What does the Recorder's Office do?

The Recorder's Office is established by Illinois State statute as the legal repository for land records in Kankakee County.  In essence, we are a government library for documents concerning ownership of property. When a document is recorded in our office, it is assigned a Document Recording Number, and then enters the document information into a county-wide database.  Copies of the actual document are stored on digital media, and the original is returned to the owner.
 

Where is the Recorder's Office located?

We are located on the 2nd floor of the Kankakee County Administration building at 189 East Court Street in downtown Kankakee.

Does the Recorder's Office keep my original document after recording?

No.  Our office will keep your document for up to 3 business days for processing, and then it will be returned directly to you by U.S. mail or through the title company, attorney, or lender that recorded it for you.

What is a non-standard document?

A document must measure 8.5" x 11", be on white paper, printed in black, and have a blank 3" x 5" recording space in the upper right corner to be classified as standard.  Any document not having ANY of these requirements is considered Non-standard and charged at the increased rate and can be found on our FEES page.

Can you help me take a deceased spouse or relative off of my deed?

The Recorder's Office cannot assist you in completing documents to alter or transfer property ownership, nor can we advise you on what documents you need to execute.  Since the exact type of recording instrument and language you should use may depend upon several factors, including the type of deed and time of death of your loved one, we recommend that you secure the advice of a licensed attorney.

Does the Recorder's Office have copies of birth, marriage, and death records?

Not generally.  If the birth, marriage, or death took place in Kankakee County, the documents are archived by the Kankakee County Clerk's Office, which is located on the main floor of the Kankakee County Administration building at 189 East Court St in Kankakee, Illinois.  Occasionally, individuals born outside of Kankakee County chose to record their vital records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates with the Recorder's Office so that copies of them are readily available locally.  Doing so is completely optional, and not required by any local, State or Federal laws.

Where can I get more information on Uniform Commercial Codes (UCC)??

Go to the Illinois State website for more information on UCCs.
www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/business_services/uniform_commercial_code/home.html
 

Should I record my will in the Recorder's Office?

Generally, because of privacy concerns and other issues, we do not recommend that you record your will in our office.  Keep in mind that all recorded documents, including your will, become public record, and can be viewed by anyone with the desire to see them at any time.  Typically, wills are placed in the safe keeping of a trusted attorney or held in a safe deposit box or other protected place that can be accessed by family or friends after your passing.

Does the Recorder's Office have Real Estate Transfer Declarations specific to Kankakee County?

No.  The Illinois Real Estate Transfer Declaration  (PTAX-203) are forms created and required by the State of Illinois.  As such, these forms are not specific to any one county, and may be used in all counties throughout Illinois.  Download these forms and their instructions and/or fill out the form online with the Illinois Department of Revenue by visiting our Forms page.

Can anybody get a copy of a DD214 (Military Discharge Record) from the Recorder's office?

No, DD214's are not given out to anyone other than the military person him/her self, a VA representative, or any govt dept.