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How to Find Public Records in Shelby County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in Shelby County, Illinois may access a range of publicly available information through official county offices, court systems, and online portals. ShelbyILRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to public records maintained by government agencies in Shelby County. Depending on the record type and the custodial office, individuals may be able to locate documents such as:
- Court filings (civil, criminal, probate, and family law)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and land records
- Vital records including marriage certificates
- Voter registration and election records
- Tax assessment and property tax records
- County board meeting minutes and agendas
- Business licenses and permits
Records can be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The process varies by record type and the office responsible for maintaining those documents.
Online Access:
The Shelby County Illinois official website provides access to several online portals, including official records and marriage records through the County Clerk's page. Property and land records are also accessible digitally through the county's online records system. Some databases may require users to create an account or provide identifying information before conducting searches.
In-Person Requests:
Members of the public may visit the County Clerk's Office or the Circuit Clerk's Office at the Shelby County Courthouse in Shelbyville, Illinois. In-person requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and be prepared to complete a written request form. Staff at the public counter can assist in locating the appropriate record index.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests should include the full name of the subject, the type of record sought, the approximate date range, and the requestor's contact information. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), public bodies are required to respond to written FOIA requests within five business days of receipt, with a possible extension of five additional business days under qualifying circumstances.
Phone/Email:
- County Clerk's Office: (217) 774-4212
- Circuit Clerk's Office: (217) 774-4212
What Are Public Records in Shelby County?
Public records in Shelby 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. Under 5 ILCS 140/2, a "public record" includes 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 Shelby County government offices:
| Record Type | Custodial Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Circuit Clerk's Office |
| Probate and family court records | Circuit Clerk's Office |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | County Clerk's Office |
| Marriage records | Shelby County Clerk |
| Voter registration and election records | County Clerk's Office |
| Tax assessment records | County Assessor's Office |
| County board minutes and agendas | County Clerk's Office |
| Business licenses and permits | County Clerk's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | County Zoning Office |
As noted on the county's official page, "the circuit clerk is responsible for maintaining the records of court proceedings, both civil and criminal, in the county. They ensure that court documents are properly filed and accessible to the public."
Is Shelby County an Open Records County?
Shelby County operates in full compliance with Illinois open records law. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, 5 ILCS 140/1 et seq., all public bodies in the state — including county offices, courts, and administrative agencies — are required to make public records available for inspection and copying upon request, subject to enumerated exemptions. The Act establishes 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."
Shelby County does not maintain a separate county-level open records ordinance that supersedes state law; the Illinois FOIA governs all public records requests submitted to county offices. Each public body within the county designates a FOIA officer responsible for processing requests and ensuring compliance. The Illinois Attorney General's Public Access Counselor provides oversight and guidance on FOIA compliance statewide, and members of the public may file a Request for Review with that office if a request is denied or improperly handled.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Shelby County?
The current fee structure for public records in Shelby County is governed by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act and the schedules established by individual custodial offices. Under 5 ILCS 140/6, public bodies may charge fees for copies but may not charge for the first 50 pages of black-and-white, letter- or legal-sized copies.
| Fee Type | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Black-and-white copies (first 50 pages) | No charge |
| Black-and-white copies (beyond 50 pages) | Actual cost of reproduction |
| Color copies | Actual cost of reproduction |
| Certification of records | Varies by office |
| Electronic records | No charge if already in electronic format |
| Search fees | Not permitted under Illinois FOIA |
Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order. Certified copies of vital records such as marriage certificates carry a separate statutory fee set by the County Clerk. Fee waivers may be available when disclosure is in the public interest and the requester is a non-profit organization or member of the news media, as provided under state law.
Does Shelby County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available in Shelby County. Illinois law requires public bodies to allow members of the public to inspect records at no charge during regular business hours. The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while viewing records in person carries no fee, obtaining physical or electronic copies may be subject to the fee schedule described above.
The following resources provide free access to Shelby County public records:
- The Shelby County Illinois government portal provides free online access to official records, marriage records, and land records through the County Clerk's online tools
- The Shelby County Courthouse provides public access terminals for viewing court records at no charge
- The Circuit Clerk's Office allows in-person inspection of civil and criminal court filings without a fee
- Voter registration records and election results are available at no cost through the County Clerk's Office
Who Can Request Public Records in Shelby County?
Any person may submit a public records request in Shelby County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, the term "person" includes any individual, corporation, partnership, firm, organization, or association. Requestors are not required to be Illinois residents, and public bodies may not require requestors to state the reason for their request as a condition of access, except in limited circumstances involving certain sensitive record categories.
Requestors are not required to provide identification to inspect public records, though identification may be required when requesting certified copies of vital records such as birth or marriage certificates, particularly when the requester is seeking records pertaining to themselves or an immediate family member. Individuals requesting their own records — such as personal court filings or property records — follow the same process as any other member of the public. Certain restricted records, such as sealed court files or adoption records, require a court order regardless of the identity of the requestor.
What Records Are Confidential in Shelby County?
Not all government documents held by Shelby County offices are subject to public disclosure. Illinois law enumerates specific categories of exempt records under 5 ILCS 140/7, which exempts the following from mandatory disclosure:
- Sealed court records and expunged criminal records
- Juvenile court records and proceedings
- Records pertaining to ongoing law enforcement investigations
- Personal identifying information, including Social Security numbers and financial account data
- Medical records and health information protected under HIPAA
- Adoption records (accessible only by court order)
- Child welfare and protective services records
- Personnel records of public employees, with limited exceptions
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information submitted to government agencies
- Security plans, emergency response protocols, and critical infrastructure details
- Preliminary drafts and intra-agency memoranda not retained as final agency records
When a public body withholds a record or portion of a record, it is required to notify the requestor in writing, identify the specific exemption relied upon, and provide a detailed factual basis for the denial. Illinois courts apply a balancing test in certain cases to determine whether the public interest in disclosure outweighs the interest in confidentiality.
Shelby County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Shelby County Clerk's Office 301 E. Main Street, Shelbyville, IL 62565 (217) 774-4212 Shelby County Clerk
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Closed on federal and state holidays
The County Clerk's Office maintains official records including land records, marriage records, voter registration files, election information, and county board documents. Online access to official records and marriage records is available through the county's digital portal.
Additional Offices:
Shelby County Circuit Clerk's Office 301 E. Main Street, Shelbyville, IL 62565 (217) 774-4212 Circuit Clerk – Shelby County
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Closed on federal and state holidays
The Circuit Clerk's Office is responsible for maintaining all civil, criminal, probate, and family court records filed in Shelby County. Members of the public may inspect court records at the public counter or through the online records portal available via the Shelby County Courthouse directory maintained by the Illinois Courts system. The office also provides language access services and accommodations for individuals with disabilities upon request.