Find Ohio Public Records

Is Ohio a Public Records State?

Ohio State Records is dedicated to ensuring that every individual has the right to access, review, and obtain state public records. This commitment aligns with the Ohio Open Records Law, which mandates that residents of Ohio have secure access to public records. The primary objective is to grant all members of the public the right to access Ohio state records without needing to disclose their state of residence or citizenship status, and without having to provide a reason for their request unless specifically required.

Ohio State Records encompasses a wide array of information, including criminal records, court records, and vital records, with a repository exceeding 99 million public records.

What is Public Information in Ohio?

The public availability of government-generated records in Ohio is determined by the type of record. According to Ohio Revised Code 149.43 (A), Ohio public records include documents created or maintained by any public office, such as state, county, city, village, township, or school offices. Generally, most records generated or maintained by these offices in the course of their operations are considered public records.

Public records in Ohio include:

Court records
Criminal records and criminal history
Arrest records
Inmate records
Bankruptcy records
Sex offender information

Certain records are exempt from public access, such as adoption proceedings, medical records, and trial preparation documents. These records may be in various formats, including photographs, handwritten documents, recordings, or electronic files. Interested parties can request to view or obtain copies of Ohio public records by contacting the appropriate record custodian. Alternatively, they may conduct searches using online public records databases maintained by government agencies or third-party services. Requestors may also submit a FOIA or public records act request to the relevant custodian.

Note: Ohio public records exclude private data of public office officers, including the records custodian. Private messages and emails, as well as preliminary notes and drafts, are also exempt.

How Do I Look Up Public Records in Ohio?

Individuals seeking public records in Ohio should contact the custodian of the records. The Ohio Revised Code mandates that public record custodians make records available promptly upon request. Requesters must specify the information they seek and provide a clear description of the record to assist the custodian in locating it. If the record cannot be reasonably identified, the custodian may deny the request. Identifying information such as the subject’s name or case number is essential for locating the record.

The custodian of the records varies depending on the type of record. Ohio Vital Records are maintained by the Ohio Department of Health, which handles death and divorce records. Court records are managed by court clerks, while criminal records are maintained by the state police department. Divorce records can also be obtained from county clerks' offices.

After identifying the appropriate custodian, requesters should submit a request for the records, preferably in writing. The Ohio Court of Claims offers a sample public request form. Requests should include:

The type of record sought
The requester’s contact information
A description of the record
The preferred format (electronic or physical copies)
Any additional information to aid in locating the record

Requests can be submitted by mail or in person, and fees may apply for data extraction, copying, or delivery.

Utilizing Third-Party Resources for Ohio Public Records Obtaining

City Records

Public city records may also be accessible via third-party websites. These platforms offer intuitive tools for comprehensive searches. Record seekers can search for specific or multiple records by providing sufficient information, such as:

The name of the subject (must be over 18 or not a juvenile)
The requester’s address
Case number or file number (if known)
Location of the document or person involved
Last known or current address of the registrant

Third-party sites are not government-sponsored, so record availability and results may vary.

Public Records

Third-party websites also provide access to public records. These platforms offer non-geographically limited search services, making the search process straightforward. Users must provide sufficient information to assist with the search, such as:

The name of the subject (not a juvenile)
Last known location of the record subject

Since these third-party sites are not government-sponsored, the accuracy and availability of results can vary.

How To Look Up Public Records in Ohio for Free?

The availability of free public records in Ohio depends on the type of record, the custodian, and the request method. Viewing records at the custodian's physical location is generally free. This applies to arrest records, incident reports at police departments, and court records at courthouses. Agencies often provide lobbies and terminals for free public records searches during business hours. Some records can also be accessed electronically at no cost. For instance, county clerks' websites may offer free searches for public records, and sex offender and inmate information is available online.

However, obtaining copies or having records mailed typically incurs fees. Public terminals are available at county clerks' offices, court clerks' offices, and county recorder’s offices. Some third-party aggregate sites also offer free public records searches.

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