Find Indiana Public Records
Is Indiana a Public Records State?
Indiana upholds the principle of transparency by providing access to a wide range of public records. The Indiana Public Records Law outlines the procedures for obtaining such records and delineates the responsibilities of record custodians. According to IC 5-14-3-2, public records include any data or information generated or maintained by government agencies, boards, and departments, among others. This ensures that most non-confidential records are accessible to both residents and non-residents.
What is Public Information in Indiana?
Public information in Indiana encompasses various types of records, including but not limited to:
- Arrest records
- Accident logs
- Sex offender information
- Court records
- Divorce records
- Marriage records
- Inmate records
- Criminal history records
Under the Indiana Public Records Law, public records include any written study, map, report, memorandum, tape recording, book, or any material created, retained, or filed with a public agency. This also extends to SMS, emails, and drafts. The law empowers individuals to request, inspect, and obtain copies of these records, although certain information may be redacted for confidentiality and privacy reasons.
How Do I Look Up Public Records in Indiana?
To locate public records in Indiana, individuals should contact the appropriate record custodian. For instance, law enforcement agencies manage arrest records, accident logs, and criminal records, while the Indiana Department of Corrections maintains inmate records. Here are the general steps to find public records:
Know the Requirements for Accessing Public Documents in Indiana
Before requesting a record, it is essential to understand the specific requirements. This includes identifying the record custodian and noting any necessary documentation, such as a government-issued ID for vital records.
Contact the Record Custodian in Charge of the Records
Indiana law mandates that record custodians maintain and issue copies of public documents. Interested parties should contact the designated custodians to obtain the required information. Some agencies offer online or offline platforms for accessing records, while others may only allow in-person inspections.
Create and Send Request for Indiana Public Records
Requests can be made by writing to the appropriate record custodian. Some custodians provide online or downloadable request forms. If no specific form is available, the request should include:
- Requester's full name
- Case number (for court records)
- Preferred mode of delivery
- Contact details
- Full name and aliases of the record subject
- Purpose of the request
- Date range of the record
- Record subject's date of birth
- Additional information to aid the search
The Indiana Records Facility offers an online request portal for obtaining most public records.
Utilizing Third-Party Resources for Indiana Public Records Obtaining
City Records
Third-party websites provide tools for expansive searches of city records. Users need to provide sufficient information, such as the subject's name, address, and case number, to facilitate the search. These platforms are not government-sponsored, so record availability and accuracy may vary.
Public Records
Public records can also be accessed through third-party aggregate websites, which offer non-geographically limited search services. Users must provide enough information, such as the subject's name and last known location. Since these sites are not government-sponsored, the availability and accuracy of results can differ.
How To Look Up Public Records in Indiana for Free?
Free access to public records in Indiana is possible through various avenues:
- Some agencies allow public inspection of records via computer terminals in their lobbies.
- Law enforcement agencies provide free access to arrest records.
- County recorders' offices often allow free viewing of documents.
Certain records, such as court cases, child abuse registries, and protection orders, are available online for free:
To access marriage records, users should provide both subjects' full names, the exact marriage year, and the county where the marriage was recorded.
Search Public Records in Indiana
States