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The Will County Recorder’s main office is located at 158 North Scott Street in Joliet, Illinois 60432-4143 (the southeast corner of Cass and Scott Streets) and is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Parking is available but limited at this office; metered parking is available on local city streets. The recorder also maintains another office in Bollingbrook at 241 Canterbury Lane (60440) which is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays but this branch does not accept plats. Both offices are closed on major federal holidays and the Bollingbrook office is closed for lunch from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
The recorder’s offices have served as the official repositories for the recordation of all documents for Will County since 1836. The Will County Recorder, though, is unable to provide any legal advice but generally advises against filing wills since all recorded documents, with the sole exception of DD 214s, become a matter of public record. Pursuant to Public Act 093-0468 enacted in 2004, DD 214s are no longer considered public information but veterans and/or their legal guardians are always welcome at the recorder’s offices to obtain new certified copies as needed. Be sure to take a picture identification card with you when you initially record your DD 214. There is no charge for recording your discharge certificate, and certified copies are also free.
Founded in 1836, Will County is located in the northern Illinois with its county seat located at Joliet. Will County has a population of about 687,000 people. The county’s close proximity to Chicago, extensive access to all transportation models and public and private sector leaders who are business- and family-friendly have made it an attractive location for a growing number of companies and individuals alike who appreciate its increasing employment opportunities and excellent quality of life amid the hustle and bustle that surrounds them. The county also hosts several popular annual festivals and features numerous civic parks, historic districts and landmarks, including the Joliet Iron Works Historic Site and the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor.
A number of industries are already represented in Will County, including transportation and logistics, advanced manufacturing, food processing, energy, life sciences, and an impressive array of higher educational resources. Moreover, Will County has been recognized as a leader in solar energy development by the International City/County Management Association, receiving the SolSmart Bronze award for its commitment to residential solar energy initiatives. In addition, Will County has been in the vanguard of government entities dedicated to ending homelessness among veterans.
Although the Will County Recorder’s main role involves accurately recording and indexing documents related to real estate transactions and uniform commercial code filings, the recorder’s office will essentially record any document presented provided the appropriate fees are paid, if applicable, but their offices typically do not record lot surveys. Businesses such as title companies, law firms, and financial institutions can take advantage of the recorder’s electronic filing option which significantly reduces the amount of time required to record legal documents. Registration with a registered E-Recording vendor is required to use the electronic filing service which also automatically collects fees. In addition, the Will County Recorder’s office also offers a subscription service to public and governmental users to its Laredo Remote Access for online real estate record searches dating back to 1965.
Although the recorder’s role is vital for businesses, it is also especially important for recently discharged veterans. It is highly recommended that all veterans have their DD Form 214 discharge certificate filed of record at the Will County Recorder’s Office to ensure its ready availability in the future should the original become lost and new copies needed. This may not seem important at the time, but the transition to civilian life is typically hectic, and usually involves several changes of residence and your original discharge certificate can be easily lost and you’ll need that document time and again for job applications and schools to obtain your veteran’s benefits..
The originals of all documents filed at the recorder’s office are returned after approximately 3 business days through the U.S. mails or through the lender, lawyer or title company that filed a document on your behalf.
The current Will County Recorder is Ms. Karen A. Stukel who can be reached telephonically at 815-740-4637 or by writing to either of the above office addresses.
Main Office:
Will County Recorder
158 North Scott Street
Joliet, Illinois 60432-4143
Branch Office:
Will County Recorder
241 Canterbury Lane
Bollingbrook, Illinois 60440
Phone:
Main Office in Joliet
815-740-4637
Branch Office in Bollingbrook
630-759-5780
Email:
pgower@willcountyillinois.com or achavez@willcountyillinois.com
Hours of operation:
Main Office in Joliet
Weekdays: 8:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m.
Branch Office in Bollingbrook
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed 1:00–200 p.m. for lunch)
Today, Will County is widely recognized as a great place to live and work, and its communities and neighborhoods have much to offer companies and residents alike. Residents and businesses in Will County, Illinois are also fortunate to have the professional staff at the Will County Recorder’s offices available to record their important legal documents. Veterans can record their DD 214s at these offices for free and can receive certified copies of their discharge certificate as they are needed in the future, also free of charge. Besides discharge certificates, these offices also record virtually any document presented to them provided applicable fees are paid if necessary, but they do not generally record lot surveys and the Bollingbroke branch does not record plats. In addition, their offices recommend against filing wills since all documents (except DD 214s) become a matter of public record.