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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything people ask us
Is Property Deeds USA the Cook County Clerk or Recorder of Deeds?
No. Property Deeds USA is a private, independent company. We are not affiliated with Cook County, the Cook County Clerk, the Assessor or the City of Chicago.
Is the deed history really free?
Yes. The deed history by address uses public Cook County Assessor sales data and is free to look up, with no account needed.
Can I get a copy of a deed myself?
Yes. You can get a non-certified copy yourself from the Cook County Clerk for $5 per document. We save you the time: we find the right document, explain it, and deliver it.
Do you provide certified copies?
No. We do not provide certified copies. Certified copies are only available from the Cook County Clerk.
Why does the owner show as a bank or trust number?
In Illinois many homes are held in a land trust; the deed names a bank as trustee and the real beneficiary isn't public.
How current is the data?
Sales data from the Cook County Assessor is updated monthly, so the latest records are usually about 2–3 months old. Mortgages, releases and liens are not included in the free history.
Is this title insurance or legal advice?
No. Our reports summarize public records. They are not title insurance, a title commitment or a legal opinion.
How do I pay for an order?
After you submit a request, we email you a secure payment link. We start work after payment.
What's the difference between buyer of record and taxpayer of record?
The buyer of record is the buyer on the most recent recorded sale. The taxpayer of record is the name the Assessor mails tax bills to, which often lags behind sales.
Can I use Property Deeds USA to screen a tenant or employee?
No. Property Deeds USA is not a consumer reporting agency and our information may not be used for tenant, employment, credit or insurance decisions under the FCRA.
Do you cover all of Cook County?
Yes — Chicago and every suburban municipality in Cook County. We don't cover DuPage, Lake, Will or other counties.