion County, Illinois official website provides access to county department information and select public documents. The Marion County Circuit Clerk maintains court records and offers information on available services. The Illinois Courts system provides an online case search portal for members of the public seeking civil, criminal, and probate case information. Some records are available without registration; others may require in-person verification.

In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Marion County Courthouse to inspect records at the Circuit Clerk's office. The office is located at 100 E. Main Street, Salem, IL 62881. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Written/Mail Requests: Written requests should be directed to the relevant office by mail, including the requester's full name, a clear description of the records sought, and a return mailing address. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), public bodies are required to respond within five business days of receiving a written request.

Phone/Email: The Marion County Circuit Clerk's office may be reached by phone at (618) 548-3400. Contact information for additional departments is available through the Marion County government website.

What Are Public Records in Marion County?

Public records in Marion County are defined under Illinois law as 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, regardless of physical form or characteristics. Under 5 ILCS 140/2, a "public record" is any document prepared by or for, or used by, received by, in the possession of, or under the control of any public body.

The following record types are maintained by Marion County agencies:

Record Type	Maintaining Office
Civil, criminal, probate, family court records	Circuit Clerk
Property deeds, mortgages, liens	County Recorder
Vital records (birth, death)	Illinois Department of Public Health
Marriage and dissolution records	Circuit Clerk
Business licenses and permits	County Clerk
Property tax and assessment records	County Assessor / Treasurer
Voting and election records	County Clerk
Meeting minutes and agendas	County Board
Budget and financial documents	County Board / Treasurer
Arrest logs and incident reports	Marion County Sheriff; Illinois State Police
Land use and zoning records	County Planning Department

Certified copies of dissolution of marriage records are available from the circuit court clerk in the county where the dissolution was granted, as noted by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Is Marion County an Open Records County?

Marion County operates in full compliance with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at 5 ILCS 140/1 et seq., which governs public access to government records statewide. Under this statute, all public bodies — including county offices, courts, and law enforcement agencies — are required to make public records available for inspection and copying upon request, subject to enumerated exemptions.

As stated in the Illinois FOIA statute, "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." This policy applies to all Marion County departments and offices.

The Illinois Department of Human Rights notes that "the FOIA request should include a clear description of the public record" sought, a standard that applies uniformly across all Illinois public bodies, including those in Marion County. The county does not maintain a separate local open records ordinance; state law governs all public records access obligations.

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

The current fee structure for public records in Marion County is governed by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act and applicable county fee schedules. Standard fees are as follows:

Inspection of records: No charge for inspection of public records
Black-and-white paper copies: The first 50 pages are provided at no charge; pages beyond 50 are charged at $0.15 per page
Color copies or copies in an unusual size: Actual cost of reproduction
Electronic format: Records provided in electronic format may be subject to the actual cost of the recording medium
Certification fees: Fees for certified copies of vital records and court documents vary by record type and are set by statute
Search fees: Not permitted under the Illinois FOIA for standard requests

Accepted payment methods at Marion County offices include cash, check, and money order. Fee waivers are available under 5 ILCS 140/6 when the requester demonstrates that disclosure is in the public interest and will primarily benefit the general public. Fees for certified copies of vital records, such as birth and death certificates, are set separately by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Circuit Clerk's office.

Does Marion County Have Free Public Records?

Free inspection of public records is available to all members of the public under Illinois law. The Illinois FOIA expressly provides that public bodies must allow inspection of records at no charge. The following resources provide free access to Marion County records:

The Marion County government portal provides free access to county board agendas, meeting minutes, and department information online
The Marion County Courthouse online case search allows members of the public to search court case information at no cost
Public access terminals are available at the Circuit Clerk's office for in-person inspection of court records without charge
The Illinois State Police FOIA portal provides free access to certain law enforcement records upon request

The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while inspection of records is free, physical or electronic copies may be subject to the fees described above. Certain records — such as publicly posted agendas and approved meeting minutes — are available at no cost in both digital and physical formats.

Who Can Request Public Records in Marion County?

Any person may submit a public records request in Marion County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, the right to inspect and copy public records extends to all individuals, corporations, partnerships, and other legal entities. Requesters are not required to:

Be a resident of Illinois or Marion County
Provide identification (for standard public records)
State the purpose of the request

Certain record types carry additional access requirements. For example, requests for law enforcement records submitted to the Illinois State Police may require specific identifying information about the incident or subject. Records pertaining to child welfare maintained by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services are subject to heightened confidentiality protections and are not available to the general public without demonstrated legal standing.

Members of the public requesting their own records — such as personal criminal history or vital records — may be required to provide proof of identity. Non-residents retain the same rights as residents under state law and may submit requests by mail, in person, or electronically.

What Records Are Confidential in Marion County?

Not all government records are subject to public disclosure. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act enumerates specific categories of exempt records under 5 ILCS 140/7. The following record types are confidential or exempt from disclosure in Marion County:

Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not available for public inspection
Juvenile records: Records pertaining to minors in delinquency or abuse proceedings are confidential by statute
Ongoing investigation records: Law enforcement records that would interfere with a pending investigation are exempt
Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar identifiers are redacted from disclosed records
Medical records: Protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
Adoption records: Sealed under Illinois Adoption Act provisions
Child welfare and protective services records: Maintained confidentially by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Personnel records: Employee records are exempt except where disclosure is required by law
Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Exempt when submitted to a public body in confidence
Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Exempt to protect public safety

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency notes that anonymous requests may be submitted via fax, U.S. mail, or special carrier for environmental records, though certain categories of environmental data remain exempt under the same statutory framework. Public bodies apply a balancing test when a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information; the non-exempt portions must be disclosed with exempt material redacted.

Marion County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Marion County Circuit Clerk
100 E. Main Street, Salem, IL 62881
(618) 548-3400
Marion County Circuit Clerk

Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays

Marion County Clerk and Recorder
100 E. Main Street, Salem, IL 62881
(618) 548-3400
Marion County, Illinois

Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Illinois Department of Public Health – Division of Vital Records
925 E. Ridgely Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702
(217) 782-6553
Birth, Death, and Other Records – IDPH

Illinois State Police – FOIA Office
801 S. 7th Street, Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 782-7263
Illinois State Police FOIA

Illinois Department of Human Rights – FOIA Office
555 W. Monroe Street, Suite 1300, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 814-6200
Illinois Department of Human Rights FOIA