State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Indiana
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Indiana under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA) (est. 1983).
Overview of Public Records in Indiana
Indiana's Access to Public Records Act establishes that providing people with information is an essential function of a representative government. The APRA creates a broad presumption of access to records held by all levels of government in Indiana. The state has a Public Access Counselor in the Office of the Inspector General who provides advisory opinions on records and open meeting issues. Indiana courts have generally been supportive of broad access, though the state has a significant number of exemptions that can limit disclosure.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Indiana
Response Time
Agencies should respond within a reasonable time. If a denial is issued, it must be in writing and delivered within 24 hours of the denial decision. There is no specific day-count deadline for fulfillment.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may not charge more than the actual cost of copying. Standard fees are generally $0.10 per page. No search or retrieval fees are permitted for non-enhanced, standard records requests.
How to Submit a Request
Requests can be made orally or in writing. Written requests provide better documentation. Agencies cannot require requesters to state a purpose or provide identification for standard records requests.
Appeal Process
The Indiana Public Access Counselor issues advisory opinions on records disputes at no charge. Requesters may also file a lawsuit in any court with jurisdiction to compel disclosure.
Types of Public Records Available in Indiana
Property Records
Property records in Indiana include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in Indiana contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Indiana election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Indiana court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in Indiana include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
Indiana vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in Indiana document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access Indiana Public Records
Public records requests in Indiana can be made in writing, in person, by telephone, by fax, or by email. Agencies must respond within a reasonable time, and if they deny a request, they must issue a written denial within 24 hours citing the specific statutory exemption. If you disagree with a denial, you can seek an advisory opinion from the Public Access Counselor at no cost. Indiana counties provide online access to property records through recorder and assessor offices, and the Indiana Courts provide an online case search system called Odyssey.
Online Access
Indiana's Odyssey case management system provides statewide online court record access. County assessor offices maintain online property databases. The Secretary of State offers online business entity searches.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Indiana
While the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA) establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in Indiana.
- Investigatory records of law enforcement agencies
- Personnel files of government employees
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information
- Confidential financial information submitted to government
- Patient medical records
- Records classified as confidential by state or federal law
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Indiana provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA)
Enacted: 1983
The Indiana Access to Public Records Act is codified in Indiana Code Section 5-14-3. The act establishes that any person may inspect and copy public records during regular business hours. APRA contains over 100 exemptions, though the burden is on the agency to demonstrate that an exemption applies. The Public Access Counselor, housed in the Inspector General's office since 2012, provides informal dispute resolution and issues advisory opinions.
Key Features of Indiana's Records Law:
- Indiana requires written denial of records requests within 24 hours
- The Public Access Counselor provides free advisory opinions on records disputes
- Indiana's law explicitly allows requests to be made verbally, by phone, or by any other medium
Indiana Public Records Facts
Indiana has 92 counties maintaining local public records
The Indiana Secretary of State maintains over 500,000 business entity records
The state has approximately 4.7 million registered voters
Marion County (Indianapolis) processes hundreds of thousands of recorded documents annually
Search Indiana Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Indiana. Enter a name below to search public records in IN.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana Public Records
How quickly must Indiana respond to records requests?
How do I access Indiana court records?
What is Indiana's Public Access Counselor?
How do I search Indiana property records?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA). Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Indiana or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.