Cook County IL Recorder Search: Deeds, Recorded Documents, PIN Lookup, Copies and Clerk Recording Office
Cook County no longer has a separate elected Recorder of Deeds office. Since December 7, 2020, recording duties have been handled by the Cook County Clerk’s Office – Recordings Division. That is the office to use for deeds, mortgages, releases, liens, transfer-on-death instruments, plats, UCC filings, recording fees, certified copies and property-fraud alerts.
This guide explains how to search Cook County recorded documents, how to turn a Chicago or suburban address into a PIN, when to use CookViewer instead of the recording search, what fees to expect, and which office to contact when the issue is a deed record versus property taxes, assessment values or court records.
Where Do You Search Cook County Deeds and Recorded Documents?
Search Cook County deeds and recorded land documents through the Cook County Clerk’s Recordings Division. Older websites and older legal references may still say “Cook County Recorder of Deeds,” but the official recorder function is now inside the Clerk’s Office. Use the recording search for deeds, mortgages, releases, liens, easements, transfer-on-death instruments, plats and other recorded instruments.
Use Recordings For
- Deed and mortgage document searches.
- Recorded document numbers and images.
- Certified and non-certified copies.
- Mortgage releases and satisfactions.
- Transfer-on-death instruments and notices.
- Property fraud alert registration.
Use CookViewer First When You Only Have an Address
CookViewer can search by address, 10-digit PIN, 14-digit PIN, dashed PIN or street intersection. After you find the parcel, save the PIN and use it with the Clerk recording search, Assessor records or Treasurer records.
Do Not Use Recordings For
- Property tax bill payments.
- Assessed value disputes.
- Homeowner exemptions.
- Court case filings.
- Legal advice about title ownership.
- Preparing a deed for you.
How to Search Cook County Recorder Records Online
The fastest search depends on what information you already have. If you have a PIN, document number, grantor, grantee or legal description, start with the Clerk’s recording search. If you have only a Chicago or suburban property address, first use CookViewer to find the PIN.
Decide What Identifier You Already Have
A recorded-document search usually works best with a PIN, document number, grantor name, grantee name, legal description or document type. A street address alone is better handled through CookViewer first.
Open the Cook County Clerk Recordings Search
Use the Clerk’s official recordings search system for land records. Older references may mention the 20/20 Perfect Vision land records system; newer Cook County resources point users to the Clerk’s recordings search / CRS environment.
Search by PIN When Possible
The Property Index Number is the most useful bridge across Cook County systems. You can use it with CookViewer, Assessor records, Treasurer records and recording searches. PIN formatting may appear as a 10-digit number, 14-digit number or dashed number.
Search by Grantor or Grantee When Tracing Ownership
For deeds, the grantor is usually the seller or transferring party, and the grantee is usually the buyer or receiving party. Search both names if you are tracing a transfer, because one search direction may reveal a document the other misses.
Open the Correct Document Type
A deed, mortgage, release, assignment, lien, easement and transfer-on-death instrument mean different things. Before relying on a result, confirm the document type, recording date, document number, PIN, parties and legal description.
Order the Right Type of Copy
Use a non-certified copy for ordinary research. Use a certified copy when an agency, court, lender, title company or legal process requires certification. Cook County lists different fees for electronic downloads, paper copies, certified paper copies and certified digital PDFs.
How to Find the PIN Before Searching Cook County Deeds
In Cook County, the PIN is often more reliable than an address because Chicago and suburban addresses can include units, directional prefixes, alternate spellings and condo parcels. CookViewer is the best official starting point when you have only a street address.
Search CookViewer by Address
- Open CookViewer.
- Enter the street number and street name.
- Select the matching property result.
- Review the PIN shown in the property details panel.
- Copy the PIN exactly before opening the recordings search.
Condo and Multi-Unit Warning
High-rise and condo buildings may have multiple stacked PINs at the same address. If CookViewer lists more than one result, choose the specific unit or parcel before searching recordings. A deed search using the wrong PIN may lead to the wrong unit.
What Cook County Recording Search Results Mean
A recording result is an index to a recorded document. It is not the same as a legal title opinion, a tax bill, an assessment record or a guarantee that the property has no ownership issue.
| Field / Result | What It Usually Means | How to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Document number | The unique recording reference assigned to the document. | Use it to order a copy, cite the document, or search related releases and assignments. |
| Recording date | The date the document entered the public land records. | Do not confuse this with the signing date, closing date or effective date. |
| Grantor | The party giving, selling, releasing or transferring an interest. | Search grantor names to trace sellers, lenders, lienholders or releasing parties. |
| Grantee | The party receiving the interest or benefit of the recorded document. | Search grantee names to trace buyers, borrowers, assignees or lien beneficiaries. |
| PIN | The Property Index Number tied to the parcel or tax map system. | Use it to cross-check CookViewer, Assessor, Treasurer and Clerk recording records. |
| Legal description | The formal legal property description, not just the street address. | Confirm it matches the property, especially for condos, multi-lot parcels and subdivisions. |
| Document type | The kind of instrument: deed, mortgage, release, lien, easement, assignment, TODI, plat or other document. | Use the type to understand whether the document transfers ownership, secures debt, releases debt or affects rights. |
Cook County Recording Fees, Copy Fees and Document Classes
Cook County moved to a more predictable flat-fee structure for many recordings. Always open the current official fee schedule before mailing documents or preparing a check, because document class, government-filer status, RHSP applicability, PIN count, document references and copy type can change the final amount.
| Item | Current Published Fee / Rule | What to Check Before Paying |
|---|---|---|
| Standard deeds | $107 under the fee schedule effective 04/01/24. | Transfer tax declarations, state/county/local transfer stamps and exemption proof may still be required. |
| Mortgages and mortgage releases | $107 for standard mortgage class documents. | Confirm the document class and whether it references multiple PINs or prior documents. |
| Leases / lease amendments / similar transfers | $107 for standard Class 2 documents. | Ground leases and certain real-property interests may also trigger transfer-stamp review. |
| Easements | $107 for standard easement documents not otherwise part of another classification. | Utility or government-related easements may have different RHSP or non-government filer treatment. |
| Irregular documents | Class fee plus $88; Cook County’s fee-change notice explains irregular documents replaced many former nonstandard formatting situations. | Check margins, 8.5 × 11 paper, black ink, 10-point type and the 3 × 5 recording space. |
| Blanket recordings | Tiered pricing for documents referencing more than 5 PINs or prior recorded document numbers. | Count PINs and prior document references before calculating the fee. |
| Transfer on Death Instrument | $59 listed for TODI; acceptance and revocation documents are treated as miscellaneous documents. | Use the official TODI-related forms and confirm whether an acceptance or notice of death affidavit is needed. |
| Non-certified electronic copy | $5 electronic download. | Use for research when certification is not required. |
| Certified copy | $55 certified paper copy; $65 certified digital PDF file. | Use when a government office, court, lender, title company or legal process requires a certified copy. |
Before You Record a Deed or Real Estate Document in Cook County
The Clerk’s Recordings Division records documents that meet recording requirements. It does not prepare deeds, decide ownership disputes, cure title defects or provide legal advice. For deed preparation or title questions, consult a qualified Illinois real estate attorney or title professional.
Document Formatting Items to Check
- Individual 8.5 × 11 sheets.
- Black ink and readable type.
- At least 10-point type.
- White paper of suitable weight.
- Clean margins of at least one-half inch.
- First-page upper-right blank space reserved for the Clerk.
- Proper signatures and notarization where required.
Deed Recording Items to Confirm
- Correct grantor and grantee names.
- Correct legal description and PIN.
- State transfer declaration / MyDec requirements.
- Cook County transfer tax requirements.
- Municipal transfer stamp requirements.
- Exemption proof if claiming transfer-tax exemption.
- Correct recording and copy fees.
Cook County Clerk Recordings vs Assessor vs Treasurer vs Court Clerk
Cook County has several official record systems. The right office depends on whether you need a recorded deed, a PIN, an assessed value, a tax bill or a court filing.
| Your Task | Correct Starting Office | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Search deeds, mortgages, releases, liens, easements, plats or recorded instruments. | Cook County Clerk – Recordings Division | The Recordings Division records and indexes land documents. |
| Find a PIN from an address or view parcel map details. | CookViewer / Cook County Clerk Map Department | CookViewer links address, PIN and tax-map information. |
| Check assessed value, exemptions or property characteristics. | Cook County Assessor | The Assessor values property and administers assessment-related exemptions. |
| Pay property taxes or check tax bill status. | Cook County Treasurer | The Treasurer handles tax bills, payments and tax-payment status. |
| Search lawsuits, foreclosures or court case filings. | Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County | Court filings are separate from land recording records. |
Cook County Property Fraud Alert Registration
Cook County offers a free Property Fraud Alert registration form. The service can notify a registrant by phone or email when a recorded document is associated with the registered property information. It is an alert tool, not title insurance and not a guarantee that fraud cannot occur.
What the Form Asks For
The registration form asks for registrant information, property address, optional PIN, relationship to the property, phone/email alert preference, signature and date.
PIN Is Helpful
The form says the PIN can be found near the top of a property tax bill. If you do not know it, use CookViewer or Assessor/Treasurer records before submitting.
What It Does Not Do
It does not prevent recording, verify title, repair deed fraud, replace legal help or confirm that all PIN data is correct. Treat it as an early-warning system.
Cook County Clerk Recordings Division Address, Phone and Map
The recording counter is located in downtown Chicago at the Cook County Building. Verify current public counter hours and submission options before visiting, especially around county holidays or system changes.
Cook County Clerk’s Office – Recordings Division
Address:
118 N. Clark Street, Room 120
Chicago, IL 60602
Phone: 312-603-5050
Recordings email: clerk.recordings@cookcountyil.gov
Fraud alert email: clerk.recordsfraud@cookcountyil.gov
Best for: recorded documents, copies, recording fees, document submission questions and property fraud alerts.
Open Map ↗Official Cook County Recorder Search Links and What to Do After Opening Them
Use these official links for live search, PIN lookup, fee verification, transfer tax checks, document corrections and property fraud alerts.
Cook County Clerk – Recordings
Official starting page for current recording services formerly handled by the Recorder of Deeds.
- Confirm you are on the Cook County Clerk website.
- Choose the recording service you need: search, copies, forms, fees, property fraud or recording guidance.
- Use the Recordings contact information if the page has changed or the search system is unavailable.
Cook County Clerk Recordings Search / CRS
Official online search environment for Cook County recorded land documents.
- Have a PIN, document number, grantor name, grantee name or legal-description clue ready.
- Search by PIN first when you have it.
- Open matching results and verify document type, recording date and parties.
- Order the proper copy type only after confirming the right document.
CookViewer
Official map and PIN lookup tool useful when you only have an address.
- Enter a street address, 10-digit PIN, 14-digit PIN, dashed PIN or intersection.
- Select the correct property result.
- Copy the PIN from the property details panel.
- Use that PIN in the recording search, Assessor search or Treasurer tax search as needed.
Cook County Recording Fee Schedule
Official fee schedule for recording classes, copies, UCC filings, TODI and mail handling.
- Find the document class that matches your document.
- Check if the document is irregular or a blanket recording.
- Add copy fees or mail handling only if needed.
- Do not treat recording fees as transfer taxes.
Transfer Tax by Municipality
Cook County Clerk courtesy list of municipal transfer tax rules and contact information.
- Find the municipality where the property is located.
- Review the party liable, proof of exemption and transfer-tax amount columns.
- Contact the municipality for final tax and stamp requirements.
- Bring or attach required local transfer-tax evidence before recording a deed.
Property Fraud Alert Registration
Official free Cook County form for phone or email alerts when relevant documents are recorded.
- Fill in the registrant name and property address.
- Add the PIN if known; use CookViewer if you need to find it.
- Select phone or email alert preference.
- Read the disclaimer, sign and submit according to Clerk instructions.
How to Correct a Previously Recorded Document
Official Cook County guidance on corrective recording options after re-recording was discontinued.
- Read the four listed correction options.
- Decide whether the issue requires a new instrument, scrivener’s affidavit, court order or corrective affidavit.
- Do not modify and re-record an old document without following the current process.
- Consult a title professional or attorney when the correction affects ownership or mortgage rights.
Cook County Recorder Search Mistakes That Waste Time
Avoid These
- Searching only “Cook County Recorder of Deeds” and missing the current Clerk Recordings page.
- Using the deed search to find tax bills or exemptions.
- Starting with an address when CookViewer should be used first to identify the PIN.
- Assuming a recorded deed proves there are no title defects or liens.
- Forgetting municipal transfer stamps before recording a deed.
- Using an old fee schedule when preparing payment.
- Trying to correct a recorded document by re-recording it without using the current correction options.
Do This Instead
- Use “Cook County Clerk Recordings Division” as the current office name.
- Find the PIN in CookViewer before searching documents.
- Search both grantor and grantee names when tracing a transfer.
- Verify document number, recording date, PIN and legal description before ordering a copy.
- Check the latest fee schedule and municipality transfer-tax list before recording.
- Register for Property Fraud Alert if you want recording notifications.
- Use the Assessor or Treasurer when the issue is value, exemptions or taxes.
What Should You Do Next?
| Your Situation | Best Next Step | Official System / Office |
|---|---|---|
| You only have a property address. | Search CookViewer by address and save the PIN. | CookViewer |
| You need the deed or mortgage image. | Use the Clerk Recordings search by PIN, document number, grantor or grantee. | Cook County Clerk Recordings |
| You need a certified deed copy. | Find the correct document first, then order a certified paper copy or certified digital PDF if accepted for your purpose. | Cook County Clerk Recordings |
| You are recording a new deed. | Check format requirements, MyDec/state transfer stamp, county transfer tax, municipal transfer stamp and current fee schedule. | Recordings Division + municipality |
| You believe a suspicious document was recorded. | Register for fraud alerts and contact the Clerk’s property fraud resources; consult legal counsel if title is affected. | Property Fraud Alert / legal counsel |
| You need tax value, exemptions or payment status. | Use Assessor or Treasurer resources instead of the recording search. | Cook County Assessor / Treasurer |
Cook County Recorder Search FAQs
Does Cook County still have a Recorder of Deeds?
No. The separate Cook County Recorder of Deeds office no longer exists. The Cook County Clerk’s Office assumed all Recorder operations and duties effective December 7, 2020. The current office to use is the Cook County Clerk’s Office – Recordings Division.
Where do I search Cook County deeds online?
Use the Cook County Clerk’s Recordings search system for deeds, mortgages, releases, liens, easements, plats and other recorded documents. Start with a PIN, grantor name, grantee name, document number or legal-description information when possible.
How do I find a Cook County PIN from an address?
Use CookViewer. Enter the property address, choose the correct result, open the property details and copy the 10-digit, 14-digit or dashed PIN. Use that PIN in the Clerk recording search, Assessor search or Treasurer tax records.
Can I search Cook County recorded documents by address?
Address search is better handled in CookViewer first. Recording records are usually easier to search by PIN, grantor, grantee, document number or legal description. For condo buildings and multi-unit properties, use the exact unit PIN before searching recordings.
How much does it cost to record a deed in Cook County?
The fee schedule effective 04/01/24 lists standard deeds at $107. Transfer taxes, municipal transfer stamps, irregular-document fees, blanket-recording tiers or other requirements may still affect the final amount, so verify the current fee schedule before recording.
What is the difference between a certified and non-certified copy?
A non-certified copy is usually enough for ordinary research. A certified copy includes official certification and is used when a court, lender, title company, government office or legal process requires it. Cook County lists separate fees for non-certified electronic downloads, paper copies, certified paper copies and certified digital PDFs.
Does the Cook County recording search show property taxes?
No. The recording search shows recorded documents. Use the Cook County Treasurer for tax bill and payment status, and use the Cook County Assessor for assessment values, property characteristics and exemptions.
How do I correct a previously recorded Cook County document?
Cook County guidance says re-recording previously recorded instruments was discontinued. Correction options may include preparing a new or duplicate instrument, using a scrivener’s affidavit, obtaining a court order, or using the corrective recording process. Legal or title advice may be needed.
What is Cook County Property Fraud Alert?
It is a free alert service that can notify a registrant by phone or email when recorded documents match a registered property. The form asks for the property address, optional PIN, relationship to the property, alert preference and signed authorization.
Is this website an official Cook County government website?
No. County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent educational resource. It is not the Cook County Clerk, Cook County Assessor, Cook County Treasurer, Clerk of the Circuit Court, a title company, a law firm or a consumer reporting agency.
Independent Educational Guide
County-Appraisal-District.org is an independent informational website. It is not affiliated with the Cook County Clerk’s Office, Cook County Recordings Division, Cook County Assessor, Cook County Treasurer, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, or any title company.
This page is not legal advice, title advice, tax advice, a title search, a deed-preparation service or an official recording determination. Recording acceptance, copy fees, document classification, transfer-tax treatment, correction options and legal sufficiency are determined by the responsible official office and applicable law.
Do not use property-owner records, recorded documents, parcel maps or public property data for employment screening, tenant screening, credit eligibility, insurance underwriting or any other regulated consumer-reporting purpose. This website is not a Consumer Reporting Agency.