Sunday, November 1, 2026
Tools/Get public records yourself
Tools · Research & verify

Get public records yourself

Indiana law says it plainly: ‘government is the servant of the people and not their master’ (IC 5-14-3-1). You have the right to see its records. Anyone can walk into a courthouse or government office and ask. Here’s how, office by office.

or

Saved only on this device. A street address goes only to the U.S. Census Bureau’s geocoder (or OpenStreetMap if Census can’t place it) to find the spot. We never receive or log it.

Pick an office

Court records

Circuit court clerk
What they keep
Case files and dockets (the chronological case summary), judgments, filings in civil, criminal and small claims cases, and marriage licenses.
Look online first
Search MyCase first. It lists most Indiana trial court cases and many documents. For paper files or documents not online, go to the clerk’s office at your county courthouse.
Who to ask for
The clerk’s records counter, or ask for the person who handles public records requests

What to say

“Hi, I’d like to look at the file for case number [number], and get copies of [the documents you want].”

Good to know

Court records follow the Indiana Supreme Court’s rules on access to court records, so some cases or documents are confidential (for example many juvenile matters). IC 5-14-3-4(a)(8) keeps records the Supreme Court’s rules make confidential out of public view. Clerk copy and certification fees are set by statute and can differ from the general copy limits below; ask for the clerk’s fee schedule. Many courthouses have public terminals. Ask for a certified copy only if you need it for a legal purpose; plain copies cost less.

Make a written request letter

Your rights in 60 seconds

Who can ask
Any person may inspect and copy public records during the agency’s regular business hours (IC 5-14-3-3(a)).
Do I have to say why?
No. A request can’t be denied because you won’t say why you want it, unless another law requires it (IC 5-14-3-3(a)).
Do I need ID?
The law doesn’t list ID as a requirement. It does let an agency ask you to put the request in writing or on its form (IC 5-14-3-3(a)(2)).
Be specific
Your request must identify the records “with reasonable particularity” (IC 5-14-3-3(a)(1)). Name the document, the topic, the people or companies involved and a date range.
Paper or electronic
For records kept electronically, you choose a paper or electronic copy, but the agency doesn’t have to change the format (IC 5-14-3-3(j)).
Costs
Looking at records is free. Emailed electronic copies are generally free. Local offices may charge for copies no more than 10 cents a black-and-white page or 25 cents a color page, or their actual cost if higher, and up to $5 to certify a document. They may ask you to pay in advance. Fees set by other statutes, like recorder and court fees, still apply (IC 5-14-3-8).
How long they have
Agencies must respond within a reasonable time (IC 5-14-3-3(b)). If you ask in person or by phone, it counts as a denial when the records official refuses, or 24 hours after any employee refuses. If you mail or fax a request, a denial doesn’t occur until 7 days after they receive it (IC 5-14-3-9(b)–(c)). Email isn’t named in that section, so date your email and keep a copy.
Denials
If you asked in writing, a denial must be in writing, cite the specific exemption and give the name and title of the person responsible (IC 5-14-3-9(d)).
Common exemptions
Records made confidential by state or federal law, Social Security numbers, patient medical records and trade secrets must be withheld (IC 5-14-3-4(a)). Agencies may choose to withhold police investigation files, attorney work product, opinions in draft decision-making documents and most of a personnel file. An employee’s name, pay, job title, job description, dates of employment and the factual basis for final discipline are still public (IC 5-14-3-4(b)). Agencies don’t have to create lists of names and addresses for you (IC 5-14-3-3(f)).

If you are denied

  1. Ask for the denial in writing, with the exemption cited (if you made the request in writing, they must give you this).
  2. File a free formal complaint with the Indiana Public Access Counselor on the official complaint form within 30 days of the denial (IC 5-14-5-7). Attach your request and the denial. The counselor’s complaint guide explains the process. Contact: (317) 234-0906, [email protected].
  3. You can also sue in the circuit or superior court of the county where the denial happened (IC 5-14-3-9(e)).

Tips that work

  • Be specific.

    “Contracts between the county and [company] signed in 2025” works better than “everything about [company].”

  • Ask for electronic copies.

    They’re usually free by email and easier to search.

  • Keep a log.

    Write down who you talked to, the date and time, and what they said.

  • Follow up in writing.

    If a verbal request stalls, send it in writing. It starts the 7-day clock for mail and requires a written denial.

  • Be polite and patient.

    Clerks handle many requests. A friendly, specific ask gets results fastest.

Sources. Indiana Code 5-14-3-3, -4, -5, -8, -9 and 5-14-5-7 (FindLaw text current as of Jan. 1, 2026; official code at iga.in.gov); Public Access Counselor handbook. This is a plain-English guide, not legal advice.