Mount Vernon Records
Mount Vernon is the county seat of Jefferson County with about 14,100 people. This page covers how to find public records in Mount Vernon and what you can search through local and state sources.
Mount Vernon Quick Facts
Jefferson County Court Records
Mount Vernon is the county seat, so the Jefferson County Courthouse is in town. The Circuit Clerk handles all court records. Civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic cases are filed here. The courthouse is at 100 S. 10th St., Mount Vernon, IL 62864.
Visit the clerk during business hours to search by name or case number. You can request copies of filings, judgments, and court orders. Certified copies cost a bit more than plain ones. The clerk can tell you what fees apply. If you just want to look at a file, viewing is usually free at the office.
Mount Vernon is also the home of the Fifth District Appellate Court, which hears appeals from the 2nd Judicial Circuit and other southern Illinois circuits. The appellate court sits at 14th and Main St. in Mount Vernon. This is different from the circuit court. The appellate court handles cases that have already been decided at the trial level and are being challenged on appeal.
Mount Vernon falls in the 2nd Judicial Circuit, which covers Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jefferson, Pope, Saline, Wabash, Wayne, and White counties. It is one of the bigger circuits in the state by county count. You can find forms and rules on the Illinois Courts website.
Since Mount Vernon has both a circuit court and an appellate court, it is a hub for legal matters in southern Illinois. That makes the courthouse a busy place with a lot of records on file.
Property Records in Mount Vernon
Property records for Mount Vernon go through Jefferson County. The county recorder keeps deeds, mortgages, liens, and land documents at the courthouse in town. You can walk in and search or request copies.
The Jefferson County Assessor handles property values and tax data. Look up who owns a specific lot, what the assessed value is, or how much the taxes are. Since Mount Vernon is the county seat, the assessor office is easy to get to. Some info may be available online, but calling the office first is a good idea in smaller counties.
Deed records show sales and transfers over time. They are public under Illinois law. Anyone can search them without giving a reason. If you want to know who owns a home in Mount Vernon, start with the assessor for current data and the recorder for historical transactions.
Vital Records for Mount Vernon
Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records go through Jefferson County. The county clerk issues certified copies of birth, death, and marriage records at the courthouse. Bring a valid ID. Fees are in the $10 to $20 range for a first certified copy.
The state handles vital records too. The Illinois Department of Public Health can issue birth and death certificates for events anywhere in the state. Order by mail or online. It takes a few weeks, but it works if you cannot visit Mount Vernon.
Marriage licenses come from the county clerk. There is no waiting period in Illinois. Divorce records are filed with the circuit clerk, not the county clerk. Keep that straight when you are searching. The two offices handle different types of vital records.
State Search Tools
State databases cover all of Illinois, not just Jefferson County. They are useful for broader searches or when you need data from more than one area.
The Illinois State Police runs statewide criminal background checks for $16. Submit online or by mail. Results cover every county.
Other state tools:
- Illinois Sex Offender Registry - free search by name or zip
- IDOC Inmate Search - look up state inmates past and present
These are free except the ISP background check. They work from any device without needing to visit an office. The IDOC search is especially useful since Mount Vernon is near several state correctional facilities in southern Illinois.
FOIA Requests in Mount Vernon
Illinois FOIA (5 ILCS 140) lets you ask for public records from the City of Mount Vernon, Jefferson County, and any public body in the state. Send a written request. The agency has five business days to respond.
The first 50 pages are free. After that, up to 15 cents per page. Electronic copies sent by email are usually free. Denied requests must come with a written explanation, and you can appeal to the Illinois Attorney General.
Use FOIA for police reports, city permits, inspection files, meeting minutes, and other government records in Mount Vernon. The law covers city, county, and school district records. It is a broad tool that works well for getting specific documents you know exist.
How to Search Mount Vernon Records
Match your search to the right source. Court cases: circuit clerk. Property records: recorder and assessor. Vital records: county clerk. Statewide criminal data: ISP. City records: FOIA request to city hall.
Mount Vernon is the county seat, so all Jefferson County offices are in town. You can do court, property, and vital records searches in one trip. The courthouse on South 10th Street has most of the offices you need under one roof. For city records, contact the City of Mount Vernon separately.
Southern Illinois is more rural, so online options may be limited compared to big metro areas. If you cannot find what you need on a website, call the office directly. Many smaller county offices in Illinois are helpful over the phone and can tell you exactly what they have and what it costs to get copies.
Nearby Illinois Cities
Looking for records in other southern Illinois cities? These nearby cities have residents directory pages with local details.