Clark County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Clark County in 2026
ClarkCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to public records maintained by government agencies in Clark County, Indiana. Members of the public seeking court documents, property filings, vital records, or financial disclosures may locate relevant materials through official county offices, state-administered online portals, and public access terminals. The categories of records that may be available include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family law)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Business licenses and permits
- Property tax and assessment records
- County budget and financial documents
- Meeting minutes and board agendas
- Land use and zoning records
- Voting and election records
Records can be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.
Online Access:
The Indiana Courts Case Search (MyCase) portal allows members of the public to search court case information statewide, including cases filed in Clark County. The Indiana Judicial Branch public records page provides guidance on locating court documents, requesting records for family members, and submitting formal public information requests. Property and land records may be searched through the Clark County Recorder's office portal. No registration is required to conduct basic searches on most of these platforms, though certified copies require an in-person or written request.
In-Person Requests:
Members of the public may visit the Clark County Government Center to inspect or request copies of records. The Clark County Clerk's Office, located at 501 E. Court Avenue, Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130, accepts walk-in requests during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and be prepared to complete a written request form if the record is not immediately available for inspection.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests may be submitted by mail to the applicable office. Requests should include the full name of the subject, the type of record sought, the approximate date range, and the requestor's contact information. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-9, agencies are required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time, not to exceed seven days for most records.
Phone/Email:
- Clark County Clerk's Office: (812) 285-6244
- Clark County Recorder's Office: (812) 285-6228
What Are Public Records in Clark County?
Public records in Clark County are defined under Indiana state law as any writing, paper, report, study, map, photograph, book, tape, recording, or other material that is created, received, retained, maintained, or filed by or with a public agency. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-2, a "public record" encompasses all documentary materials regardless of physical form or characteristics that are made or received under law in connection with the transaction of public business by a public agency.
The following record types are currently maintained by Clark County government offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil, criminal, probate, family court records | Clark County Circuit and Superior Courts |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Clark County Recorder's Office |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | Clark County Health Department / Indiana State Department of Health |
| Business licenses and permits | Clark County Clerk's Office |
| Property tax and assessment records | Clark County Assessor's Office |
| Budget and financial documents | Clark County Auditor's Office |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Clark County Council / Board of Commissioners |
| Land use and zoning records | Clark County Plan Commission |
| Voting and election records | Clark County Election Board |
The Clark County Indiana Budgets & Finances page notes that "Clark County Plat Records are available to the public in the Clark County Government Center Plat Room" and that access is governed pursuant to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act.
Is Clark County an Open Records County?
Clark County operates in full compliance with Indiana's statewide open records framework. Under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), Indiana Code § 5-14-3-1 et seq., all public agencies in Indiana, including those in Clark County, are required to make public records available for inspection and copying by any person. The Act establishes a presumption of openness, meaning that records are public unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
As stated by the Indiana Public Access Counselor, "The Access to Public Records Act reflects Indiana's commitment to open government and the public's right to know how their government operates." County agencies are required to designate a public records coordinator and to respond to requests in a timely manner. Clark County does not maintain a separate county-level open records ordinance; the state APRA governs all access requests submitted to county offices. Indiana's Sunshine Laws further require that meetings of public bodies be open to the public, with limited exceptions for executive sessions.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Clark County?
The current fee structure for public records in Clark County is governed by state law and individual office schedules. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, agencies may charge fees for copies of public records, but such fees may not exceed the actual cost of reproduction.
| Fee Type | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (standard size) | $0.10 per page (black and white) |
| Certified copies (court records) | Varies by document; court clerk sets fee |
| Certified copies (vital records) | $8.00 per copy (Indiana State Department of Health schedule) |
| Electronic copies | No charge in many cases; agency discretion applies |
| Inspection of records | No charge |
| Search fees | Not permitted under APRA for most record types |
Accepted payment methods at Clark County offices include cash, check, and money order. Some offices accept credit or debit cards; members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods with the specific office prior to visiting. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest, subject to agency discretion.
Does Clark County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Clark County government offices. Indiana law requires that agencies permit members of the public to inspect records at no charge during regular business hours. The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while inspection carries no fee, obtaining physical or certified copies is subject to the reproduction fees described above.
The following resources provide free access to public records online:
- MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search — free online access to court case information, including cases from Clark County courts
- Clark County Indiana Judicial Branch — provides information on accessing court documents and case records at no cost
- Indiana Judicial Branch public records portal — free guidance and access tools for court-related public records
The Clark County Recorder's Office also maintains public access terminals at the Government Center where members of the public may search recorded land documents at no charge during office hours.
Who Can Request Public Records in Clark County?
Any person may request public records from Clark County agencies. Indiana's Access to Public Records Act does not restrict access based on residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Requestors are not required to be Indiana residents, and agencies may not require a requestor to explain the reason for their request as a condition of access.
Requestors are not required to provide identification to inspect records, though identification may be required when requesting certified copies or records that contain sensitive personal information. Certain record types, such as law enforcement investigative records or records containing personal identifying information, may require the requestor to demonstrate a legitimate interest or may be subject to additional review.
Members of the public seeking their own records — such as personal court filings or vital records — follow the same request process as any other requestor, though additional verification of identity is standard practice when releasing records containing personal data. Non-residents retain the same rights of access as Indiana residents under the APRA.
What Records Are Confidential in Clark County?
Not all records maintained by Clark County agencies are available for public inspection. Indiana law identifies specific categories of records that are exempt from disclosure. The following records are currently treated as confidential or restricted:
- Sealed court records and expunged criminal records
- Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
- Records pertaining to ongoing law enforcement investigations
- Social Security numbers and financial account information
- Medical records and protected health information (subject to HIPAA)
- Adoption records
- Child welfare and protective services records
- Personnel files of public employees (with exceptions for disciplinary actions)
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information submitted to agencies
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details
As noted by the Indiana Public Access Counselor, "Not every record in the possession of a public agency is a public record subject to disclosure." Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4 enumerates the specific categories of records that agencies may or must withhold from public disclosure. When an agency denies a request, it is required to provide the specific statutory basis for the denial. Requestors who believe a denial is improper may file a complaint with the Indiana Public Access Counselor's Office.
Clark County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Clark County Recorder's Office
501 E. Court Avenue, Room 130
Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130
(812) 285-6228
Clark County Recorder
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
As noted on the official office page, "The Recorder's Staff will not search public records or give any legal opinions. If you know the recording information, you may request a copy." Members of the public conducting property record searches are encouraged to use the public access terminals available on-site.
Clark County Clerk's Office
501 E. Court Avenue
Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130
(812) 285-6244
Clark County Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Clark County Assessor's Office
501 E. Court Avenue, Room 214
Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130
(812) 285-6225
Clark County Assessor
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Clark County Health Department (Vital Records)
1613 E. 8th Street
Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130
(812) 282-7521
Clark County Health Department
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM