null
How to Find Public Records in Washington County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in Indiana will find that WashingtonINRecords.us aggregates publicly available information related to public records maintained by Washington County agencies. The site may assist users in locating data across a range of record categories, though official copies of documents must be obtained directly from the custodial government office. Records that may be accessible through official channels include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family law)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Tax assessment and property tax records
- Business licenses and permits
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement incident reports (where permitted by law)
Records may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by Washington County and the State of Indiana.
Online Access:
Members of the public may conduct online searches through several official portals. The Indiana Judicial Branch provides case search access for Washington County courts through the MyCase platform, which allows users to search civil, criminal, and probate case information without registration. The Washington County Courts page on the Indiana Judicial Branch website provides additional guidance on available digital resources. Property and land records may be searched through the Washington County Recorder's online index.
In-Person Requests:
Members of the public may visit the Washington County Courthouse to inspect records at the relevant office. The Court Clerk's Office and Recorder's Office both maintain public access terminals during regular business hours. Requestors should bring a valid photo identification and be prepared to complete a written request form if required by the custodial office.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests should include the requestor's full name, mailing address, a specific description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-9, agencies are required to respond to written requests within a reasonable time, and denial of access must be provided in writing with the legal basis stated.
Phone/Email:
- Washington County Clerk's Office: (812) 883-5748
- Washington County Recorder's Office: (812) 883-4805
What Are Public Records in Washington County?
Public records in Washington County are defined under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-2 as any writing, paper, report, study, map, photograph, book, card, tape recording, or other material that is created, received, retained, maintained, or filed by or with a public agency and which is generated on public funds. The following record types are currently maintained by Washington County offices:
| Record Type | Custodial Office |
|---|---|
| Civil, criminal, probate, family court records | Court Clerk's Office |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Recorder's Office |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) | Indiana Department of Health / Circuit Court Clerk |
| Tax assessment records | County Assessor's Office |
| Business licenses and permits | County Clerk / relevant licensing authority |
| Voting and election records | County Election Board |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Auditor's Office |
| Law enforcement records | Washington County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | County Plan Commission |
As stated on the Washington County Recorder's Office website, "It is the primary duty of the County Recorder to record instruments submitted for recording and maintain those records for perpetuity." The Washington County judicial and court information page maintained by the Prosecutor's Office provides additional resources for residents seeking court-related documents.
Is Washington County an Open Records County?
Washington County fully complies 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 the state, including those in Washington County, are required to make public records available for inspection and copying by any person. The Act establishes that the policy of the State of Indiana is that "all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and employees."
Washington County agencies are bound by this policy and do not impose county-specific ordinances that restrict access beyond the exemptions enumerated in state law. The Indiana Public Access Counselor, an office established under state law, provides advisory opinions and guidance on APRA compliance and may be contacted when access disputes arise.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Washington County?
The fee structure for public records in Washington County is governed by Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, which sets limits on what agencies may charge for document reproduction. Current standard fees are as follows:
- Inspection of records: No charge for in-person inspection of non-confidential records
- Paper copies: $0.10 per page for standard black-and-white copies (8.5" x 11")
- Certified copies: Fees vary by record type; court-certified copies are set by the Indiana Supreme Court fee schedule
- Electronic copies: Agencies may charge the actual cost of reproduction for electronic formats
- Search fees: Agencies may not charge a search fee unless the search requires more than two hours of staff time, in which case the actual cost of the search may be assessed
- Certification fees: Vital records certified copies are subject to fees set by the Indiana State Department of Health
Accepted payment methods at Washington County offices include cash, check, and money order. Some offices accept credit or debit cards; requestors should confirm accepted payment methods with the specific office prior to submitting a request. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for records sought for non-commercial purposes, at the discretion of the custodial agency.
Does Washington County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Washington County government offices during regular business hours. Members of the public are entitled under Indiana law to inspect non-exempt records at no cost; charges apply only when copies are requested. The following resources provide free access to Washington County records:
- MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search: The Indiana Courts case search portal provides free online access to court case information, including case numbers, party names, hearing dates, and case status. As noted on the MyCase platform, "Official records of court proceedings may only be obtained directly from the court maintaining a particular record."
- Washington County Recorder's Online Index: The Recorder's Office maintains a searchable index of recorded instruments that members of the public may access at no charge.
- Public Access Terminals: In-person public access terminals are available at the Washington County Courthouse for free inspection of court and clerk records.
- County Website: The Washington County government website provides free access to meeting minutes, agendas, budgets, and other administrative documents.
Free inspection differs from free copies. While inspection carries no fee, reproduction of records is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Washington County?
Any person may request public records in Washington County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Indiana's Access to Public Records Act does not require requestors to be Indiana residents, to provide identification, or to explain the reason for their request. This applies to individuals, organizations, businesses, and members of the media equally.
Certain record types carry additional access requirements. Requests for records containing personal identifying information, sealed court files, or records subject to statutory exemptions may require the requestor to demonstrate a legal right of access or to submit a formal petition to the court. Individuals seeking their own records—such as personal criminal history or vital records—may be required to provide proof of identity to verify eligibility.
Non-residents retain the same rights of access as Indiana residents for all records that are open to the public under state law. Restrictions on access apply based on the nature of the record, not the identity or location of the requestor.
What Records Are Confidential in Washington County?
Not all government records in Washington County are subject to public disclosure. Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4 enumerates categories of records that are either confidential by law or discretionarily exempt from disclosure. The following record types are currently withheld from public access:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not available for public inspection
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juvenile proceedings are confidential under Indiana law
- Ongoing investigation records: Law enforcement records compiled as part of an active investigation are exempt from disclosure
- Social Security numbers and financial account data: Personal identifying information is redacted from publicly released documents
- Medical records: Protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- Adoption records: Sealed by statute and accessible only through court petition
- Child welfare and protective services records: Maintained as confidential by the Indiana Department of Child Services
- Personnel records: Employee personnel files are exempt, with limited exceptions for disciplinary actions resulting in termination
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Submitted to government agencies under confidentiality agreements
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Exempt to protect public safety
Agencies applying a discretionary exemption must conduct a balancing test, weighing the public interest in disclosure against the harm that disclosure may cause. Denial of access must be provided in writing, citing the specific statutory basis for the exemption.
Washington County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Washington County Recorder's Office
99 Public Square, Suite 201
Salem, IN 47167
(812) 883-4805
Washington County Recorder's Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Washington County Circuit Court Clerk
99 Public Square
Salem, IN 47167
(812) 883-5748
Washington County Court Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
As stated on the Court Clerk's official page, "The Office of Clerk of the Circuit Court is established by the Indiana State Constitution to serve as the record keeper for the constitutionally created Court." The Clerk's Office maintains all civil, criminal, probate, and family court records filed in Washington County Circuit and Superior Courts.
Washington County Sheriff's Office
801 Jackson Street
Salem, IN 47167
(812) 883-5750
Washington County Sheriff's Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Members of the public seeking Washington County judicial records and court information may also consult the resources compiled by the Washington County Prosecutor's Office, which provides direct links to Indiana court databases and local judicial resources.
Lookup Public Records in Washington County
- Washington County courts and judicial record resources
- Washington County Courts – Indiana Judicial Branch
- Washington County Recorder's Office – recorded instruments and property records
- Washington County Circuit Court Clerk – court record keeper
- MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search – public court case lookup