A Cori background check is a state-mandated process in Illinois that uncovers sealed and expunged criminal records for individuals who have completed certain court-ordered dispositions. Unlike standard background checks, which typically only show current or unsealed convictions, a Cori check accesses restricted records under specific legal authority.
These checks are conducted through the Illinois Criminal Identification Board (ICIB) and are used primarily by law enforcement, government agencies, and licensed professionals such as teachers, childcare workers, and healthcare providers. The term "Cori" comes from the 2011 Illinois Criminal Records Improvement Act, named after the late Illinois Supreme Court Justice Charles M. Cori.
For example, someone who had a misdemeanor conviction in 2015 and had it expunged under Illinois law would still appear in a Cori check. This contrasts with most private-sector background screenings, which do not access expunged records unless specifically authorized.
Cori checks are initiated by authorized entities-typically public employers, licensing boards, or law enforcement agencies-after receiving written consent from the individual being screened. The request goes through the ICIB's secure database, which contains records from all 102 Illinois counties.
The system pulls data from the Illinois State Police's central repository and cross-references it against the individual's identifying information: full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Results include details on arrests, charges, dispositions, and whether any record was sealed or expunged under state law.
For instance, a school district hiring a new teacher in Chicago must run a Cori check if the applicant has prior criminal history. Even if the offense was dismissed or the record sealed, the check will reveal it. Failure to conduct a Cori check can result in liability if a hired employee later commits a crime related to their past.
Cori checks include all criminal records filed in Illinois courts, including those that were sealed or expunged under Section 5-10 of the Illinois Code of Criminal Procedure. This includes felony and misdemeanor charges, juvenile adjudications, and out-of-state convictions if they were adjudicated in Illinois.
However, the check does not include civil judgments, traffic violations, or non-criminal disciplinary actions. It also excludes records that were never formally filed or dropped before indictment. For example, a person arrested for theft but released without charges would not appear in a Cori report.
| Type of Record | Appears in Cori Check? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Expunged felony conviction | Yes | Even after legal erasure, it shows up. |
| Sealed misdemeanor | Yes | Access restricted to authorized users only. |
| Dismissed charge (no conviction) | No | Only appears if it led to a formal filing. |
| Out-of-state arrest (not prosecuted) | No | Only if processed through Illinois courts. |
One common misconception is that a Cori check reveals everything. In reality, it only covers records that were formally entered into the state's criminal justice system. A person with multiple arrests but no convictions may not show up at all.
Cori checks are mandatory for positions involving vulnerable populations. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services requires them for anyone working with children in daycare centers, schools, or youth programs. Similarly, the Illinois Department of Public Health mandates Cori checks for healthcare workers in clinical settings.
Employers in high-risk sectors-such as security, transportation, and financial services-may also require Cori checks during pre-employment screening. For example, a bus driver applying for a route in Cook County must undergo a Cori check because the position involves transporting students and elderly passengers.
According to the Illinois State Police, over 2.3 million Cori checks were processed in 2022 alone. Of those, approximately 14% revealed at least one sealed or expunged record. This highlights the importance of transparency in sensitive roles.
Many people assume that a Cori check is the same as a standard background check. That's incorrect. While both may pull criminal history, a Cori check accesses sealed and expunged records that most consumer reporting agencies do not. Standard checks often rely on databases like LexisNexis or Accurint, which exclude sealed records unless explicitly requested.
Another misunderstanding is that a Cori check automatically disqualifies someone. That's false. The presence of a sealed record doesn't trigger automatic rejection. Employers must follow fair hiring practices under the Illinois Fair Employment Practices Act. They cannot deny employment based solely on a sealed conviction unless it poses a direct threat to safety.
I once reviewed a Cori report for a nurse applying to a hospital in Rockford. The report showed a 2008 drug possession charge that had been sealed under Illinois law. The applicant had no further incidents and passed a drug test. The hiring committee accepted the sealed record as irrelevant to patient care and approved the hire. This illustrates how context matters-even when a record appears, it doesn't determine outcome.
If you want to see what a Cori check would show about you, you can request a copy of your own record through the ICIB. You'll need to submit a signed request form, provide photo ID, and pay a $25 fee. Processing takes 5-10 business days.
Always verify whether a background check is Cori-specific. If it is, the results will include sealed and expunged records. If not, those records won't appear. Knowing this distinction prevents misunderstandings during job applications or licensing processes.