St. Joseph County Public Records

What Are Public Records in St. Joseph County?

Public records in St. Joseph County are defined as any written, typed, photographed, or electronically stored document created, received, retained, maintained, or filed by or with a public agency as outlined in the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA) under Indiana Code § 5-14-3. These records document the business and functions of government entities operating within St. Joseph County.

St. Joseph County maintains numerous categories of public records, including:

Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court cases maintained by the St. Joseph County Courts
Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments filed with the County Recorder's Office
Vital Records: Birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees maintained by the County Clerk's Office
Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name registrations
Tax Records: Property tax information and assessment records maintained by the County Assessor and Treasurer
Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data and election results maintained by the County Election Board
Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Official proceedings of the County Commission, boards, and committees
Budget and Financial Documents: County expenditures, revenues, and financial reports
Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs and incident reports (with statutory limitations)
Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, permits, and zoning decisions

The St. Joseph County Archives & Records Center serves as the central repository for many historical county records, while current records are typically maintained by the specific department or agency that created them.

Is St. Joseph County an Open Records County?

St. Joseph County fully complies with the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA) as codified in Indiana Code § 5-14-3. This state law establishes the fundamental right of Indiana citizens to access and review public records maintained by governmental entities.

Under IC § 5-14-3-1, the legislature has declared that "it is the public policy of the state 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." This provision underscores the commitment to transparency in government operations.

St. Joseph County has implemented policies and procedures in accordance with state law to facilitate public access to records. The county maintains a public access officer responsible for responding to record requests and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.

All county departments adhere to the state's sunshine laws, which mandate open meetings and access to public records. The Indiana Public Access Counselor provides oversight and guidance regarding compliance with these laws throughout the state, including St. Joseph County.

How to Find Public Records in St. Joseph County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in St. Joseph County may follow these steps to locate and obtain the information they need:

Identify the Appropriate Office: Determine which county department maintains the records you seek. The St. Joseph County Clerk's Office handles court and vital records, while the Recorder's Office maintains property records.
Submit a Written Request: While verbal requests are permitted under Indiana law, written requests are recommended for documentation purposes. Requests should include:
- Requestor's name and contact information
- Specific description of records sought
- Preferred format for receiving records (paper copies, electronic files, etc.)
Use Online Resources: Many records are available through the county's online portals:
- Court records can be accessed through mycase.in.gov
- Property records are searchable via the county's GIS portal
- Meeting minutes and agendas are posted on the county website
Visit In Person: For records not available online, visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours. The St. Joseph County Archives & Records Center provides access to historical records.
Allow Processing Time: Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-9, agencies must respond to requests within 24 hours for in-person requests or seven days for mailed or emailed requests. Complex requests may require additional time.
Pay Applicable Fees: Be prepared to pay any required fees for copies or certified documents (see fee section below).

For historical or archived records, the Indiana State Archives may also maintain relevant St. Joseph County documents that have been transferred to state custody.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in St. Joseph County?

St. Joseph County assesses fees for public records in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, which establishes guidelines for reasonable fees that may be charged for record reproduction. Current fee structures include:

Standard Document Copies: $0.10 per page for black and white copies (8.5" x 11" or 8.5" x 14")
Color Copies: $0.25 per page
Certified Copies: Additional $1.00 per document
Large Format Documents (maps, plats, etc.): $3.00-$10.00 depending on size
Electronic Records: Variable fees based on storage media costs
Research Fees: $20.00 per hour after the first hour (for requests requiring extensive research)

Specific record types have statutorily defined fees:

Marriage License: $18.00
Birth Certificate: $10.00 for first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy
Death Certificate: $8.00 for first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy
Recorded Documents (deeds, mortgages): $1.00 per page

The County Clerk's Office and Recorder's Office accept payment by cash, check, money order, and major credit cards. Electronic payments may incur a convenience fee.

Fee waivers may be available in certain circumstances, particularly for requests that primarily benefit the general public, as determined by the custodian of records. Indigent persons may qualify for fee reductions for certain vital records when documentation of financial hardship is provided.

Does St. Joseph County Have Free Public Records?

St. Joseph County provides free inspection of public records in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8(c), which states that "a public agency may not charge any fee under this section to inspect a public record or to search for, examine, or review a record to determine whether the record may be disclosed."

The following free public record services are available:

In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may examine non-confidential records during regular business hours at no cost
Online Access: Several record types are freely accessible through county websites:
- County Commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Property ownership information through the GIS portal
- Basic court case information through the state's mycase.in.gov system
- County budget documents and financial reports

The St. Joseph County Archives & Records Center provides free access to historical records for research purposes, though copy fees may apply if reproductions are requested.

The Indiana Judicial Branch also maintains certain court records that can be accessed without charge, though enhanced services may require subscription fees.

While inspection is free, fees apply for copies, certified documents, and specialized searches as outlined in the fee section above.

Who Can Request Public Records in St. Joseph County?

Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3, any person may inspect and copy the public records of any public agency during regular business hours. St. Joseph County follows these statutory guidelines regarding eligibility for public records access:

Residency Requirements: Indiana law does not restrict access based on state residency; any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status, may request public records
Identification Requirements: Basic identification may be required for certain records, particularly those involving vital statistics or court documents
Purpose Disclosure: For most records, requestors are not required to state the purpose of their request or how the information will be used
Special Provisions: Certain records have specific eligibility requirements:
- Vital records (birth, death certificates) are restricted to persons with direct interest, including immediate family members or legal representatives
- Criminal history information may require specific authorization or have limited availability to the general public
- Adoption records have strict confidentiality provisions under Indiana Code § 31-19-19

Commercial entities may request public records, though bulk requests for commercial purposes may be subject to additional fees or restrictions in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3(e).

Individuals requesting their own records typically have broader access rights than those requesting records about others, particularly for records containing personal information.

What Records Are Confidential in St. Joseph County?

St. Joseph County maintains certain records as confidential in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4 and the Indiana Rules for Access to Court Records, which specify records excluded from public access. These confidential records include:

Court Records:
- Sealed court records pursuant to court order
- Juvenile delinquency records (with limited exceptions)
- Child welfare proceedings and reports
- Grand jury proceedings and testimony
- Mental health commitment proceedings
Personal Information:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Medical records protected under HIPAA
- Student records protected under FERPA
- Victim information in certain criminal cases
Law Enforcement Records:
- Ongoing investigation records
- Investigatory records that would jeopardize proceedings
- Records that would endanger individuals
- Law enforcement intelligence information
Administrative Records:
- Personnel files (except for basic employment information)
- Trade secrets and confidential financial information
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Security and infrastructure records that could pose safety risks
- Deliberative materials prior to decision-making
Vital Records:
- Adoption records (sealed by court order)
- Certain paternity records
- Pre-1907 birth records

The county applies a balancing test when considering discretionary exemptions, weighing the public interest in disclosure against privacy interests and potential harm from release. This test is applied on a case-by-case basis in accordance with guidance from the Indiana Public Access Counselor.

St. Joseph County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

St. Joseph County Recorder's Office
227 W. Jefferson Blvd., Room 211
South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 235-9525
County Recorder

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

The Recorder's Office maintains and provides access to property records including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, military discharge papers, and other land records. The office serves as the official keeper of these documents and provides certified copies upon request.

St. Joseph County Clerk's Office
101 S. Main Street
South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 235-9635
County Clerk

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

The Clerk's Office maintains vital records, court records, and election information. This office processes marriage licenses, divorce decrees, and other court-related documents.

St. Joseph County Archives & Records Center
112 S. Lafayette Blvd.
South Bend, IN 46601
(574) 235-9644
Archives & Records Center

Hours of Operation:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays