The papers, entries and records of any corporation or incorporated association may be proved by a copy thereof, certified under the signature of the secretary, clerk, cashier or other keeper of the same. If the corporation or incorporated association has a seal, the same shall be affixed to such certificate.
8-1204.Corporate records.
Article VIII. Evidence · Part 12. Records and Patents · Not amended since adoption on record · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceA corporation or incorporated association's papers, entries, and records may be proved by a copy certified by its secretary, clerk, cashier, or other keeper, with the entity's seal affixed if it has one.
Full Text of 735 ILCS 5/8-1204
Plain-English Summary
This section extends the certified-copy method of proof to private corporations and incorporated associations, covering their papers, entries, and records.
Certification may come from the secretary, clerk, cashier, or other keeper of the records, giving flexibility about which officer within the entity provides the certificate.
If the corporation or association has a seal, it must be affixed to the certificate, tying into Section 8-1205's requirement that the certificate state when no seal exists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of entities does this section cover?
Any corporation or incorporated association.
Who is authorized to certify a copy of corporate records?
The secretary, clerk, cashier, or other keeper of the records.
Must the corporation's seal appear on the certificate?
Yes, if the corporation or association has a seal, it must be affixed.
What if the corporation has no seal?
The certificate proceeds without one, consistent with the statement requirement in Section 8-1205.
Does this section apply to unincorporated associations?
No. It is limited to corporations and incorporated associations.
Amendment History
(Source: P.A. 82-280.)
Source & verification. Section text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Compiled Statutes, published by the
Illinois Compiled Statutes, Illinois General Assembly / Legislative Reference Bureau. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: corporate records evidence illinoiscertified copy corporate records illinoisincorporated association records proof