Madison County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Madison County in 2026
MadisonILRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Madison County, Illinois. Members of the public may find ownership history, recorded deeds, tax assessments, liens, mortgage documents, and parcel data through official county resources. Available record categories include real estate transfers, property tax information, land surveys, plat maps, and encumbrance filings. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the record type and the time period involved.
Records may be searched through the following official resources:
- Madison County Recorder's Office — recorded instruments including deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Chief County Assessment Office — property valuations, exemptions, and assessment data
- Madison County Treasurer — property tax bills, payment history, and delinquency records
- Land Records Search via Laredo — online access to real estate records through the Laredo platform
- Madison County Government Transparency Property Tax Lookup — tax rates, levies, and appeals information
Online Search Methods:
1. Recorder's Office — Recorded Documents
The Madison County Recorder's Office serves as the primary repository for recorded instruments affecting real property. The Recorder records, indexes, and maintains documents including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages, releases, easements, and liens. Members of the public may search recorded documents through the Laredo online platform, which requires execution of a Laredo Access Agreement prior to use.
How to Search via Laredo:
- Visit the land records search portal and complete the access agreement
- Log in with assigned credentials
- Select search type: grantor name, grantee name, document type, or recording date range
- Enter search criteria and review results
- Click on a document to view the recorded image
- Note the instrument number or book and page for reference
- Request certified copies if official documentation is required
Searchable By:
- Grantor (seller) name
- Grantee (buyer) name
- Document type (deed, mortgage, lien, etc.)
- Recording date range
- Book and page number
- Instrument number
Documents Available:
- Warranty and quitclaim deeds
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Mortgage satisfactions and releases
- Mechanic's liens and judgment liens
- Easements and declarations
- Plats and subdivision documents
- Lis pendens filings
- Powers of attorney affecting real property
In-Person Access:
Madison County Recorder's Office
157 N. Main Street, Suite 113
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 692-6240
Recorder's Office
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Public access terminals are available on-site, and staff members are available to assist with document retrieval and index searches.
2. Chief County Assessment Office — Property Valuations
The Chief County Assessment Office maintains assessment records for all taxable parcels in Madison County. The office applies property tax exemptions, conducts sales ratio studies, and assigns assessed values in accordance with 35 ILCS 200, the Property Tax Code of Illinois. Assessment data is available to the public at no charge through the county's online portal.
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Chief County Assessment Office page
- Access the real estate assessment search tool
- Search by property address, owner name, or parcel identification number
- Review the property card for assessed values, exemptions, and ownership data
- View historical assessment values and sales history
- Print or save the property record for reference
Information Available:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Parcel identification number
- Legal description
- Land and improvement assessed values
- Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, veteran, disability)
- Sales history and transfer dates
- Property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size)
- GIS map location
In-Person Access:
Chief County Assessment Office
157 N. Main Street, Suite 225
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 692-6270
Chief County Assessment Office
3. Madison County Treasurer — Tax Records
The Madison County Treasurer maintains property tax billing and payment records for all parcels within the county. Members of the public may access current tax bills, payment history, outstanding balances, and delinquency information through the property tax search tool available on the Treasurer's website.
How to Search:
- Visit the Madison County Treasurer website
- Select the Property Tax Search option
- Enter the property address, owner name, or parcel number
- Review the tax account summary
- View current year tax amounts, payment status, and prior year history
- Access the property tax transparency lookup for tax rates and levy information
Information Available:
- Current tax bill amount
- Payment history and due dates
- Outstanding balances and penalties
- Exemptions applied
- Millage rates by taxing district
- Tax certificate information for delinquent parcels
- Installment plan status
In-Person Access:
Madison County Treasurer's Office
157 N. Main Street, Suite 134
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 692-6260
Madison County Treasurer
By Mail Requests:
Members of the public may submit written requests for property record copies by mail. Requests directed to the Recorder's Office should specify the instrument number, book and page reference, or property address and approximate recording date range. Requests directed to the Assessment Office should include the parcel identification number or property address. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request.
Through Professionals:
Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed abstractors conduct comprehensive title searches and may access records through professional accounts. These services provide abstracts of title, title insurance commitments, and legal opinions on ownership. Costs vary by provider and scope of search.
Search Tips:
- When searching by owner name, attempt both last-name-first and full-name formats
- Try name spelling variations and both individual and business entity names
- When searching by address, attempt entries with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
- Verify results by cross-referencing the parcel identification number
- For historical records not available online, contact the Recorder's Office directly for retrieval assistance
What Is Madison County Property Records
Property records in Madison County, Illinois, are official legal documents related to real property — encompassing land and any improvements affixed to it. These records are maintained by county government offices and constitute the legal foundation for establishing ownership, recording encumbrances, and assessing property taxes. As the Madison County Recorder's Office states, "The primary responsibility of the Recorder's Office is to record, index and maintain" all instruments affecting real property within the county.
Types of Property Records:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and trustee's deeds
- Chain of title documents
- Life estate deeds and trust instruments
- Transfer-on-death instruments
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
- Easements and access agreements
- Restrictive covenants and declarations
- Lis pendens filings
- HOA documents and condominium declarations
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Annual property tax assessments
- Tax bills and payment history
- Homestead, senior, veteran, and disability exemptions
- Special assessments and tax delinquency records
Legal Descriptions and Survey Documents:
- Plat maps and subdivision plats
- Recorded surveys
- Lot and block descriptions
- Metes and bounds legal descriptions
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Zoning classifications and land use designations
- Code violation records
Who Maintains Property Records:
The Recorder's Office records and indexes all instruments affecting title to real property. The Chief County Assessment Office maintains valuation and exemption records. The Madison County Treasurer administers tax billing and collection records. The Madison County Building and Zoning Department maintains permit and zoning records separately.
Legal Framework:
Property recording in Illinois is governed by 35 ILCS 200, the Property Tax Code, and 765 ILCS 5, the Conveyances Act, which establishes the requirements for recording instruments affecting real property and the constructive notice principles that underpin the public recording system. Under 765 ILCS 5/28, all deeds and instruments affecting title must be recorded with the county recorder to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers.
Are Property Records Public Information in Madison County?
Property records in Madison County are public information, accessible to any member of the public without a stated purpose, residency requirement, or special authorization. The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140) establishes the right of public access to government records, and the recording statutes under 765 ILCS 5 further codify the public nature of recorded instruments. The centuries-old tradition of public land records in American law reflects the principle that transparency in property ownership protects against fraud, enables commerce, and supports the integrity of the real estate marketplace.
Why Property Records Are Public:
- Transparency in property ownership prevents fraudulent transfers and secret encumbrances
- Public access enables title searches, title insurance, and mortgage lending
- Assessment transparency supports accountability in property taxation
- Recorded documents provide constructive notice to all subsequent parties
- Historical research, genealogical inquiry, and journalistic investigation depend on open access
What Property Information Is Publicly Accessible:
- Current and historical ownership names
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens, easements, and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics and building data
- Plat maps and survey documents
Privacy Considerations:
Under current Illinois law, Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from recorded documents prior to public release. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under the Illinois Address Confidentiality Program. Homestead exemption applications may contain personal financial information that is not fully subject to public disclosure; the Chief County Assessment Office administers exemption application policies.
Who May Access Property Records:
Any person — regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose — may inspect and obtain copies of public property records. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents, title companies, appraisers, lenders, attorneys, investors, genealogists, and members of the media. No registration is required to view basic assessment and tax information through the county's online portals.
Commercial Use:
Commercial aggregation of public property records is permitted under Illinois law. Title companies, data services, and subscription platforms may compile and redistribute public property information. Anti-harassment statutes and fair housing laws continue to apply regardless of the public nature of the underlying records.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Madison County?
The cost to obtain property records in Madison County varies by record type, format, and the office from which the records are requested. Members of the public may view assessment and tax information online at no charge through the county's official portals.
Recorder's Office — Current Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Recording a document (first page) | $18.00 |
| Each additional page | $8.00 |
| Certified copy of a recorded document | $6.00 per document |
| Non-certified copy (per page) | $1.00 |
| Laredo online access | Per access agreement terms |
Recording fees in Illinois are governed by 55 ILCS 5/3-5018, which establishes the statutory authority for county recorders to collect fees for recording and copying services. The Recorder's Office accepts cash, check, and credit card payments for in-person transactions. Mail requests must include a check or money order payable to the Madison County Recorder.
Assessment Office:
- Online property record viewing: Free
- Printed property record copies: Fees may apply per page
- Exemption application assistance: No charge
Treasurer's Office:
- Online tax record viewing: Free
- Printed tax bill copies: Fees may apply
- Certified tax records: Contact office for current rates
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Online viewing of assessment data through the Chief County Assessment Office
- Online property tax lookup through the Madison County Treasurer
- Tax rate and levy information through the government transparency portal
- Basic index searches at the Recorder's Office public terminals
Fee waiver provisions are not broadly applicable to property record requests under current Illinois law, though indigent parties involved in active legal proceedings may seek fee waivers through the circuit court for court-related documents.
What's Included in a Madison County Property Record?
A complete Madison County property record draws from multiple county offices and encompasses ownership, valuation, tax, encumbrance, and physical characteristic data.
Ownership Information:
- Legal owner name(s) and ownership type (individual, joint tenancy, tenancy in common, trust, LLC, corporation)
- Acquisition date and deed instrument reference
- Mailing address for tax billing
- Chain of title with prior owner names and transfer dates
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address
- Parcel identification number
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page, or metes and bounds)
- Tax account number
Physical Characteristics:
- Lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, and frontage
- Total living area, year built, number of stories, and building type
- Construction type, exterior material, roof type, and foundation
- Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and total rooms
- Garage, pool, porch, fireplace, and additional structure data
- Heating, cooling, water source, and sewer system type
- Condition and quality ratings
Valuation Information:
- Land assessed value and improvement assessed value
- Total assessed value and estimated market value
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural classification data where applicable
Tax Information:
- Current year tax amount and taxable value after exemptions
- Millage rate breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, municipality, special districts)
- Payment status, due dates, and discount information
- Prior year tax payment history and delinquency records
- Exemptions applied: homestead, senior, disability, veteran, widow/widower
Sales History:
- Sale dates, sale prices, and deed document references
- Grantor and grantee names for each transfer
- Sale type designation (arms-length, quitclaim, foreclosure, tax deed, gift, inheritance)
- Documentary stamp amounts
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Recorded mortgages with lender names, recording dates, and original amounts
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens with amounts and recording dates
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and lis pendens filings
Legal and Regulatory Information:
- Zoning classification and permitted uses
- Land use code and future land use designation
- School district, fire district, water district, and special taxing district assignments
- Flood zone designation (FEMA)
- Deed restrictions and subdivision covenants
Maps and Visual Information:
- Property photograph and aerial image
- GIS map with parcel boundaries
- Plat map and property sketch
What Is Not Typically Included:
- Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Interior photographs
- Social Security numbers (redacted under current law)
- Private purchase contract terms beyond recorded sale price
- Unrecorded agreements or private arrangements
How Long Does Madison County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Madison County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting title to real property — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements — are never destroyed. This permanent retention requirement reflects both the legal necessity of an unbroken chain of title and the statutory obligations imposed on county recorders under Illinois law.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention:
The Illinois Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205) governs the retention and disposition of local government records. Recorded instruments affecting real property are classified as permanent records and may not be destroyed or disposed of without authorization from the Local Records Commission. The recording statutes under 765 ILCS 5 further require that all recorded documents remain accessible to the public as part of the permanent public record.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types)
- All recorded mortgages, assignments, and satisfactions
- All recorded liens and lien releases
- Plats, subdivision plats, re-plats, and condominium declarations
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and declarations
- Powers of attorney affecting real property
- Court documents affecting title
- Any instrument recorded with the Recorder's Office
Format and Storage:
Historical records in Madison County exist in multiple formats depending on the period of recording. Very early records are maintained in handwritten ledger books. Mid-twentieth century records are available on microfilm. Records from more recent decades are maintained as digital scans within the county's electronic document management system. The Recorder's Office maintains climate-controlled storage for original books and microfilm archives, with digital backups for electronically stored records.
Online Availability by Time Period:
| Time Period | Availability |
|---|---|
| Recent decades | Available online via Laredo |
| Older records | Microfilm or original books at courthouse |
| Historical/pre-digital | In-person retrieval with staff assistance |
Assessment and Tax Record Retention:
The Chief County Assessment Office maintains assessment rolls and property cards permanently. Exemption applications are retained for a period consistent with the Illinois Local Records Act retention schedule. The Madison County Treasurer retains tax payment records for a minimum of seven years, with tax deed records maintained permanently.
Accessing Historical Records:
Members of the public seeking records not available through the online Laredo system may contact the Recorder's Office directly to arrange retrieval from microfilm or original book storage. Staff members can assist with historical research requests. Advance notice may be required for very old records stored in archive facilities.
Madison County Recorder's Office
157 N. Main Street, Suite 113
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 692-6240
Recorder's Office
How To Find Liens on Property in Madison County?
Liens on property in Madison County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record maintained by the Recorder's Office. Members of the public may search for liens through the Laredo online platform or by conducting an in-person search at the Recorder's Office.
Types of Liens Recorded in Madison County:
- Federal and state tax liens (IRS and Illinois Department of Revenue)
- Judgment liens arising from court proceedings
- Mechanic's liens filed by contractors and materialmen
- HOA assessment liens
- Child support liens
- Municipal code enforcement liens
How to Search for Liens Online:
- Access the land records search portal through the Laredo system (access agreement required)
- Search by the property owner's name as grantor or grantee
- Filter results by document type to isolate lien filings
- Review each result for recording date, lien amount, and lienholder identity
- Note the instrument number for any lien identified
- Search for corresponding releases or satisfactions to determine whether the lien remains active
How to Search for Liens In Person:
Madison County Recorder's Office
157 N. Main Street, Suite 113
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 692-6240
Recorder's Office
Staff members at the Recorder's Office can assist with grantor/grantee index searches. Members of the public may use public access terminals during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
Federal Tax Liens:
Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are recorded with the county recorder in the county where the taxpayer's property is located. These liens are searchable through the Laredo system under the taxpayer's name. The IRS also maintains a lien search tool through the IRS website.
Judgment Liens:
Judgment liens in Illinois attach to real property in the county where the judgment is recorded. Members of the public may search court records through the Madison County Circuit Clerk's office to identify judgments that may have been recorded as liens against a property owner.
Madison County Circuit Clerk
155 N. Main Street
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 692-6240
Madison County Circuit Clerk
Delinquent Tax Liens:
Properties with delinquent property taxes may be subject to tax liens and tax certificate sales. The Madison County Treasurer maintains delinquency records and tax certificate information. Members of the public may search delinquent tax status through the Treasurer's online property tax search tool.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Madison County?
The property owner rule in Madison County, Illinois, refers to the legal framework governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership within the county. Property ownership in Illinois is governed by state statute and common law principles applicable throughout Madison County.
Establishing Ownership:
Under Illinois law, ownership of real property is established through a recorded deed. Pursuant to 765 ILCS 5/28, a deed must be recorded with the county recorder to provide constructive notice of the transfer to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. An unrecorded deed may be valid between the parties but does not protect the grantee against a subsequent bona fide purchaser who records first.
Forms of Ownership Recognized in Madison County:
- Sole ownership — a single individual holds title in their own name
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship — two or more persons hold equal shares; upon the death of one owner, the surviving owner(s) take the deceased owner's interest automatically
- Tenancy in common — two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each owner's interest passes through their estate upon death
- Tenancy by the entirety — available to married couples in Illinois; provides protection against individual creditors of one spouse
- Trust ownership — a trustee holds title for the benefit of named beneficiaries
- Corporate or LLC ownership — a legal entity holds title; authorized representatives execute conveyances on behalf of the entity
Transfer of Ownership:
Property in Madison County may be transferred by deed, court order, inheritance, or operation of law. All voluntary transfers must be evidenced by a written deed executed by the grantor and recorded with the Madison County Recorder's Office. Illinois imposes a real estate transfer tax under 35 ILCS 200/31-1 et seq., collected at the time of recording.
Property Owner Rights and Obligations:
Property owners in Madison County hold the right to use, lease, encumber, and transfer their property subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, and state and local law. Owners are obligated to pay annual property taxes assessed by the Chief County Assessment Office and collected by the Madison County Treasurer. Failure to pay property taxes may result in the issuance of tax certificates and, ultimately, a tax deed transferring ownership to a third party.
Property Tax Assessment and Appeals:
Under 35 ILCS 200/16-55, property owners have the right to appeal their assessed valuation before the Board of Review. The government transparency property tax portal provides information on tax rates, levies, and the appeals process. As stated by Madison County's transparency resources, property owners may access "Property Tax Appeals · Property Tax FAQ's · Tax Rates and Tax Levy · Property Tax Reform Report" through the county's official channels.
Homestead Exemptions:
Illinois law provides several property tax exemptions for qualifying owner-occupants. The General Homestead Exemption reduces the equalized assessed value of a primary residence by up to $6,000. The Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption provides an additional reduction for qualifying owners aged 65 and older. Applications are administered by the Chief County Assessment Office.
Chief County Assessment Office
157 N. Main Street, Suite 225
Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone: (618) 692-6270
Chief County Assessment Office
Lookup Property Records in Madison County
- Madison County Recorder's Office — recorded deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Chief County Assessment Office — property valuations and exemptions
- Madison County Treasurer — property tax search and payment history
- Land Records Search via Laredo — online real estate records access
- Madison County Government Transparency Property Tax Lookup — tax rates, levies, and appeals