Cook County websites that provide access to public records.

list of websites

• look at all the websites marked "Chicago" on this list
• records project

specific websites I've found useful

• real estate
  • THIS is the page that lets you find a PIN for a specific address (PIN = Property Index Number)
    • you can even do range searches, which is enormously useful
  • once you have the PIN number, use the PIN search at the Recorder of Deeds
  • Building Permit Status (only goes back 18 months though, it's intended mostly for allowing building owners to check on the status of their request)
  • property sales (including grantor-grantee information)
• business entities
  • Business License Holders Search

specific websites, BY ORGANIZATION NAME

• Cook County Recorder of Deeds
• Cook County Assessor
• Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court