The public may access ICJIA records and documentation by submitting a request pursuant to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 ILCS 140). Access to, or copies of public records may be obtained through the FOIA via an on-site records review at agency headquarters or agency duplication (fees may be assessed) and mailing. The appropriate method will depend upon the type and quantity of records requested.
Your request for information must be submitted through the interactive web form provided, or through fax, the US mail or special carrier to:
Sean O'Brien Associate General Counsel Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority 300 W. Adams St., Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60606 Fax: 312-793-8422
For more information on the FOIA and how to request information under the FOIA, see the Frequently Asked Questions below.
PLEASE NOTE: Criminal histories and court records cannot be requested through FOIA. See the FAQ below for more information on how to obtain these documents.
FOIA is the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140), records in possession of public agencies may be accessed by the public upon written request.
Pursuant to 5 ILCS 140, Section 2(c), a public record is any records, reports, forms, writings, letters, memoranda, books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, recordings, electronic data processing records, recorded information and all other documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, having been prepared, or having been or being used, received, possessed or under the control of any public body. Records that are not subject to release via the FOIA process include confidential and trade secret information. These records are defined in 2 Ill. Adm. Code 1828.202.
You are encouraged to submit your request through the FOIA web form. Any follow-up inquiries that you may have on the status of your request, on-site record review appointments, record duplication fees or copy contractor questions should be directed to Sean O'Brien at (312) 793-8948.
FOIA requests that are sent via Fax, U.S. Mail or special carrier should be directed to:
Sean O'Brien Associate General Counsel Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority 300 W. Adams St., Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60606
By using the FOIA web form to submit your request; you will be prompted to include the information necessary to process your request. The online request form will conveniently guide you through the request and help to ensure that the request is complete.
By using the online form, your request will automatically be directed to the ICJIA FOIA coordinator, avoiding delays in mailing and routing paper requests.
If you submit your request by fax, U.S. Mail or special carrier, the request should state that you are requesting the information under the Freedom of Information Act and must clearly describe the information being sought. Each request must also include full contact information for the requestor, including name, organization, mailing address, e-mail address, fax number and daytime phone number.
All requests are processed in the order in which they are received. The Agency will respond within seven working days of receipt of the request. A seven-day extension is allowed with written notification to the requestor (2 Ill. Adm. Code 1828.501).
If the requested records are 400 pages or less in length the pages will be copied and mailed to the requestor. If the records are more then 400 pages in length, the requestor will be notified and advised of options for viewing or copying the files. Those options include:
Scheduling an on-site review of the records at ICJIA headquarters.
Notification of the estimated fees that will be incurred by the requester so that a guarantee of payment can be made by the requester before the Agency copies the files and mails them to the requester. No information will be sent until payment is received.
Requestors will also be given the opportunity to narrow the scope of their request so that it includes less than 400 pages of material.
Black and white, (letter or legal size) paper copies, up to and including 50 copies
No Charge
Black and white, (letter or legal size) paper copies, in excess of 50 copies
$.15/page
Color copies (any paper size) or black and white copies not on letter or legal size paper
Reasonable cost of reproduction
Fees may be waived or reduced under certain circumstances. In general, the waiver or reduction of fees will be granted when it is determined to be in the public interest to do so (2 Ill. Adm. Code, Section 1828.603). If a fee is required, information will not be released until the fee is paid in full.
No. The Authority does not maintain criminal history information and cannot provide criminal history records. The Illinois State Police are statutorily responsible for maintaining criminal history information for the State of Illinois. The Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification webpage offers instructions on how to conduct a criminal history background check.
The Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification is located at 260 North Chicago Street, Joliet, Illinois, 60431-1060. For more information, call (815) 740-5216.
No. The Authority does not maintain copies of court records. These records must be requested from the Circuit Court Clerks in which the court proceeding occurred. A list of contact information for the Circuit Court Clerks can be found here.
Contact Information
For more information on filing a FOIA request, contact:
Sean O'Brien Associate General Counsel Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority 300 W. Adams St., Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60606 Phone: (312) 793-8948 Fax: (312) 793-8422
Duplication Fees
Type of Duplication
Fees (per copy)
Black and white, (letter or legal size) paper copies, up to and including 50 copies
No Charge
Black and white, (letter or legal size) paper copies, in excess of 50 copies
$.15/page
Color copies (any paper size) or black and white copies not on letter or legal size paper
