Sullivan County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Sullivan County in 2026
SullivanCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to public records maintained by government agencies in Sullivan County, Indiana. Members of the public seeking court documents, property filings, vital records, or other official documents may find relevant data through this resource. The categories of records that may be accessible include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family court)
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, and liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Tax and assessment records
- Business licenses and permits
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement records, where permitted by law
Records can be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.
Online Access:
The Sullivan County, Indiana official website provides access to various county department resources. Members of the public may search court case information through MyCase: Indiana Courts Case Search, the Indiana Supreme Court's public access portal. Additionally, Doxpop court records access has been providing access to Indiana court records since 2002 and is available through the Sullivan County website. Some services through Doxpop require registration or a subscription for full access.
In-Person Requests:
Members of the public may visit the Sullivan County Clerk's Office or the Sullivan County Recorder's Office in person to inspect or request copies of records. Both offices are located at the Sullivan County Courthouse, 100 Courthouse Square, Sullivan, IN 47882. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests should be directed to the appropriate office at Sullivan County Courthouse, 100 Courthouse Square, Sullivan, IN 47882. Requests must include the requester's name, contact information, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-9, agencies are required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time.
Phone/Email:
- Sullivan County Clerk: (812) 268-4657
- Sullivan County Recorder: (812) 268-4491
What Are Public Records in Sullivan County?
Public records in Sullivan County are defined under Indiana state law 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. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-2, a "public record" encompasses all documents regardless of form or characteristics that are created or received under law in connection with the transaction of public business.
The following record types are maintained by Sullivan County agencies:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil, criminal, probate, family court records | Circuit Court / Superior Court |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Sullivan County Recorder |
| Birth, death, marriage, divorce records | County Clerk / Indiana State Department of Health |
| Business licenses and permits | County Clerk / State agencies |
| Property tax and assessment records | County Assessor / Auditor |
| Voting and election records | County Clerk |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Auditor / individual boards |
| Budget and financial documents | County Auditor |
| Arrest logs and incident reports | Sullivan County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | County Plan Commission |
Is Sullivan County an Open Records County?
Sullivan County operates in full compliance with Indiana's statewide open records framework. Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (APRA), codified at Indiana Code § 5-14-3, governs the right of the public to inspect and copy records held by public agencies throughout the state, including all Sullivan County offices.
As stated in the Indiana Public Access Counselor's guidance: "Any person may inspect and copy the public records of any public agency during the regular business hours of the agency." This provision establishes a broad right of access that applies to residents and non-residents alike.
The Indiana Access to Public Records Act affirms that "providing persons with the information is an essential function of a representative government and an integral part of the routine duties of public officials and employees." Sullivan County agencies are bound by this standard and are required to make non-exempt records available upon request. The county does not maintain a separate local ordinance that restricts or expands upon the state framework; the APRA governs all public records requests submitted to county offices.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Sullivan County?
The current fee structure for public records in Sullivan County is governed by state law and individual office schedules. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, agencies may charge fees for copies of public records, provided those fees do not exceed the actual cost of reproduction.
Standard fees applicable at Sullivan County offices include:
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (standard size) | $0.10 per page |
| Certified copies (court records) | Varies by document type |
| Certified copies (vital records) | $8.00–$10.00 per copy |
| Electronic copies | Actual cost of reproduction |
| Inspection of records | No charge |
- Certification fees for recorded documents at the Recorder's Office vary by document type.
- The County Clerk may assess separate fees for certified court documents.
- Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order; some offices accept credit or debit cards.
- Fee waivers are not broadly mandated under Indiana law, though agencies retain discretion to waive fees in certain circumstances.
Does Sullivan County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Sullivan County government offices during regular business hours. Members of the public are not charged a fee to view records in person; fees apply only when copies are requested.
Free online access to certain records is available through the following official resources:
- Indiana Courts Case Search (MyCase) provides free public access to court case information maintained by Indiana courts, including Sullivan County courts.
- The Sullivan County official government portal provides access to various department resources at no cost.
- The Indiana State Library and county public libraries provide access to public access terminals for searching government records at no charge.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while any person may inspect public records without charge, obtaining physical or electronic copies is subject to the reproduction fees described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Sullivan County?
Any person may request public records from Sullivan County agencies. Indiana's Access to Public Records Act does not restrict access based on residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Requesters are not required to be Indiana residents, and agencies are not permitted to require requesters to state the reason for their request as a condition of access.
Specific provisions regarding requester eligibility include:
- Identification: Agencies may not require identification as a condition of inspecting public records, though identification may be required for certain certified copies or records involving personal information.
- Purpose: Requesters are not required to state a purpose for most public records requests.
- Non-residents: Non-residents of Indiana and Sullivan County retain the same rights of access as residents under state law.
- Requesting personal records: Individuals requesting their own records, such as personal court filings or vital records, may be required to provide proof of identity to protect against unauthorized disclosure.
- Restricted record types: Certain categories of records, such as juvenile records or sealed court documents, are subject to additional access restrictions regardless of the requester's identity.
The Sullivan County Courts page on the Indiana Judicial Branch website provides guidance on obtaining copies of court documents and contacting the appropriate court office.
What Records Are Confidential in Sullivan County?
Not all records held by Sullivan County agencies are subject to public disclosure. 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 currently withheld from public access:
- 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 related to active investigations are exempt to the extent that disclosure would harm the investigation.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are redacted from publicly disclosed records.
- Medical records: Records protected under HIPAA and Indiana health privacy statutes are not subject to public disclosure.
- Adoption records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are sealed under Indiana law.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Records maintained by child protective services are confidential.
- Personnel records: Employee personnel files are exempt, with limited exceptions for certain employment-related information.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Commercially sensitive information submitted to government agencies is protected from disclosure.
- Security plans and infrastructure details: Records relating to the security of public facilities or critical infrastructure are exempt.
Agencies applying discretionary exemptions are required to balance the public interest in disclosure against the potential harm of release.
Sullivan County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Sullivan County Recorder's Office
100 Courthouse Square
Sullivan, IN 47882
(812) 268-4491
Sullivan County Recorder
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays.
Sullivan County Clerk's Office
100 Courthouse Square
Sullivan, IN 47882
(812) 268-4657
Sullivan County, Indiana
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays.
Sullivan County Circuit Court
100 Courthouse Square
Sullivan, IN 47882
(812) 268-4318
Sullivan County Courts – Indiana Judicial Branch
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays.
Sullivan County Sheriff's Office
100 Courthouse Square
Sullivan, IN 47882
(812) 268-4308
Sullivan County, Indiana
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays.