Lake County IL Recorder Office: Address & Records

Lake County combined its County Clerk and Recorder of Deeds operations in 2022. The office is now officially called the Recording Division of the Lake County Clerk’s Office.

This matters because the Recorder, County Clerk, Assessor and Treasurer have different responsibilities.

Lake County has a Land Records eSearch system. You must create an account and accept its terms before using the database.

The county’s search guide identifies name searches, PIN searches, advanced searches and historical grantor/grantee index books.

1. Create an account or sign in.

   On the login page, select Create an Account if you are a first-time visitor.

   Enter your email address, complete registration and accept the terms of service.

2. Choose a search method.

   Search the grantor or grantee name when you know a property owner or party involved in a transaction.

   Use PIN or document information if you have a parcel identifier or recording reference.

3. Review matching documents.

   Match the parties, recording date, document type and legal description before selecting the correct instrument.

4. Review the document image or index.

   Check the available image and recording reference. Do not assume a name match alone identifies the correct property.

5. Save the recording details.

   Keep the document number, recording date, parties and PIN, when shown.

   These details make later copy requests much easier.

Which search method should you use?

Arrival tip: Go to the sixth floor for recorded documents, not the Clerk’s first-floor vital-records service counter.

The Lake County Court and Administrative Complex offers a county parking garage, nearby city lots and metered parking. Plan for building security screening.

Bring your recording reference for copy requests, or the original signed and notarized document if you intend to record.

After opening: find Court and Administrative Complex or Recording Division; review the parking guidance and visitor rules before traveling.

Lake County’s deed-recording guide lists specific legal and formatting requirements. A deed that is missing required information may be rejected or assessed an additional fee.

What happens before recording?

1. Prepare the deed correctly.

   Use a qualified attorney or title professional when changing ownership, using a trust, or handling an estate.

2. Check the declaration and transfer taxes.

   Most taxable transfers require Illinois PTAX-203 information. Confirm whether the transfer qualifies for a statutory exemption.

3. Obtain any required municipal transfer documents.

   Some Lake County municipalities require local stamps or exemption certificates before county recording.

4. Submit the deed and fees.

   Bring the document to the sixth-floor Recording Division or mail it to the official recording address.

5. Keep the recorded document information.

   Verify the recording stamp, document number and recording date after processing.

After opening: compare your deed with the ten recording requirements, review the transfer-tax section, and check the municipal list before visiting.

Lake County publishes a predictable fee schedule. The fee depends on the type and conformity of the document, not simply its page count.

Ordinary recording fees are separate from state, county and any municipal real estate transfer taxes.

Illinois and Lake County transfer tax rates

This example assumes the full consideration is taxable. Exemptions and the applicable statutory rounding rules may affect a particular transfer.

After opening: identify whether the document is standard or nonstandard, review the applicable exceptions, and confirm payment before submission.

Payment: The county lists cash, checks payable to Lake County Clerk, and Discover, MasterCard or Visa credit/debit cards for applicable in-office services.

PTAX-203: Illinois Real Estate Transfer Declaration

Illinois uses Form PTAX-203 to report certain real-estate transfers and calculate applicable transfer taxes.

Lake County’s deed guide says deeds generally require a completed PTAX-203 declaration or a signed and dated exemption statement, as applicable.

After opening: use the MyDec workflow for the real-estate transfer declaration, enter the transfer details, and coordinate any municipality or county requirements with your closing professional.

eRecording through approved vendors

The county accepts eligible documents electronically through approved eRecording vendors, including CSC, eRecording Partners Network, Hopdox and Simplifile.

Approved submitters upload documents, receive a review result, correct rejected packages and receive recorded images electronically.

Vendor service charges are additional to county recording fees.

After opening: review Document Types Eligible for eRecording, the deed-specific notes and vendor list. Contact a listed vendor if you need access.

Lake County recorded documents are public records, except for legally restricted categories such as military discharge records.

You do not need to submit a Freedom of Information Act request simply to inspect an ordinary recorded deed.

Regular recorded-document copies cost $1 per page. Confirm the full price for any certification or delivery method before ordering.

After opening: find How do I obtain a copy?, then select the most convenient order method. Provide the document number if you have it.

Several Lake County offices handle property-related information, but their records answer different questions.

Remember: A recorded deed is evidence of a transaction. It does not by itself prove that title is clear of every lien, claim or legal defect.

Lake County’s Recording Division states that staff cannot conduct a legal title examination for you. Use an Illinois title professional or attorney when a complete title search is needed.

These are the principal county and state resources supporting the procedures explained in this guide.