Will County Property Records
What Is Will County Property Records
Will County property records are official documents that record ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property (land and buildings) within Will County, Illinois. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of property ownership and interests throughout the county. Property records establish legal ownership through a chain of title, provide public notice of property interests, protect property rights, and facilitate real estate transactions.
Pursuant to 765 ILCS 5/28, the Illinois Conveyances Act requires that deeds, mortgages, and other instruments affecting real estate be recorded with the county recorder's office. This statutory requirement ensures that all property transactions are properly documented and accessible to the public.
Property records in Will County include:
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's)
- Mortgages and mortgage releases
- Liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment)
- Easements
- Plats of subdivision
- Tax records
- Assessment information
The Will County Recorder of Deeds maintains the official repository of these documents, providing essential services for property owners, real estate professionals, and the general public.
Will County Recorder of Deeds
302 N. Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 740-4637
Will County Recorder
Are Property Records Public Information In Will County?
Property records in Will County are public information and accessible to all citizens under Illinois law. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/) establishes the public's right to access government records, including property records. Additionally, the Illinois Conveyances Act specifically mandates public access to property records.
The legal basis for public access to property records includes:
- Property ownership is fundamentally a matter of public record
- Recording statutes require public access to provide notice of property interests
- Transparency in land ownership serves the public interest
- Public records facilitate legitimate business transactions and protect property rights
Any member of the public may access property records without demonstrating a specific interest or providing a reason for their request. This open access policy supports transparency in government and facilitates real estate transactions by providing reliable information about property ownership and encumbrances.
The Illinois Local Records Act further requires local government agencies, including county recorders, to maintain and provide access to public records. Will County complies with these statutory requirements by maintaining comprehensive property records and making them available through both in-person services and online platforms.
How To Search Property Records in Will County in 2026
Members of the public may search Will County property records through multiple channels. The county offers both in-person and digital access options to accommodate various needs.
For in-person searches:
- Visit the Will County Recorder of Deeds office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form at the public service counter
- Provide specific property information (address, PIN, owner name)
- Staff will assist with accessing the appropriate records
- Pay applicable fees for copies of documents
For telephone requests:
- Contact the Recorder's office at (815) 740-4637
- Provide specific property information
- Staff can verify basic information and explain how to obtain copies
For mail requests:
- Submit a written request to the Will County Recorder of Deeds
- Include specific property information
- Enclose appropriate payment for search and copy fees
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return documents
The Will County Clerk's office also maintains certain property records, particularly those related to tax assessments and property tax information. Their records can be accessed through similar methods.
Will County Clerk
302 N. Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 740-4615
Will County Clerk
How To Find Property Records in Will County Online?
Will County offers comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These online resources allow users to search and retrieve property information without visiting county offices in person.
To access Will County property records online:
- Visit the Will County Recorder's official website
- Select the "Search Records" option from the main navigation menu
- Create a user account if required (basic searches may be available without registration)
- Choose the appropriate search method:
- Property Index Number (PIN)
- Property address
- Owner name
- Document number
- Document type and date range
- Enter the search criteria and submit the query
- Review the search results and select specific documents to view
- Pay any applicable fees for document copies or certified records
The Will County Treasurer's office provides online access to property tax information through their web portal. This system allows users to:
- Search by PIN or property address
- View current and historical tax bills
- Check payment status
- Print tax bills
- Access property assessment information
The Illinois Department of Revenue also maintains property tax information that can supplement county-level records, particularly for understanding state-level property tax programs and exemptions.
For GIS (Geographic Information System) data related to properties, the Will County GIS Department offers an interactive mapping system that provides:
- Aerial photography
- Parcel boundaries
- Zoning information
- Flood plain data
- Infrastructure details
How To Look Up Will County Property Records for Free?
Will County provides several options for accessing property records at no cost, though some specialized services or document copies may incur fees.
Free access options include:
- Public computer terminals at the Will County Recorder's office for on-site research
- Basic online searches through the Recorder's public access portal
- Limited property information through the Will County Assessor's website
- Public access computers at Will County public libraries
To use these free resources:
- For in-person research, visit the Recorder's office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM)
- For online searches, access the basic search function on the Recorder's website (no login required for fundamental information)
- Use the Illinois public records portal to locate additional property information
- Visit the Will County Assessor's website for property assessment and tax information
Will County Assessor
302 N. Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 740-4648
Will County Assessor
While basic searches are free, users should be aware that:
- Printed copies typically incur per-page fees
- Certified documents require payment of certification fees
- Extensive research assistance may involve service charges
- Subscription services for high-volume users have associated costs
The Illinois Property Tax Code establishes guidelines for property record fees, though counties have some discretion in setting specific fee schedules.
What's Included in a Will County Property Record?
Will County property records contain comprehensive information about real property within the county boundaries. Real property refers to land and anything permanently attached to it, as distinguished from personal property, which includes movable items not attached to real estate.
Property records in Will County are maintained by multiple county offices, including the Recorder of Deeds, Assessor, Treasurer, and Clerk. Each office maintains different aspects of property information.
A typical Will County property record includes:
- Legal description of the property (lot, block, subdivision, section, township, range)
- Property Index Number (PIN) - a unique identifier for each parcel
- Current and historical ownership information
- Purchase price and date of acquisition
- Mortgage information, including lender and loan amount
- Liens, easements, and other encumbrances
- Property tax assessment values
- Tax payment history
- Plat maps and surveys
- Building permits and improvements
- Zoning classification
- Land use restrictions and covenants
For properties within municipalities, additional records may be maintained by city or village governments, including:
- Building code compliance
- Local zoning variances
- Special assessments
- Municipal utility information
The Illinois Real Property Disclosure Act (765 ILCS 77/) requires sellers to disclose certain property conditions, and these disclosure statements may become part of the property record when a sale occurs.
How Long Does Will County Keep Property Records?
Will County maintains property records permanently for most essential documents related to property ownership and transfers. This permanent retention policy ensures the continuity of the chain of title and protects property rights across generations.
According to the Illinois Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/), counties must follow specific retention schedules for various types of records. For property records, the retention periods include:
- Deeds, mortgages, and other instruments affecting title: Permanent
- Plats and surveys: Permanent
- Tax records: Minimum of 7 years, with permanent retention for tax judgment records
- Building permits: Typically 7-10 years after completion or occupancy
- Assessment records: Current plus 5 previous years required, though many are kept longer
- Property tax appeals: 5 years after final decision
The Illinois State Archives establishes retention schedules for county governments through the Local Records Commission. Will County adheres to these state-mandated retention requirements while maintaining permanent archives for historically significant and legally essential property documents.
Digital preservation initiatives have expanded the county's capacity to maintain historical records. The Will County Recorder's office has digitized records dating back to the county's formation in 1836, making historical property information more accessible while ensuring its preservation.
For research involving historical property records, the Will County Historical Society and the county's archival department provide additional resources beyond the standard property records maintained by county offices.
How To Find Liens on Property In Will County?
Liens on property in Will County can be identified through several official channels. A lien is a legal claim against a property that must be paid when the property is sold, and identifying existing liens is a crucial step in property transactions.
To search for liens on Will County property:
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Conduct a title search through the Will County Recorder of Deeds office
- Search by property address or PIN
- Review all recorded documents for the property
- Pay particular attention to documents labeled as liens, judgments, or notices
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Check for tax liens through the Will County Treasurer's office
- Search the property tax information system
- Look for unpaid property taxes or special assessments
- Verify if the property has been included in tax sales
-
Search for state tax liens through the Illinois Department of Revenue
- State tax liens are filed with the county recorder
- These liens may be for unpaid state income taxes or other state obligations
-
Check for federal tax liens at the Recorder's office
- The IRS files tax liens with the county recorder
- These appear in the property's chain of title
-
Search for mechanic's liens through the Circuit Clerk's office
- Contractors and material suppliers may file these liens
- They typically expire after a specific period if not enforced
Will County Circuit Clerk
14 W. Jefferson Street
Joliet, IL 60432
(815) 727-8592
Will County Circuit Clerk
Professional title companies also provide lien search services for a fee, which may be more comprehensive than individual searches. These companies have expertise in identifying all potential claims against a property.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Will County?
The Property Owner Rule in Will County refers to the set of regulations governing property ownership, transfers, and responsibilities within the county. These rules are derived from Illinois state law and local ordinances.
Key aspects of the Property Owner Rule include:
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Recording Requirements: Under Illinois law, all documents affecting real property interests must be recorded with the county recorder to provide constructive notice to the public. Unrecorded documents may be valid between the parties involved but may not be enforceable against subsequent purchasers who record their interests.
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Property Tax Responsibilities: Property owners are legally responsible for paying property taxes, regardless of whether they receive a tax bill. The Illinois Property Tax Code (35 ILCS 200/) establishes this obligation and the consequences for non-payment.
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Disclosure Requirements: When selling property, owners must comply with the Illinois Residential Real Property Disclosure Act, which requires disclosure of known material defects.
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Adverse Possession: Illinois law allows for acquisition of property through adverse possession after 20 years of open, notorious, exclusive, and continuous possession under claim of right.
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Homestead Exemption: Property owners may qualify for homestead exemptions that reduce property tax liability on their primary residence.
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Partition Rights: Co-owners of property have the right to petition for partition if they cannot agree on the use or disposition of jointly owned property.
Will County property owners should be aware that local zoning ordinances, building codes, and subdivision regulations may impose additional requirements specific to their property's location. The Will County Land Use Department administers these regulations for unincorporated areas, while municipal governments handle these matters within city or village boundaries.
Lookup Property Records in Will County
Will County Property Tax Information
Illinois Property Tax Information