Requesting Court Document Copies

The Hancock County Circuit Clerk's Office provides copies of public court records. Please review the details below regarding record availability, exclusions, fees, and instructions on how to submit your request.

Court File Records Available

The majority of court case files are open to the public, however, there are certain case types and documents that are confidential by law or court order and are listed below.

Confidential Case Types (Not Available)

  • Adoption cases

  • Juvenile abuse, neglect and delinquency

  • Expunged or sealed cases

  • Mental Health cases

  • Impounded cases

Restricted Contents (Redacted/Excluded)

  • Financial Statements

  • Medical & Mental Health Records

  • Social Security Numbers & Personal IDs

  • Victim Names (Adults & Minors) in Sexual Assault Cases

Not Included in Court Files

  • Transcripts

    Must be requested directly through the Court Reporters.

  • Police Reports

    Must be obtained directly from the arresting law enforcement agency.

  • Evidence/Exhibits

    Not kept in general case files for copy requests.

Copy & Search Fees

Note: Per Administrative Order No. 2024-14, electronic copy fees are charged at the same rate as hard copies.

  • Standard Copy Rates

    • First Page: $2
    • Pages 2–20: $0.50 per page
    • Pages 21+: $0.25 per page

  • Certification Fee

    $6 per document certified.

  • Search Fee

    An additional $6 fee may be applied if you do not provide complete case details.

  • Payment Processing

    Credit/debit card transactions incur a third-party convenience fee (not collected by the Circuit Clerk).

How to Submit a Request

Email your request with the required information below based on your delivery preference.

  • Digital Copies (Emailed PDF)

    Important: Emailed certified documents contain a printed version of the court seal. If the agency requesting your document requires a physical, hand-crimped raised seal, you must request a mailed copy instead.

    Include in your email:

    1. Your full name, phone number, and email address
    2. Case Number, Party Names, Document Title, and File Date
    3. Explicit statement requesting an emailed copy
    4. Indicate whether you need a Certified Copy

  • Hard Copies (Mailed)

    Select this option if you need physical documents or a certification with a hand-crimped raised seal.

    Include in your email:

    1. Your full name, phone number, email address, and mailing address
    2. Case Number, Party Names, Document Title, and File Date
    3. Explicit statement requesting a mailed copy
    4. Specify if you require a Certified Copy with a Raised Seal
Request Copies

Payment & Processing

After submitting your request for copies, the Circuit Clerk's office will calculate your total cost and email you the amount due. Please do not submit payment prior to receiving this quote.

  • Online/Phone

    Follow the payment instructions provided in the email reply.

    Once payment is received, your documents will be emailed or mailed to you depending on what you requested.

  • By Mail

    Send or check or money order payable to:

    Hancock County Circuit Clerk
    PO Box 189
    Carthage, IL 62321

    Once payment is received, your physical documents will be mailed to your provided address.