Lake County Clerk of Court (IL): Records, Case Access & Court Services

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Lake County, Illinois Clerk of Circuit Court Guide

Lake County Clerk of Court (IL): Records, Case Access & Court Services

The Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court is the official keeper of court records for judicial matters filed in the Circuit Court of Lake County, Illinois, part of the 19th Judicial Circuit. The office helps the public search certain court records, request files and documents, order certified copies, pay eligible fines and fees, access traffic and criminal case services, file civil matters, handle probate filings, and use passport services.

Use this guide to search Lake County court records, request case access, find the Waukegan courthouse on Google Map, understand branch court locations, use e-filing, request record searches, avoid the wrong Lake County Clerk office, and follow official links with step-by-step instructions.

Search Lake County Court Records Request a File or Document Locations, Hours & Google Map

Independent guide last reviewed September 2026. Always confirm current hours, fees, case-access rules, portal instructions, and courthouse notices on the official Lake County Circuit Clerk website before filing, paying, requesting copies, or visiting.

Quick Facts: Lake County Clerk of Court Records

Official office name Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court, Illinois.
Current Clerk Erin Cartwright Weinstein, Clerk of the Circuit Court.
Main courthouse address 18 N County Street, Waukegan, IL 60085.
Main switchboard 847-377-3380.
Main office hours Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Online portal Search cases, view certain public case records, pay eligible fines, search calendars, and request attorney case access.
Best search details Case number, party name, ticket/citation number, court date, case type, attorney, or calendar search details.
Not the same office Marriage licenses, vital records, elections, and recorded land documents may involve the separate Lake County Clerk office, not the Circuit Clerk.
Fast answer: use the Circuit Clerk’s Online Portal for Lake County court cases. Use the Circuit Clerk’s “Request a File or Document” page for copies and certified court documents. Use the separate Lake County Clerk / official records search for recorded documents, vital records, and marriage-license related services.

Case Access: Public Users, Attorneys, Firms, and Restricted Records

“Case access” means more than searching a name. Public users may see basic case information and certain public records, while attorneys and authorized users may need registration or case-access approval to view additional documents.

The Lake County Circuit Clerk’s portal includes attorney and firm registration guidance, attorney request for case access, and court-user home page tools. The Clerk’s Office states that it does not support every outside account system and does not have access to some portal account information, so users should follow the exact official instructions.

Official portal infoLake County Circuit Clerk Online Portal Information

After opening this link:

  1. Review what the portal allows users to do, including search cases, pay fines and fees, and access court information.
  2. If you are an attorney or firm, check whether your ARDC and email information match the Clerk’s Case Management System Court Directory information.
  3. Use the Attorney & Firm Registration page if you need to register with the case-management system.
  4. Use the portal’s case-access request path only for cases and roles that qualify for expanded access.
  5. If you cannot access a case, contact the correct Clerk division with the case number and your role in the case.
Public access Public users may view certain public civil, criminal, and traffic information through the portal.
Attorney access Attorneys may need registration and case-access request steps before seeing eligible documents.
Restricted records Sealed, impounded, juvenile, and confidential records may be hidden or unavailable online.
In-person review For public court-file viewing, the Records Division may require a government-issued photo ID.
Practical tip: if you are a party, attorney, agency, or authorized user, say that clearly when contacting the Clerk. Access rules often depend on your role, not only on whether the case exists.

Request Lake County Court Files, Documents, Certified Copies, and eCertified Copies

Use the request-file or document process when you need a specific court document, an entire court file, a certified copy, an older scanned file, a naturalization record, or a document that is not available through the online portal.

The Clerk also offers electronic certified copies through Clerk E-Certify for eligible non-restricted cases and non-restricted documents. If you need an Apostille in Illinois, the Clerk notes that you must obtain a raised seal on your documents.

Official document requestRequest a Lake County Court File or Document

After opening this link:

  1. Review the required information before submitting a request.
  2. Gather the case number, party name, document name, and whether you need one document or the full court file.
  3. Use the Document Copy Request Form if you need documents from a court file.
  4. State clearly whether you need the copy certified.
  5. If an older case shows “Case Document Images,” ask whether the whole bulk scan or a specific document from that scan is needed.
  6. Wait for the Clerk’s instructions about availability, cost, delivery, and whether the document can be provided online.

Certified copiesCertified Copy Requests and Clerk E-Certify

After opening this link:

  1. Decide whether an electronic certified copy is acceptable for your purpose.
  2. Use Clerk E-Certify if the case and document are non-restricted and eligible for online certification.
  3. Request a raised-seal certified copy if you need an Illinois Apostille or if the receiving agency does not accept eCertified copies.
  4. Check whether sealed or impounded cases are available online; many are not.
  5. Save the certified copy confirmation, receipt, and download instructions.
Records Division 847-377-3211. Handles background checks, public file viewing, court record copies, and general case information.
Certified copy help Certified copies are processed through Clerk procedures, with online eCertify available for eligible records.
Record search fee The Clerk’s fee schedule lists record-search fees by name and by year. Confirm the current amount before mailing payment.
Older file caution Archived, microfilm, bulk-scan, sealed, or restricted files can take longer and may need staff review.
Certified copy tip: ask the receiving agency whether it accepts eCertified documents. If the agency needs a raised seal, request that format before paying for the wrong copy type.

Lake County Clerk of Court Google Map, Address, Hours, and Branch Courts

The Circuit Clerk’s main office is located in the lower level at the south end of the Lake County Courthouse and Administrative Complex in Waukegan. Visitors may enter through the Criminal Court Tower at 301 Washington Street or through the north entrance of the Court Complex near the county parking garage.

Main Lake County Courthouse and Administrative Complex

Address: 18 N County Street, Waukegan, IL 60085

Main phone: 847-377-3380

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Best for: court records, civil filings, criminal and traffic services, certified copies, probate filings, small claims, passports, appeals, child support records, and general Circuit Clerk services.

Open Courthouse in Google Maps

Waukegan Branch Court

18 N County Street
Waukegan, IL 60085

Phone: 847-377-3380

Use for: main Circuit Clerk services, records, civil, criminal, traffic, probate, small claims, certified copies, and passports.

Mundelein Branch Court

105 E Route 83
Mundelein, IL 60060

Phone: 847-377-3300

Use for: branch court services. Confirm the case type and courtroom before visiting.

Park City Branch Court

301 Greenleaf Street
Park City, IL 60085

Phone: 847-377-3500

Use for: branch court services. Verify your scheduled location before appearing.

Round Lake Branch Court

1792 Nicole Lane
Round Lake, IL 60073

Phone: 847-377-3400

Use for: branch court services and eligible traffic-related matters. Check the case notice first.

Juvenile Branch Court

24647 N Milwaukee Avenue
Vernon Hills, IL 60061

Phone: 847-377-7888

Use for: juvenile matters. Juvenile records are sealed and excluded from ordinary record searches.

Official locationsLake County Circuit Clerk Locations and Hours

After opening this link:

  1. Confirm the location that appears on your ticket, summons, notice, or court order.
  2. Check whether your service is handled at the main Waukegan office, a branch court, or the Juvenile Branch Court.
  3. Write down the department phone number before visiting.
  4. Use the Google Map/directions link for the exact building and plan extra time for parking and security screening.
  5. For passports, copies, filing, probate, civil, traffic, and criminal services, confirm department hours because not all counters follow the same service window.

Lake County Circuit Clerk Divisions and Court Services

The Circuit Clerk’s main branch is divided into service areas. Choosing the right division saves time and helps you avoid calling the wrong counter for civil, criminal, traffic, probate, appeals, records, small claims, or passport questions.

Criminal and Traffic 847-377-3250. Handles payments, motions, filings, traffic, criminal, conservation, ordinance violations, expungements, and general criminal/traffic information.
General / Civil Division 847-377-3209. Accepts new civil case filings, family, dissolution, name change, chancery, arbitration, law division, eminent domain, miscellaneous remedy, and child support filings.
Probate Division 847-377-3260. Accepts probate and guardianship filings, including decedent estates and guardianships of disabled and minor persons, and maintains wills.
Records Division 847-377-3211. Provides court-record copies, background checks, file viewing, and general case information.
Small Claims 847-377-3226. Handles small claims and law magistrate filings, post-judgment proceedings, scheduling, and case information.
Passports 847-377-3351. Processes passport applications during limited passport service hours.

Official divisionsLake County Circuit Clerk Divisions

After opening this link:

  1. Select the division that matches your case or service: Civil, Criminal, Traffic, Probate, Juvenile, or another listed division.
  2. Read what that division handles before calling or filing.
  3. Use the linked e-filing, payment, record search, forms, or scheduling pages when listed.
  4. Confirm whether your case type has special rules, such as juvenile confidentiality, probate procedures, or traffic-citation options.
Human-friendly shortcut: if your notice has a case number, ticket number, courtroom, branch court, or judge listed, keep that paper in front of you while searching or calling. It usually tells you which division should help.

Traffic Citations, Criminal Cases, Online Payments, Traffic School, and Court Diversion

Lake County traffic citations do not always require a court appearance. Some traffic violations may be paid to the Clerk of the Circuit Court without going to court, while other cases require appearance, court supervision, traffic school, or judge review.

The Clerk separates traffic and criminal payments between the Online Portal and Collect / Point & Pay depending on the type of fee. If you are unsure of the amount owed, the Clerk instructs users to contact the office for a quote before making payment.

Official traffic guideLake County Traffic Citation Options

After opening this link:

  1. Read whether your citation requires a court appearance.
  2. If eligible, choose whether to plead guilty and pay, request traffic school, or follow another listed option.
  3. Use your ticket/citation number and case number exactly as shown on the citation.
  4. Do not miss the court date if your citation requires appearance.
  5. Remember that the Circuit Clerk’s Office cannot give legal advice about which option is best for you.

Official paymentsLake County Circuit Clerk Online Payments

After opening this link:

  1. Use the Online Portal for eligible traffic and criminal payments such as pleading guilty and paying a fine, requesting traffic school, or paying outstanding fines, fees, and costs.
  2. Use Collect / Point & Pay only for the listed payment categories, such as copies, appeals, record searches, restitution, and certain restricted or juvenile payments.
  3. If you are not sure how much is due, call 847-377-3380 before paying.
  4. Review convenience fees before submitting payment.
  5. Save the confirmation number, receipt, and any traffic-school or court-diversion instructions.

Court diversionSupervision and Court Diversion

After opening this link:

  1. Read the eligibility rules before assuming you qualify for court supervision or diversion.
  2. Confirm whether you received multiple citations from the same incident.
  3. If the program applies, follow the payment and form-submission steps exactly.
  4. Keep proof of completion because supervision remains on the Circuit Clerk’s record.
Payment safety: use only official Lake County Circuit Clerk payment links. Do not pay fines, warrants, tickets, or court balances through gift cards, cash apps, private links, or callers who pressure you to act immediately.

E-Filing in Lake County, Illinois

Illinois requires civil filings to be filed electronically in all counties. The Lake County Circuit Clerk accepts electronic filings but does not provide its own county-specific e-filing system. Instead, users file through the statewide Illinois e-filing solution.

E-filing is especially important for civil cases, family cases, dissolution of marriage, child support, name changes, chancery, arbitration, law division, eminent domain, and other civil matters. Self-represented users should read court forms and procedures before filing.

Official e-filingLake County Circuit Clerk E-Filing

After opening this link:

  1. Read the Lake County explanation that Illinois civil filings must be filed electronically.
  2. Use the linked statewide e-filing solution rather than looking for a Lake County-only filing portal.
  3. Choose the correct court, county, case type, and filing code.
  4. Upload the correct PDF documents and review filing fees before submission.
  5. Save the submission confirmation and watch for acceptance, rejection, or correction notices.
  6. If you are unsure whether your motion date is available, contact the Circuit Clerk’s Office before filing motions.

SchedulingLake County Circuit Clerk Scheduling Information

After opening this link:

  1. Review scheduling instructions before filing a motion or notice.
  2. Contact the Circuit Clerk’s Office to make sure a date and time are available before filing motions.
  3. Match your scheduling request to the correct division or branch court.
  4. Keep proof of the filed motion, notice, and hearing date confirmation.
Filing reminder: a rejected e-filing can affect deadlines. Read the rejection notice carefully, correct the issue quickly, and keep every filing confirmation.

Lake County Circuit Clerk Passport Services

The Lake County Circuit Clerk processes passport applications at 18 N County Street in Waukegan. Passport processing is located on the first floor, one flight up from the Circuit Clerk’s main office.

Passport services are generally available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with the last passport application accepted no later than 1:00 p.m., except court holidays. Families applying for three or more passports are strongly encouraged to request an appointment.

Passport phone 847-377-3351.
Passport address 18 N County Street, Waukegan, IL 60085.
Service window Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; last application commonly accepted by 1:00 p.m.
Photo service Passport photos are available through the office for a posted fee. Confirm the current fee before visiting.

Official passportsApply for a Passport Through the Lake County Circuit Clerk

After opening this link:

  1. Read the current passport processing times and service-hour notice.
  2. Prepare the correct application, proof of citizenship, government-issued ID, passport photo, and required payments.
  3. For minors, read the minor passport requirements before visiting.
  4. Request an appointment if your family is applying for three or more passports.
  5. Allow approximately 30 minutes per application.
  6. Use the U.S. Department of State website for the most current federal processing times, renewals, and urgent travel rules.
Passport renewal note: some adult renewals use Form DS-82 and are mailed directly by the applicant, not processed like a first-time DS-11 application. Read the official passport page before visiting.

Wrong Office Checker: Circuit Clerk vs Lake County Clerk vs Court vs Recorder Search

Lake County, Illinois can be confusing because “Clerk of Court,” “Circuit Clerk,” and “County Clerk” sound similar but do not always handle the same records. The title of this guide points to court records, so the main office is the Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court.

Use the Circuit Clerk for

  • Civil, criminal, traffic, probate, small claims, and court case records.
  • Case search, calendar search, fines, fees, and court payments.
  • Certified court copies and public viewing of court files.
  • Record searches for criminal, traffic, and civil actions.
  • E-filing information and court filing support.
  • Passport applications at the courthouse service location.

Use another office for

  • Lake County Clerk: marriage licenses, vital records, elections, and many county-clerk services.
  • Official Records Search: recorded documents and public records indexed through the Lake County Clerk records system.
  • 19th Judicial Circuit Court: judges, courtrooms, court rules, court calendars, and court programs.
  • Juvenile Court: juvenile matters, which have special confidentiality rules.
  • Secretary of State: driver licenses, vehicle titles, and Illinois license plates.

Court website19th Judicial Circuit Court of Illinois

After opening this link:

  1. Use this court website for judges, courtrooms, court administration, court rules, court programs, and courthouse information.
  2. Use the Circuit Clerk website for case records, copies, payments, filing, and official court-record keeper services.
  3. If you need a hearing location, compare your case notice with the court’s building and courtroom information.

County Clerk recordsLake County, Illinois Official Record Search

After opening this link:

  1. Use this separate official record search when your record is not a court case record.
  2. Search by name, document type, record date, document number, or other available official-record details.
  3. Check whether the result belongs to the Lake County Clerk records system rather than the Circuit Clerk court case system.
  4. Return to the Circuit Clerk only if the document you need is part of a court case file.
Simple rule: court case = Circuit Clerk. Judge/courtroom/rules = 19th Judicial Circuit Court. Marriage/vital/county clerk records = Lake County Clerk. Driver license or plates = Illinois Secretary of State.

Lake County Circuit Clerk Fees, Copy Costs, Record Searches, and Payment Notes

Fees vary by filing type, record type, copy type, certification type, and payment method. Always use the official fee schedule before mailing payment or filing a case because civil, criminal, probate, small claims, certified copy, record search, and expungement costs can change.

$6.00 Record search per name, based on the posted fee schedule.
$6.00 Record search per year, based on the posted fee schedule.
$10.00 Additional certified copy of judgment after the first certified copy, as listed in the fee schedule.
$8.00 Exemplification fee shown in the fee schedule.
$25.00 Correction of case number or returned/NSF check fee shown in the fee schedule.
$82.00+ Petition to expunge record fee examples vary by number of cases and included certified copies.
$15.00 Passport photo fee listed by the Clerk’s passport information; confirm current amount before visiting.
Varies Credit-card convenience fees can apply depending on amount and payment channel.

Official feesLake County Circuit Clerk Filing Fees

After opening this link:

  1. Open the current Circuit Clerk fee schedule from the official fee page.
  2. Find the correct category, such as civil filing, probate, small claims, copies, certifications, record search, criminal, traffic, expungement, or miscellaneous fees.
  3. Check whether payment must be made by money order, certified cashier’s check, credit card, or another allowed method.
  4. Review convenience fees before paying by card.
  5. If the exact amount is uncertain, call 847-377-3380 for a quote before paying.
Fee caution: do not rely on old screenshots or third-party fee summaries. Court filing fees, copy fees, convenience fees, and payment instructions can change.

Sealed, Juvenile, Expunged, Impounded, and Restricted Records

Some Lake County court records are not available to the general public online. Juvenile records are sealed and excluded from ordinary record searches. Other records may be impounded, sealed, expunged, restricted by court order, or withheld because of privacy rules.

Record searches, certified copies, and portal access are not the same as legal advice. If a record is sensitive, sealed, expunged, immigration-related, employment-sensitive, or tied to a deadline, verify the rules with the Clerk, the court, or a qualified attorney.

Record sealing helpRecord Search and Restricted Record Information

After opening this link:

  1. Read the record-search instructions and sealed juvenile record warning.
  2. If you need a criminal history, immigration/citizenship background check, or employment-related record search, identify the exact name and years needed.
  3. If you need copies from a court file, use the Request a File or Document page rather than only requesting a search.
  4. If you believe a record was expunged or sealed, do not assume the online portal fully explains the legal status.
Legal-use notice: this page is an independent informational guide and is not the official Lake County Circuit Clerk website. It is not a consumer reporting agency. Do not use this page or linked searches for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance eligibility, or any Fair Credit Reporting Act purpose.

Official Lake County Court Links Used in This Guide

Use these official links instead of outdated directory pages, ad-heavy record-search sites, or unofficial payment links.

Lake County Circuit Clerk Official Website Lake County Circuit Clerk Online Portal Online Portal Information Record Searches Request a File or Document Certified Copy Requests Locations and Hours Online Payments E-Filing Passport Applications 19th Judicial Circuit Court Lake County Official Record Search

Accuracy, Public Records, and Legal Use Notice

This page is an independent informational guide and is not the official Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court website. Court records, portal access, case status, branch court assignments, payment instructions, filing fees, copy fees, passport hours, and case-access rules can change.

This website is not a consumer reporting agency. Do not use this page or any linked court-record search for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance eligibility, or any Fair Credit Reporting Act purpose.

Verify before acting: if a court date, warrant issue, traffic deadline, criminal balance, certified copy, expungement, sealed record, filing deadline, passport appointment, or legal access question matters, confirm directly with the official Circuit Clerk, the 19th Judicial Circuit Court, or a qualified professional.

Lake County Clerk of Court FAQs

1. How do I search Lake County Illinois court records online?

Use the official Lake County Circuit Clerk Online Portal. Choose Search Case for case lookup, Calendar Search for court dates, or Pay a Fine for eligible traffic and criminal payments. Verify the case number, party name, case type, court location, and docket details before relying on the result.

2. What is the official Lake County Clerk of Court website?

The official court-record website is lakecountycircuitclerk.org. The court case portal is the Lake County Circuit Clerk Online Portal for the 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Lake County, Illinois.

3. Where is the Lake County Clerk of the Circuit Court located?

The main office is located at 18 N County Street, Waukegan, IL 60085, in the lower level at the south end of the Lake County Courthouse and Administrative Complex.

4. What phone number should I call for Lake County court records?

The main switchboard is 847-377-3380. The Records Division can be reached at 847-377-3211 for court-record copies, public file viewing, record searches, background checks, and general case information.

5. Can I request certified copies of Lake County court records online?

Yes, eligible non-restricted cases and documents may be available through Clerk E-Certify. If you need a raised seal, Apostille support, or a document from a sealed or restricted file, contact the Clerk or use the certified copy request instructions.

6. Why can’t I find a Lake County case online?

The case may be sealed, impounded, juvenile, restricted, confidential, filed under a different name, missing from public portal access, or not available to your user role. Use the request-file process or contact the correct division for help.

7. Does the Lake County Circuit Clerk handle traffic tickets?

Yes. The Circuit Clerk handles traffic case records, eligible traffic payments, traffic school requests, court supervision and diversion forms, and general traffic case information. Some citations require a court appearance, so read the citation and official instructions carefully.

8. Does the Lake County Clerk of Court handle passports?

Yes. The Circuit Clerk processes passport applications at 18 N County Street in Waukegan during limited passport service hours. Applicants should review the official passport page, bring required documents, and request an appointment for families applying for three or more passports.

9. Are marriage licenses and vital records handled by the Circuit Clerk?

No. Marriage licenses, vital records, elections, and many county-clerk records are generally handled by the separate Lake County Clerk office, not the Clerk of the Circuit Court. Use the Circuit Clerk for court case records and court services.

10. Is this page the official Lake County Circuit Clerk website?

No. This is an independent guide. For official court records, case access, certified copies, payments, filings, passport services, maps, office hours, and service updates, use the official Lake County Circuit Clerk links provided in this article.

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