Fayette County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Fayette County in 2026
Members of the public seeking publicly available information related to government activities, court proceedings, property transactions, and vital events in Fayette County, Indiana may access a range of documents through official county and state channels. The directory at FayetteINRecords.us aggregates publicly available data that may assist individuals in locating relevant record sources. Fayette County maintains records across multiple offices, and the availability of specific documents depends on the record type, the custodial agency, and applicable state law.
Records that may be accessible through official sources include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family law)
- 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 (where permitted)
- Land use and zoning documents
Online Access: Members of the public may search Indiana court case information through the Indiana Courts case search portal, which provides access to civil, criminal, and probate case records statewide. The Indiana Judicial Branch also maintains a public records resource page where individuals may identify which court holds a specific case and how to submit a records request. Property records and recorder documents may be searched through the Fayette County Recorder's online portal where available.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Fayette County Clerk's Office or the Fayette County Recorder's Office during regular business hours. The Fayette County Courthouse is located at 401 Central Avenue, Connersville, Indiana 47331. Staff at the public counter can assist with locating and copying records upon request.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests should be directed to the appropriate custodial office by mail. Requests must identify the record sought with sufficient specificity to allow staff to locate it. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-9, agencies are required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time, not to exceed seven days.
Phone/Email: The Fayette County Clerk's Office may be reached by telephone at (765) 825-1813. Contact information for specific departments is available through the Fayette County government website.
What Are Public Records in Fayette County?
Public records in Fayette County are defined under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (APRA), codified at Indiana Code § 5-14-3, as any writing, paper, report, study, map, photograph, book, tape, recording, or other material that is created, received, retained, maintained, or filed by or with a public agency. The following record types are currently maintained by Fayette County offices:
| Record Type | Custodial Office |
|---|---|
| Court records (civil, criminal, probate, family) | Fayette Circuit Court / Superior Court |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Fayette County Recorder |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | Fayette County Clerk / Indiana Dept. of Health |
| Business licenses and permits | Fayette County Clerk |
| Property tax and assessment records | Fayette County Assessor / Auditor |
| Voting and election records | Fayette County Clerk |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Fayette County Auditor |
| Law enforcement records | Fayette County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Fayette County Plan Commission |
Court records for Fayette County may be accessed through the Fayette County local court page maintained by the Indiana Judicial Branch, which provides contact information and guidance for obtaining case documents.
Is Fayette County an Open Records County?
Fayette County operates in full compliance with Indiana's statewide open records framework. Under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, all public agencies in the state, including county offices, are required to make public records available for inspection and copying by any person. The Act establishes a presumption of openness, meaning that records are presumed to be accessible unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
As stated in the Indiana Public Access Counselor's guidance, "The Access to Public Records Act provides that any person may inspect and copy the public records of any public agency during the regular business hours of the agency." This principle applies to all Fayette County departments and offices.
The Indiana Public Access Counselor's office provides advisory opinions and guidance to both agencies and members of the public regarding compliance with the Act. County offices are required to designate a public records coordinator and to respond to requests in a timely manner. No county-specific ordinance currently restricts access beyond the limitations established by state law.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Fayette County?
The fee structure for public records in Fayette County is governed by Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, which sets limits on the amounts agencies may charge for copying and certifying records. Current standard fees are as follows:
| Service | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Photocopies (letter/legal size) | $0.10 per page |
| Certified copies | Varies by record type |
| Electronic copies | No charge in many cases |
| Inspection of records | No charge |
| Search fees | Not permitted under APRA |
- Inspection fees: Members of the public are not charged a fee to inspect public records in person.
- Copy fees: Agencies may charge up to $0.10 per page for standard paper copies.
- Certification fees: Certified copies of vital records and court documents carry separate fees set by the Indiana State Department of Health and the Indiana Supreme Court, respectively.
- Electronic format fees: Agencies may provide records in electronic format at no charge or at a reduced rate.
- Fee waivers: Agencies retain discretion to waive fees, particularly for indigent requestors or for requests that serve a significant public interest.
Accepted payment methods vary by office but 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.
Does Fayette County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Fayette County government offices during regular business hours. Under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act, no fee may be charged solely for the act of inspecting a public record. Members of the public may review documents at the public counter of the relevant office without incurring a cost.
Free online access to court case information is available through the Indiana Courts case search tool, which allows users to search civil, criminal, probate, and other case types statewide at no charge. The Indiana Judicial Branch notes that the online system "is not the official court record and may contain errors or omissions," and that official certified copies must be obtained directly from the court.
Additional free resources include:
- The Indiana Judicial Branch's public records access portal, which provides guidance on locating records without charge
- Public access terminals available at the Fayette County Courthouse for in-person record searches
- Property assessment data accessible through the Fayette County Assessor's online portal
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while inspection carries no cost, obtaining physical or certified copies is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Fayette County?
Any person may request public records from Fayette County agencies under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act. The Act does not restrict access based on residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Requestors are not required to be Indiana residents, and agencies may not require a requestor to explain the reason for a records request as a condition of access.
Specific eligibility provisions include:
- Identification: Agencies may not require a requestor to provide identification as a condition of inspecting public records, except in limited circumstances involving records that contain personal information.
- Purpose: Requestors are not required to state the purpose of their request for most record types.
- Non-residents: Non-residents of Indiana retain the same rights of access as residents under state law.
- Requesting your own records: Individuals seeking their own records, such as personal court filings or vital records, follow the same process as any other requestor, though additional verification may be required for certified copies of vital records.
Certain record types, such as adoption records, juvenile court records, and sealed court files, are subject to restricted access regardless of the requestor's identity or purpose.
What Records Are Confidential in Fayette County?
Not all government records are subject to public disclosure. Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4 enumerates categories of records that are either confidential by law or that agencies may, at their discretion, withhold from public access. The following categories are currently exempt from disclosure in Fayette County:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by court 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.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are protected from disclosure.
- Medical records: Records protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) are not subject to public release.
- Adoption records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are sealed by statute.
- Child welfare records: Records maintained by child protective services are confidential.
- Personnel records: Employee personnel files are exempt, with limited exceptions for disciplinary records of public officials.
- Trade secrets: Proprietary business information submitted to government agencies is protected from disclosure.
- Security plans: Infrastructure security plans and related documents are exempt from public access.
As stated in the Indiana Public Access Counselor's formal guidance, "The burden of proof is on the agency to demonstrate that a record falls within a specific statutory exemption." Agencies may not withhold records based on general policy preferences or administrative convenience.
Fayette County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Fayette County Clerk's Office
401 Central Avenue, Room 104
Connersville, Indiana 47331
(765) 825-1813
Fayette County Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Fayette County Recorder's Office
401 Central Avenue
Connersville, Indiana 47331
(765) 825-2812
Fayette County Recorder
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Fayette County Assessor's Office
401 Central Avenue
Connersville, Indiana 47331
(765) 825-2483
Fayette County Assessor
Fayette Circuit Court
401 Central Avenue
Connersville, Indiana 47331
(765) 825-1918
Fayette County local court information
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Fayette County Sheriff's Office
132 West 2nd Street
Connersville, Indiana 47331
(765) 825-8972
Fayette County Sheriff