Illinois Code of Civil Procedure
In Illinois service of process is governed by the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure. In Cook County (Chicago) all persons other than the Sheriff must receive special appointment by motion and at the discretion of the court.
In all other counties in Illinois, a licensed private detective or their registered agents, may serve process without special appointment.
Illinois Code of Civil Procedure-Process
Obstructing Service of Process
720 ILCS 5/31 3) (from Ch. 38, par. 31 3)
Sec. 31 3. Obstructing service of process.
Whoever knowingly resists or obstructs the authorized service or execution of any civil or criminal process or order of any court commits a Class B misdemeanor.
Source: P. A. 77 2638.)
Obtaining motor vehicle records from the Illinois Secretary of State
Prohibition on release and use of certain personal information from State motor vehicle records
Federal law prohibits state motor vehicle departments from disclosing personal information except for permissible use authorized by statute.
Activities of private investigators and process servers fall within the permissible use of otherwise protected information:
4) For use in connection with any civil, criminal, administrative, or arbitral proceeding in any Federal, State, or local court or agency or before any self-regulatory body,
including the service of process, investigation in anticipation of litigation, and the execution or enforcement of judgments and orders, or pursuant to an order of a Federal, State, or local court.
(8) For use by any licensed private investigative agency or licensed security service for any purpose permitted under this subsection.
The Illinois Secretary of State provides vehicle registration and title history to private investigators whose request complies with federal law.
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