Freedom Of Information

The Illinois Freedom of Information Act, or Illinois FOIA, is a series of laws designed to guarantee that the public has access to public records of government bodies at all levels in Illinois. The law was first enacted in 1984.

The latest law was enacted in August 2009, and went  into effect on January 1, 2010. The Illinois FOIA is based on an assertion in the statute that access to "full and complete information regarding the affairs of government" is "necessary to enable the people to fulfill their duties of discussing public issues fully and freely, making informed political judgments and monitoring government to ensure that it is being conducted in the public interest."

Office of the Attorney General offers a guide to frequently asked questions to assist the public in understanding the Freedom of information Act. 

Click the link below to access the content on the Attorney General's Website:
Illinois Freedom of Information Act Frequently Asked Questions

Also below is link to the text of the Freedom of Information Act itself as provided by the Attorney General’s Office Website:
Illinois Freedom of Information Act Text

Please complete the FOIA Request Form and deliver directly to the department for which the records are being sought. (See Department FOIA Postings on this page).

Please be specific in the nature of your request in order for FOIA officers to process your request more efficiently. (Illinois law does not require you to submit on a standard form, but the request should be in writing).

5 ILCS 140 Fees - $0.15 per page after first 50 pages of black and white paper copies on letter or legal paper, fees for the actual cost of color or abnormal sized copies may be charged.

Click this link to download a printable request form

Freedom of Information Posting as required by (5 ILCS 140/4)