Clark County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Clark County in 2026
ClarkOHRecords.us aggregates publicly available information related to public records in Clark County, Ohio, offering a centralized starting point for individuals seeking access to government documents. Members of the public may find data pertaining to court filings, property transactions, vital statistics, and other records maintained by county and state agencies. The availability and completeness of specific records depend on the custodial office, the nature of the request, and applicable state law.
Record categories that may be accessible through official channels include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and domestic relations)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Business licenses and fictitious name registrations
- Property tax and assessment records
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement incident reports and arrest logs
Records in Clark County, Ohio, may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.
Online Access: The Clark County, Ohio official website provides access to several online databases, including property search tools maintained by the County Auditor. The Clark County Auditor's online portal allows users to search parcel data, tax records, and property transfers without registration. Court records filed with the Clark County Court of Common Pleas may be searched through the Ohio Courts Network. Municipal court filings are accessible through the Clark County Municipal Court clerk's office portal, where users can access case records that have historically been available to the public.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the relevant custodial office during regular business hours to inspect records. The Clark County Recorder's Office, located at 31 N. Limestone Street, Springfield, OH 45502, accepts in-person requests Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Requestors should identify the record type, approximate date range, and names of parties involved to facilitate retrieval.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted by mail to the appropriate custodial office. Requests should include the requestor's name, contact information, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, public offices are required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable period of time.
Phone/Email:
- Clark County Recorder: (937) 521-1680
- Clark County Auditor: (937) 521-1878
- Clark County Clerk of Courts: (937) 521-1680
What Are Public Records in Clark County?
Public records in Clark County are defined under Ohio state law as any record kept by a public office, regardless of physical form or medium. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.011, a "record" includes any document, device, or item created or received by a public office that documents the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the office.
The following record types are maintained by Clark County agencies:
| Record Type | Custodial Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Clark County Clerk of Courts |
| Probate and estate records | Clark County Probate Court |
| Property deeds and mortgages | Clark County Recorder |
| Property tax and assessments | Clark County Auditor |
| Vital records (birth, death) | Ohio Department of Health / Probate Court |
| Marriage and divorce records | Clark County Probate Court |
| Business licenses and permits | Clark County Auditor / Municipal offices |
| Voting and election records | Clark County Board of Elections |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Clark County Board of Commissioners |
| Law enforcement records | Clark County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Clark County Planning Commission |
The Clark County Recorder's Office maintains land records, including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. The Clark County Auditor maintains property tax and assessment data. Court records, including civil, criminal, domestic relations, and probate filings, are maintained by the respective court clerk's offices.
Is Clark County an Open Records County?
Clark County operates in full compliance with Ohio's open records laws, which establish a broad presumption in favor of public access to government documents. Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, known as the Ohio Public Records Act, all public records are subject to inspection and copying upon request, unless a specific exception applies.
The Ohio Attorney General's office states: "The Public Records Act reflects the General Assembly's intent that open government serves the public interest and that the people of Ohio have the right to inspect and copy public records." This principle governs all public offices in Clark County, including the Board of Commissioners, the Recorder, the Auditor, the Clerk of Courts, and law enforcement agencies.
Clark County does not maintain a separate county-level open records ordinance; the Ohio Public Records Act serves as the governing framework for all records access requests submitted to county offices. The Ohio Attorney General's Public Records Unit provides guidance on compliance, mediation of disputes, and training for public offices.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Clark County?
The cost to obtain public records in Clark County varies by record type and the office maintaining the records. Under Ohio law, public offices may charge only the actual cost of providing copies and are prohibited from charging for the time spent retrieving or reviewing records.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies (8.5" x 11") | $0.05 per page (black and white) |
| Certified copies of court records | $1.00–$5.00 per document |
| Certified copies of deeds | $2.00 per page |
| Electronic records (where available) | No charge in many cases |
| Inspection of records | No charge |
- Inspection of public records is free of charge at all Clark County offices.
- Copies of documents may incur a per-page fee based on actual reproduction costs.
- Certification fees apply when an official seal or attestation is required.
- Accepted payment methods at most offices include cash, check, and money order; some offices accept credit cards.
- Fee waivers are not broadly mandated under Ohio law, though individual offices may exercise discretion.
The Ohio Public Records Act does not permit public offices to charge search fees or staff time fees for locating records.
Does Clark County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Clark County government offices during regular business hours. Ohio law requires that public offices make records available for inspection at no cost, and this right extends to all members of the public regardless of residency.
Free access to records is available through the following official resources:
- Clark County Auditor's Property Search: The Clark County Auditor provides a free online property search tool for parcel data, ownership history, and tax information.
- Clark County Board of Elections: Voter registration records and election results are available for free inspection through the Clark County Board of Elections.
- Ohio Courts Network: Basic case information for Clark County Court of Common Pleas filings is searchable at no cost through the Ohio Courts Network portal.
- Clark County Municipal Court: Historical and current court case records are accessible through the Clark County Municipal Court clerk's office, which provides online access to case information that has been available to the public.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while inspection carries no fee, physical or electronic copies may be subject to the actual cost of reproduction as permitted under state law.
Who Can Request Public Records in Clark County?
Any person may request public records in Clark County, Ohio. Under the Ohio Public Records Act, there is no residency requirement, and requestors are not required to provide identification or state the purpose of their request for most record types.
Key eligibility provisions include:
- Residency: Not required. Non-residents of Ohio retain the same right to request public records as Ohio residents.
- Identification: Not required for general public records requests, though some offices may ask for identification as a matter of administrative practice.
- Purpose: Requestors are not obligated to explain why they are seeking records, with limited exceptions for certain sensitive record categories.
- Requesting your own records: Individuals seeking records about themselves follow the same process as any other requestor, though additional verification may be required for records containing sensitive personal information.
- Restrictions for specific record types: Certain records, such as juvenile court records, adoption records, and sealed criminal records, are subject to access restrictions regardless of who is requesting them.
Organizations, businesses, attorneys, and members of the media retain the same rights as individual members of the public under Ohio's open records framework.
What Records Are Confidential in Clark County?
Not all records maintained by Clark County offices are subject to public disclosure. Ohio law identifies specific categories of records that are exempt from the general right of inspection and copying. The following record types are currently treated as confidential or restricted:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by court order pursuant to Ohio expungement and sealing statutes are not available for public inspection.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juvenile proceedings are confidential under Ohio law and are not open to general public access.
- Ongoing criminal investigation records: Records compiled in connection with a law enforcement investigation are exempt while the investigation is active.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are redacted from public records prior to release.
- Medical records: Protected under both Ohio law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Adoption records: Sealed by statute and accessible only under specific legal circumstances.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Maintained as confidential by the Clark County Department of Job and Family Services.
- Personnel records: Certain employee records are exempt, though names, positions, and salaries of public employees are generally public.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Exempt when submitted to a public office under a claim of confidentiality.
- Security and infrastructure plans: Records detailing security systems, emergency response plans, or critical infrastructure are withheld to protect public safety.
Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1) enumerates the specific exemptions applicable to public records requests statewide. When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the public office is required to redact the exempt portions and release the remainder.
Clark County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Clark County Recorder's Office
31 N. Limestone Street, Suite 100
Springfield, OH 45502
(937) 521-1680
Clark County Recorder
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on federal and state holidays.
Clark County Auditor's Office
31 N. Limestone Street
Springfield, OH 45502
(937) 521-1878
Clark County Auditor
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Clark County Clerk of Courts
101 N. Limestone Street
Springfield, OH 45502
(937) 521-1680
Clark County Clerk of Courts
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Clark County Municipal Court Clerk's Office
50 E. Columbia Street
Springfield, OH 45502
(937) 328-2459
Clark County Municipal Court
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Clark County Board of Elections
3130 E. Main Street
Springfield, OH 45505
(937) 521-1877
Clark County Board of Elections
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Clark County Probate Court
101 N. Limestone Street
Springfield, OH 45502
(937) 521-1750
Clark County Probate Court
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
As the Ohio Attorney General's Sunshine Laws guidance notes, "Public offices must make records available for inspection during regular business hours," reinforcing the obligation of all Clark County offices to provide timely access to public documents.