Request Copies

What can I Request? What is Public Information?

The majority of case files are available to the public.  This excludes, but is not limited to, the following case types:

  • Adoption cases
  • Juvenile Abuse and Neglect cases
  • Juvenile Delinquency cases
  • Expunged and Sealed cases
  • Mental Health cases
  • Cases that have been impounded by court order
 
Within a public court file, there may also be restricted documents. This includes, but is not limited to the following:
  • Financial Statements
  • Medical Records
  • Mental Health Records
  • Social Security Numbers and other Personal Identity information
  • Victim names (adults and minors) in Sexual Assault cases

What You Will NOT Find in a Court File

Some commonly requested copies you will NOT find in the court files are:

  • Transcripts (Must be obtained from Court Reporters)
  • Police Reports (Must be obtained from the arresting agency)
  • Evidence or Exhibits

How Much do Copies Cost?

Copies (emailed or mailed) are available at the rate of $2.00 for the first page, $.50 for each additional page up to 20 pages, and an additional $.25 for each page after that.  There is an additional $6.00 fee per certification if you would like the documents certified.  

To Request an Emailed Document

If you are requesting a certified copy, emailed certified copies only include a printed version of the Court's seal. This is sufficient for some agencies, but other agencies require an actual hand-crimped, raised seal certification to verify authenticity. If you require a raised seal certification follow the second set of instructions to have your document mailed.


  1. Email request to [email protected]. Include the following information:
    • Your name, phone number & email address
    • Case Number, Party Names, Document Title, File Date
    • Specify that you want an emailed copy
    • Do you want a certified copy? Yes or No

    2. If you do not have all information a $6 search fee may be added to the amount. To expedite the process please supply as much information as possible.

  2. Amount due for copies will be emailed back to you at the email address provided. Please wait for a reply BEFORE making payment. Electronic copy fees charged at same rate as hard copies per Administrative Order (No. 2010-02), $2.00 for first page, $.50 per page for next 19 pages, $.25 per page for additional pages. The credit card vendor charges a convenience fee for the service.  This fee is not charged or collected by the Circuit Clerk.

  3. Upon payment, document will be emailed to you in PDF format.

To Request a Mailed Document

The Circuit Clerk can only provide copies of documents which are filed in court files. Police reports are not filed in the court files. To request a copy of a police report you must contact the police department directly. Court transcripts (Reports of Proceeding) are not typically made a part of the court file. Contact the 22nd Circuit Court Reporters to request the preparation of a court transcript through Court Administration at (815) 334-4385.

Some agencies require a certification which includes a raised seal on the document to verify its authenticity. If you require a certified document with a raised seal please specify that in your emailed request. Documents with a raised seal can only be mailed.

    1. Email request to [email protected]. Include the following information:
      • Your name, phone number & email address
      • Case Number, Party Names, Document Title, File Date
      • Specify that you need a mailed copy of the document
      • Do you want a certified copy with a raised seal? Then specify certified with raised seal.

If you do not have all information a $6 search fee may be added to the amount. To expedite the process please supply as much information as possible.

  1. Amount due for copies will be emailed back to you at the email address provided. Please wait for a reply BEFORE making payment. Electronic copy fees charged at same rate as hard copies per Administrative Order, $2.00 for first page, $.50 per page for next 19 pages, $.25 per page for additional pages, $6.00 per document certification. The credit card vendor charges a convenience fee for the service. This fee is not charged or collected by the Circuit Clerk.
  2. Upon payment, requested hard copies will be mailed to you at the address provided on the envelope sent with your written request.

Options for Payment

  1. Pay Online Now
  2. GovPay Net Service Fee List – Accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover & American Express
  3. Mail payment to:
  •          McHenry County Circuit Clerk
  •          Attn: Room 136
  •          2200 N. Seminary Avenue
  •          Woodstock, IL 60098