Jefferson County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Jefferson County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in Jefferson County, Indiana, may access a broad range of publicly available information through official county and state channels. JeffersonINRecords.us provides a directory of data and publicly available information related to public records maintained by government agencies in Jefferson County. Records that may be available through official sources include, but are not limited to:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family law)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates
- Business licenses and permits
- Property tax and assessment records
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement records, where permitted by law
Records may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by state and county agencies.
Online Access: Members of the public may search Indiana court case information through MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search, the official statewide portal maintained by the Indiana Supreme Court. This tool provides access to civil, criminal, probate, and other case types filed in Indiana courts. The Indiana Judicial Branch public records portal provides additional guidance on locating court records by county. Some records require in-person inspection or a formal written request; not all documents are available in digital format.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Jefferson County Clerk's Office to inspect or request copies of court records, vital records, and other county documents. The office is located at 300 E Main St, Madison, IN 47250. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Requestors should present a valid government-issued photo identification and specify the record type and relevant case or document number when possible.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Jefferson County Clerk's Office at 300 E Main St, Madison, IN 47250. Requests should include the requestor's full name, contact information, a description of the record sought, and the relevant time period. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-9, agencies are required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time.
Phone/Email: The Jefferson County Clerk's Office may be reached by telephone at (812) 265-8922. Members of the public are encouraged to call in advance to confirm availability of specific records and any applicable fees.
What Are Public Records in Jefferson County?
Public records in Jefferson 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 is generated on public funds. The following record types are maintained by various Jefferson County offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Jefferson County Circuit and Superior Courts |
| Probate and family court records | Jefferson County Circuit Court |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Jefferson County Recorder's Office |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | Jefferson County Health Department / Clerk |
| Business licenses and permits | Jefferson County Clerk's Office |
| Property tax and assessment records | Jefferson County Assessor / Auditor |
| Voting and election records | Jefferson County Election Board |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Jefferson County Auditor's Office |
| Law enforcement records | Jefferson County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Jefferson County Plan Commission |
The Jefferson County local court page maintained by the Indiana Judicial Branch provides contact information and guidance for obtaining court documents directly from the court maintaining a particular record.
Is Jefferson County an Open Records County?
Jefferson County operates in full compliance 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 Indiana, including those in Jefferson County, are required to make public records available for inspection and copying by any person. The Indiana Public Access Counselor has stated that "the policy of the state 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."
The Act establishes a presumption of openness: records are public unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Jefferson County does not maintain a separate county-level open records ordinance; the state APRA governs all public records requests submitted to county agencies. The Indiana Office of the Public Access Counselor provides advisory opinions and guidance to both agencies and requestors on compliance with the Act.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Jefferson County?
The fee structure for public records in Jefferson County is governed by state law and varies by record type and the office maintaining the record. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, agencies may charge fees for copies but may not charge for the inspection of records.
Standard Copy Fees:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies (letter/legal) | $0.10 per page (state maximum) |
| Certified copies of court records | Varies by document type |
| Certified copies of vital records | $8.00 per copy (Indiana State Department of Health) |
| Electronic copies | Actual cost of reproduction |
| Certification fee | Set by individual office |
- Inspection of public records is available at no charge during regular business hours.
- Fees for certified copies of vital records are set by the Indiana State Department of Health and are subject to change.
- Accepted payment methods at the Jefferson County Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order; credit card acceptance may vary by office.
- Fee waivers are not broadly mandated under Indiana law, though individual agencies may exercise discretion in specific circumstances.
Does Jefferson County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available in Jefferson County. Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8 explicitly prohibits agencies from charging a fee for the inspection of public records during regular business hours. Members of the public may inspect records at the relevant county office without cost.
Free online access to court case information is available through MyCase Indiana Courts Case Search, which allows members of the public to search case records statewide at no charge. The Indiana Judicial Branch notes that "official records of court proceedings may only be obtained directly from the court maintaining a particular record," meaning that while case information may be viewed online at no cost, certified copies require a fee and must be obtained from the court.
The Jefferson County Assessor's Office provides free online access to property assessment data through the county's official web portal. Voting and election records maintained by the Jefferson County Election Board are available for public inspection at no charge.
Who Can Request Public Records in Jefferson County?
Any person may request public records in Jefferson County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. The Indiana 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 broad access right applies to individuals, organizations, businesses, and members of the media alike.
Certain record types carry additional access requirements:
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates): Access to certified copies may be restricted to the subject of the record, immediate family members, or authorized legal representatives, pursuant to Indiana Code governing vital statistics.
- Sealed court records: Access is restricted by court order; requestors must petition the court for access.
- Juvenile records: Access is limited under Indiana law to authorized parties.
- Personnel records: Certain personnel information is exempt from disclosure, though some information, such as an employee's name, position, and salary, remains public.
Members of the public requesting their own records are subject to the same process as any other requestor, though they may be entitled to access certain records that are otherwise restricted to the subject of the record.
What Records Are Confidential in Jefferson County?
Not all government records in Jefferson County are available for public inspection. 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 among those that may be withheld:
- Sealed court records and expunged criminal records
- Juvenile court records
- Records pertaining to ongoing law enforcement investigations
- Social Security numbers and other personal identifying information
- Medical and mental health records (protected under HIPAA and state law)
- Adoption records
- Child welfare and protective services records
- Certain personnel records (disciplinary records, performance evaluations)
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information submitted to government agencies
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details
The Indiana Public Access Counselor has noted that "the burden is on the agency to demonstrate that a record falls within a specific exemption." Agencies may not withhold records on a blanket basis; each exemption must be applied to the specific record or portion of a record at issue. Where a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the agency is required to redact the exempt portions and release the remainder.
Jefferson County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Jefferson County Recorder's Office
300 E Main St, Room 203
Madison, IN 47250
(812) 265-8936
Jefferson County Recorder's Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays.
Jefferson County Clerk's Office
300 E Main St
Madison, IN 47250
(812) 265-8922
Jefferson County Clerk's Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Jefferson County Assessor's Office
300 E Main St
Madison, IN 47250
(812) 265-8923
Jefferson County Assessor's Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Jefferson County Health Department
1 Design Center Pl
Madison, IN 47250
(812) 265-8900
Jefferson County Health Department
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
619 Mulberry St
Madison, IN 47250
(812) 265-2648
Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Records Division)