How to Order a Property Deed From Cook County, Illinois

Typically, homeowners can get a copy of their property deed by visiting their county deeds office. Cook County, Illinois' property records are easily searchable online through a property index number (known as a PIN) or a street address. On December 7, 2021, the Cook County Clerk's office took over operations for the Cook County Recorder of Deeds office, which used to have these records but no longer exists.

Property deeds are legal documents used to convey the transfer of ownership of real property from a grantor (seller) to a grantee (buyer). They are public records and are maintained by a county clerk's office or recorder of deeds office, depending on the location.

Deeds differ from state to state regarding the information they contain, but they must be on paper and usually include:

• Names and addresses of the seller and buyer of the property.
• Property description, including exact property lines with common points like sewer lines or roads for reference.
• Signatures of the seller and buyer, which must be consistent with the names listed on other documentation regarding the property.
• Granting clause that transfers ownership from the grantor to the grantee, describing the grantee's rights and lists other people who may also take title.
• Consideration clause stating that the grantor received something of value for the property, typically money, the amount of which is on the deed.

The PIN is a 14-digit number representing a land parcel. This numerical code is the property's legal description and identifier for the purpose of real estate taxation. The code points to the parcel location on Cook County tax maps. A homeowner can find their PIN on a deed or property tax bill or other documents they may have from the purchase of their parcel.

A PIN will not always match a particular parcel, and some addresses may not be available online. In most instances, the Cook County Assessor's office can provide a property photo to help the homeowner match the address to the PIN. If they need additional help with examining county tax maps, they can visit the county's Real Estate and Tax Services Division on the 4th floor of the Cook County Building at 118 N. Clark Street.

The Cook County Clerk's online database allows individuals to view property deeds on record. After locating the right property deed, a person who wishes to order a copy will pay $5 to download the document. As of May 20, 2022, the clerk's office will no longer sell certified or standard copies of documents through the search portal. However, those who need copies can get them from any clerk's office location.

Plats, condominium declarations, and real estate transfer declarations are not available for sale through the search portal. Individuals who wish to have copies of these documents can buy them from the County Clerk's downtown location. For general assistance, call 312-603-5050 to speak to a live operator. If a homeowner doesn't have their PIN, they can conduct a search by address.

Some companies resell property deeds online, but these can be costly; property deed copies are cheaper when purchasing directly through the Cook County Clerk's office. These companies have no affiliation with the clerk's office or any other Cook County government agency.

Third-party sellers often claim that having a certified copy of a property deed is the only way an individual can prove ownership. There is no requirement that a homeowner has a certified copy of their property deed if it is recorded with the county clerk's office. The office recommends that property owners keep copies of their property deed, which was likely given to them at closing.