This page helps users handle court records tasks in Champaign County, Illinois, including online case lookups, copy requests, certified records, and public file review options.
The Champaign County Circuit Clerk is the main local office for public court file access, record searches, copies, certifications, and file viewing room assistance.
Court Case Information
For a first search, use the county’s Court Case Information search. It allows searches by participant name or case number and also includes court schedule and filed date search options.
- Participant name in last name, first name format
- Case number in year, type, number format with no punctuation or spaces
Use the search result as a starting point. Online case information is not the official court record.
- Choose whether to search by participant name or case number.
- Enter the name or case number in the required format.
- Review the case information shown for the matching record.
- Contact the Circuit Clerk’s Office if you need certified copies or official records.
Certified copies must come from the Champaign County Circuit Clerk’s Office.
Civil record searches and copy requests
Use the civil record search, certification, and copy request form for divorce, family, small claims, law magistrate, law, probate, guardianship, and other civil case records.
The form asks for your full legal name, birthdate, email, phone, address, years to be searched, record type, search details, and whether certification is requested.
When the case number is not available, provide the names of all parties. For document copies, identify the filing date, document title, number of copies, and whether certified copies are needed.
Criminal, traffic, and ordinance record requests
Use the criminal record search, certification, and copy request form for criminal, traffic, and ordinance violation records handled by the Circuit Clerk.
The Circuit Clerk’s Office does not provide arrest records or full background checks. Arrest records should be requested from the arresting police agency, and true background checks are handled by the Illinois State Police.
For traffic record searches, include driver’s license information and the state of issue. For criminal or traffic documents, list the case number, filing date, year of arrest, document title, number of copies, and certification request when applicable.
Public court file access limits
Most Champaign County court case files are public, but some case types and documents are restricted. Sealed, impounded, expunged, or protected records may require a court order before access is allowed.
Examples of case types that are not generally available as public court files include:
- Adoption cases
- Juvenile abuse and neglect cases
- Juvenile delinquency cases
- Expunged or sealed cases
- Cases involving juvenile victims
- Sexual assault cases under Champaign County Administrative Order
- Eavesdropping cases
- Cases impounded by judicial order
Public files may also contain restricted documents, including financial statements, medical records, mental health records, Social Security numbers, and other personal identity information.
File viewing room
During regular courthouse hours, users may visit the Circuit Clerk’s file viewing room to review paper court files, digital files, and microfilm for older court cases. Staff can assist with file access and make copies for a fee.
Visitors may not remove documents, take files apart, write on records, take pictures, or scan documents. Use the provided materials to mark pages for copying, and ask staff for help when copies are needed.
Circuit Clerk staff can help with access and copying, but they cannot interpret court documents or provide legal advice.
Record search, copy, and certification fees
Record searches, copies, and certifications must be paid in advance. Actual costs are provided before the request is completed.
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Record search | $10.00 for each year searched |
| Certification | $5.00 for each certified document |
| Copies | $2.00 for the first page |
| Additional copy pages up to 19 pages | $0.50 for each page after the first page |
| Additional copy pages after 20 pages | $0.25 for each additional page |
What a court file may include
A complete court file depends on the case type. Common file contents include docket sheets, pleadings, motions, charging documents, citations, and court disposition records.
| Case type | Common file contents |
|---|---|
| Criminal cases | Docket sheet, charging documents, and record of proceedings on arraignment |
| Traffic cases | Uniform citation, signed plea of guilty, and report of court disposition |
| Civil cases | Complaint, answer, and motions |
Transcripts, police reports, evidence, and exhibits are not included in the court file. Transcripts must be obtained from the court reporter, and police reports must be obtained from the police department.
Related court services
The Circuit Clerk also provides commonly used case forms, electronic filing information, court calendar access, and online payment support through myChampaignCourts.
For payments, myChampaignCourts allows users to find citations and cases, pay court fees or fines, view receipts, and keep track of records and reminders.
Champaign County Circuit Clerk contact
Use the Circuit Clerk contact information for court record searches, copy requests, certifications, file viewing room questions, and official court file access.
- Champaign County Circuit Clerk, 101 East Main Street, Urbana, IL 61801
- Phone: (217) 384-3725
- Fax: (217) 384-3879
- Email: [email protected]
- Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Common questions
Where can I search Champaign County court case information online?
Use the county’s Court Case Information search to search by participant name or case number.
Is the online court case information the official court record?
No. Online case information is not the official court record. Contact the Champaign County Circuit Clerk’s Office for certified copies or official record needs.
How do I request civil court records or certified civil copies?
Submit the civil record request form with the years to search, case details, document titles, copy needs, and certification request.
How do I request criminal, traffic, or ordinance court records?
Submit the criminal record request form. For traffic searches, include driver’s license information and the issuing state.
Can the Circuit Clerk provide arrest records or background checks?
No. Arrest records should be requested from the arresting police agency. A true background check is performed by the Illinois State Police.
Can I view court files in person?
Yes. The Circuit Clerk’s file viewing room is available during regular courthouse hours for paper files, digital files, and microfilm of older court cases.
How much does a court record search cost?
A record search costs $10.00 for each year searched. Certifications cost $5.00 per document, plus applicable copy charges.