Clark County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Clark County in 2026
ClarkCountyRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to property records in Clark County, Indiana. Members of the public may find ownership history, assessed values, recorded deeds, tax information, mortgage filings, and lien data through official county and state resources. Available record categories may include:
- Deeds and title transfers
- Property tax assessments and payment history
- Mortgage and lien filings
- Zoning and land use designations
- Building permits and inspection records
Records may be searched through the following official resources:
- Land & Property – Clark County Indiana — online GIS search and property tax payment portal
- Clark County Recorder — deed records indexed from November 1999 forward, with Property Watch alerts
- Clark County Treasurer's Office — tax payment status, delinquency records, and tax certificate sale information
- Clark County – Indiana Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) — assessed value ratios and county-specific assessment data
- Planning & Zoning Office – Clark County Indiana — zoning maps, flood plain data, and plan commission records
1. Property Appraiser Website
The Indiana Department of Local Government Finance oversees property assessment standards statewide, and Clark County assessment data is accessible through the county's online portal. As the DLGF notes, "The assessment ratio for all properties in Indiana is to be 100%," meaning assessed values are intended to reflect full market value.
Members of the public may search property information at no cost and without registration through the county's land and property portal. The following search options are available:
- By property address
- By owner name
- By parcel ID number
- By subdivision
- By GIS map location
Information available through this portal includes:
- Current owner name and mailing address
- Legal description and parcel number
- Land use and zoning classification
- Square footage, year built, and lot size
- Assessed value (land and improvements)
- Taxable value and exemptions applied
- Sales history
- GIS map location
How to Search:
- Navigate to the Land & Property portal
- Select a search type (address, owner name, or parcel ID)
- Enter the search criteria
- Review the results list
- Select a property to view the full property card, map, and sales history
- Print or save the information as needed
2. County Recorder Official Records Search
The Clark County Recorder maintains official recorded documents, with deed records indexed from November 1999 forward. The Recorder's office also offers a Property Watch service that alerts property owners when new documents are recorded against their parcel.
Members of the public may search recorded documents by:
- Grantor name (seller)
- Grantee name (buyer)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Instrument number
Documents available through the Recorder's system include deeds, mortgages, satisfactions of mortgage, liens, easements, plat maps, powers of attorney, and lis pendens filings.
How to Search:
- Access the Clark County Recorder online portal
- Select the preferred search type
- Enter grantor/grantee names or document details
- Review results and select a document to view
- Note the instrument number or book and page for reference
- Request certified copies in person or by mail if needed
Clark County Recorder's Office
501 E. Court Ave., Room 130
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Phone: (812) 285-6228
Clark County Recorder
3. Tax Collector / Treasurer Website
The Clark County Treasurer's Office maintains property tax records, payment history, and delinquency information. Pursuant to Indiana Code, real property parcels with delinquent taxes are offered for tax certificate sale by the County Treasurer.
Members of the public may search tax records by:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel number
- Tax account number
Information available includes current tax bills, payment history, outstanding balances, exemptions, and tax certificate status.
Clark County Treasurer's Office
501 E. Court Ave., Room 137
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Phone: (812) 285-6205
Clark County Treasurer's Office
4. GIS / Mapping System
Clark County provides an interactive GIS mapping system accessible through the land and property portal. Members of the public may navigate the map to a specific location, click on a parcel to view property information, and access linked records. Available map layers include property boundaries, zoning designations, flood zones, and aerial photography.
In-Person Searches
Members of the public who require certified copies or access to records not available online may visit the following offices:
Clark County Recorder's Office
501 E. Court Ave., Room 130
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Phone: (812) 285-6228
Clark County Recorder
Clark County Treasurer's Office
501 E. Court Ave., Room 137
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Phone: (812) 285-6205
Clark County Treasurer's Office
Clark County Planning & Zoning Office
501 E. Court Ave.
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Phone: (812) 285-6225
Planning & Zoning Office
By Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written requests for recorded documents to the Clark County Recorder by mail. Requests should specify the instrument number, book and page, or property address and approximate date range. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate fee.
Through Professionals
Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed appraisers provide comprehensive title searches, abstracts of title, and legal title opinions. These professionals access the same public records systems described above and may identify encumbrances, gaps in chain of title, or other issues not immediately apparent from a basic search. Costs vary by provider and scope of work.
Search Tips
- When searching by owner name, try last name first and check spelling variations
- When searching by address, try with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
- Verify results by cross-referencing the parcel ID number
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording processing time
- Records predating November 1999 may require an in-person visit to the Recorder's office
What Is Clark County Property Records
Property records in Clark County, Indiana, are official documents related to real property — including land and buildings — maintained by county government offices and accessible to the public. These records establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and support property tax assessment. They are essential for real estate transactions, title insurance, and the protection of property rights.
Types of Property Records
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and trustee's deeds
- Chain of title and ownership history
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- Homeowner association (HOA) documents
- Lis pendens filings
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments and annual tax bills
- Payment history and delinquency records
- Exemption applications (homestead, veteran, disability)
- Special assessments
Legal Descriptions and Plats:
- Subdivision plat maps
- Surveys and metes-and-bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Code violation records
- Zoning and land use designations
Who Maintains Property Records
The Clark County Recorder is responsible for recording and indexing deeds, mortgages, liens, and other instruments affecting title to real property. The Recorder's office maintains permanent records and provides public access to recorded documents. The Clark County Treasurer's Office maintains tax billing and payment records. The Planning & Zoning Office maintains zoning maps, flood plain designations, and land use records.
Legal Framework
Under Indiana Code § 36-2-11-8, the county recorder is required to record instruments affecting the title to real property and to maintain indexes accessible to the public. The recording of a document provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. Indiana's public records access framework is governed by the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3), which affirms the public's right to inspect and copy public records maintained by government agencies.
Are Property Records Public Information in Clark County?
Property records in Clark County are public information. Under Indiana law, any member of the public may inspect and obtain copies of recorded instruments and assessment records without demonstrating a specific purpose or obtaining prior authorization.
Legal Basis for Public Access
The Indiana Access to Public Records Act, Indiana Code § 5-14-3, establishes the right of the public to inspect and copy public records of government agencies. Property records maintained by the Clark County Recorder, Treasurer, and Assessor are public records subject to this statute. The recording system itself is designed to provide constructive notice — meaning that once a document is recorded, the law presumes all parties are aware of its contents.
Why Property Records Are Public
- Transparency in property ownership prevents fraudulent transfers and secret conveyances
- The real estate marketplace depends on open access to ownership, encumbrance, and valuation data
- Title insurance and mortgage lending industries rely on public record access
- Tax assessment transparency supports public accountability in government
- Historical and genealogical research depends on permanent, accessible land records
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible
- Current and historical ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel numbers
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics (size, age, building type)
- Deeds and all recorded instruments
- Plat maps and surveys
Privacy Considerations
Under current Indiana law, Social Security numbers and financial account numbers must be redacted from documents before recording or upon request. Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under Indiana's Address Confidentiality Program. Homestead exemption applications may contain personal financial information and are subject to separate access policies administered by the County Assessor.
Who Can Access Property Records
No residency requirement, ownership interest, or stated business purpose is required to access property records in Clark County. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents, title companies, lenders, appraisers, attorneys, investors, genealogists, journalists, and members of the general public.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Clark County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested. Under Indiana Code § 36-2-7-10, the county recorder is authorized to collect fees for recording and copying services.
Standard Copy and Recording Fees
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copy of recorded document | $1.00 per page |
| Non-certified copy | $1.00 per page |
| Recording a deed or mortgage (first page) | $25.00 |
| Recording (each additional page) | $5.00 |
| Online document viewing | Free (basic search) |
| Property tax record copies | Varies by request |
Notes on Fees:
- Online viewing of recorded documents through the Recorder's portal is available at no cost for basic searches
- Certified copies require in-person or mail requests with payment
- Accepted payment methods at the Recorder's office include cash, check, and money order; contact the office to confirm current accepted methods
- Fee waivers are not broadly available for standard copy requests; government agencies and certain nonprofit organizations may qualify for reduced fees in specific circumstances
- The Clark County Treasurer's Office provides online tax record access at no charge; copies of tax bills may carry a nominal fee
Members of the public seeking free access to property information may use the county's online GIS portal, the Recorder's online index, and the DLGF's Clark County assessment data without incurring any fees.
What's Included in a Clark County Property Record?
A complete Clark County property record draws from multiple county offices and may include the following categories of information.
Ownership Information
Current ownership records identify the legal owner(s) by name, ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, trust, LLC, or corporation), acquisition date, deed instrument number, and mailing address for tax billing. Previous ownership information — including chain of title, prior owners' names, and historical deed references — is maintained permanently by the Recorder's office.
Property Identification
Each parcel is identified by a unique parcel ID number, site address, legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, or metes-and-bounds description), and tax account number. Condominium units carry additional unit-specific identifiers.
Physical Characteristics
Land information includes lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, frontage, zoning classification, and land use designation. Building information includes total living area, year built, number of stories, building type, construction materials, roof type, foundation type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and additional features such as garages, pools, fireplaces, and HVAC systems.
Valuation Information
Assessment records include land value, building value, total assessed value, and market value as determined by the county assessor. The DLGF confirms that Indiana's assessment ratio is 100%, meaning assessed value is intended to equal full market value. Historical assessed values for prior years are maintained and accessible through the county's online systems.
Tax Information
Tax records include the current year's tax bill, taxable value after exemptions, millage rate, breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, municipality, and special districts), payment status, and prior years' payment history. Delinquency records and tax certificate information are maintained by the Clark County Treasurer's Office.
Sales History
Sales history includes transfer dates, sale prices, deed types (warranty, quitclaim, tax deed, etc.), grantor and grantee names, and deed instrument numbers for recent and historical transactions.
Encumbrances and Liens
Recorded encumbrances include current and historical mortgages (with original amounts and lender names), tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, easements, deed restrictions, covenants, and lis pendens filings.
Zoning and Regulatory Information
Zoning classification, permitted uses, flood zone designation (FEMA), school district assignment, and special taxing district membership are included in the full property record. The Planning & Zoning Office maintains zoning maps and flood plain data separately from the Recorder's recorded instruments.
What Is Not Typically in Public Property Records
- Current mortgage balances (only original amounts at recording)
- Social Security numbers (redacted under current law)
- Interior photographs
- Private purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
- Unrecorded agreements between parties
- Confidential details from exemption applications
How Long Does Clark County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Clark County are maintained permanently. The legal requirement to preserve recorded instruments arises from the fundamental role these records play in establishing chain of title and providing constructive notice to the public.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention
Indiana's recording statutes require the county recorder to maintain a permanent index of all recorded instruments. The Indiana Commission on Public Records establishes retention schedules for government records; recorded instruments affecting title to real property are classified as permanent records that are never destroyed. This requirement reflects the centuries-old common law principle that land records must remain accessible to protect property rights across generations.
Records Kept Permanently
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types)
- All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, and releases
- All recorded liens and lien releases
- Subdivision plats and re-plats
- Easements, restrictions, and covenants
- Condominium declarations
- Powers of attorney affecting real property
- Court documents affecting title
- Tax deed records
Format and Storage
Historical records in Clark County exist in multiple formats depending on the era of recording. Very old records are preserved in handwritten ledger books; mid-twentieth century records may be on microfilm; records from approximately the late 1990s forward are available as digital scans. The Recorder's online system currently indexes deed records from November 1999 forward. Records predating that index are accessible in person at the Recorder's office.
Access to Historical Records
- Records from approximately the last 20+ years: Available online through the Recorder's portal
- Records from 20–50 years ago: Available on microfilm or in original books at the courthouse
- Records 50+ years old: Available in original books or microfilm; staff retrieval may be required
- Records 100+ years old: Archived storage; advance notice or appointment is helpful
Members of the public seeking historical records should contact the Recorder's office directly and specify the property address or legal description, approximate time period, and document type needed. Retrieval time ranges from same-day to several days depending on the age and format of the record.
Property Appraiser and Tax Records
Assessment rolls and property cards are maintained permanently. Online access to assessment history covers recent years; historical assessments are available at the county offices. Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven to ten years; tax deed records are permanent.
Clark County Recorder's Office
501 E. Court Ave., Room 130
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Phone: (812) 285-6228
Clark County Recorder
How To Find Liens on Property in Clark County?
Liens on property in Clark County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record maintained by the Clark County Recorder. Members of the public may search for liens through the Recorder's online index, in person at the courthouse, or through a professional title search.
Types of Liens Recorded Against Property
- Mortgage liens: Recorded by lenders at the time of loan origination; released upon payoff
- Federal tax liens: Filed by the IRS against a taxpayer's property for unpaid federal taxes
- State tax liens: Filed by the Indiana Department of Revenue for unpaid state taxes
- Judgment liens: Arise from court judgments and attach to real property in the county where recorded
- Mechanic's liens: Filed by contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers for unpaid construction work under Indiana Code § 32-28-3
- HOA liens: Filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments
- Child support liens: Recorded against property of obligors with delinquent child support
How to Search for Liens Online
- Access the Clark County Recorder online records portal
- Search by the property owner's name as grantor or grantee
- Filter results by document type (lien, mortgage, judgment, etc.)
- Review all recorded instruments associated with the parcel
- Note instrument numbers and recording dates for any liens identified
- Cross-reference with the Treasurer's portal for delinquent tax information
How to Search for Liens In Person
Members of the public may visit the Recorder's office to conduct a grantor/grantee index search. Staff can assist with identifying recorded liens by property address or owner name. For federal tax liens, the IRS also maintains a separate online lien search tool through the IRS website.
Delinquent Property Tax Liens
The Clark County Treasurer's Office maintains records of delinquent property taxes. As stated on the Treasurer's official page, "Indiana Code provides that real property parcels with delinquent taxes due will be offered for a tax certificate sale by the County Treasurer." Members of the public may verify delinquent tax status through the Clark County Treasurer's Office portal.
Professional Lien Searches
Title companies and real estate attorneys conduct comprehensive lien searches as part of the title examination process. A professional search covers all recorded instruments in the Recorder's index, federal tax lien filings, judgment lien dockets, and pending litigation (lis pendens). This is the standard practice for real estate transactions and mortgage lending.
Clark County Recorder's Office
501 E. Court Ave., Room 130
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Phone: (812) 285-6228
Clark County Recorder
Clark County Treasurer's Office
501 E. Court Ave., Room 137
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
Phone: (812) 285-6205
Clark County Treasurer's Office
What Is Property Owner Rule in Clark County?
The property owner rule in Clark County, Indiana, refers to the body of state law and local regulations that govern who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership. Indiana follows the general common law framework for real property ownership, supplemented by state statutes and local ordinances.
Establishing Ownership
Legal ownership of real property in Clark County is established by a recorded deed. Under Indiana recording law, a deed must be recorded with the Clark County Recorder to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers. An unrecorded deed may be valid between the parties but does not protect the grantee against a subsequent bona fide purchaser who records first.
Forms of Ownership
Indiana law recognizes the following forms of real property ownership:
- Sole ownership: A single individual holds title in their name alone
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship: Two or more persons hold equal shares; upon the death of one owner, the surviving owner(s) automatically receive the deceased owner's interest
- Tenancy in common: Two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each owner's interest passes through their estate upon death
- Tenancy by the entirety: Available only to legally married couples; provides protection against individual creditors of one spouse
- Trust ownership: A trustee holds title on behalf of beneficiaries
- Entity ownership: LLCs, corporations, and partnerships may hold title to real property in Indiana
Transfer of Ownership
Property transfers in Clark County must be documented by a deed that meets Indiana's statutory requirements, including a legal description of the property, the names of the grantor and grantee, and the grantor's notarized signature. The deed must be presented to the County Auditor for transfer of assessment records before it is recorded with the Recorder's office. Indiana does not impose a state-level real estate transfer tax, though county transfer fees may apply.
Property Owner Rights and Obligations
Property owners in Clark County hold the right to use, lease, sell, mortgage, and devise their property subject to applicable zoning regulations, deed restrictions, and state law. Owners are obligated to pay annual property taxes assessed by the county. Failure to pay property taxes may result in a tax lien and, ultimately, a tax certificate sale administered by the Treasurer's office. Owners also bear responsibility for compliance with local zoning ordinances administered by the Planning & Zoning Office, including land use restrictions, building permit requirements, and flood plain regulations.
Homestead Exemption
Indiana law provides a homestead standard deduction for owner-occupied primary residences. Under current Indiana law, eligible homeowners may receive a deduction of up to $48,000 from the assessed value of their primary residence, reducing the taxable value for property tax purposes. Applications are filed with the County Assessor's office.
Adverse Possession
Indiana recognizes the doctrine of adverse possession, under which a person who openly, continuously, exclusively, and notoriously occupies another's land for a statutory period may acquire legal title. The adverse possession period in Indiana is ten years. Claims of adverse possession must be adjudicated through the courts and, if successful, result in a court order that is recorded with the Recorder's office to establish title.