State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Ohio
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Ohio under the Ohio Public Records Act (est. 1963).
Overview of Public Records in Ohio
Ohio's Public Records Act provides a strong framework for access to government records, bolstered by a provision allowing requesters to recover attorney fees and statutory damages if an agency improperly withholds records. The law declares that public records are the people's records and that agencies must organize and maintain records to make them available for inspection and copying. Ohio's 88 counties maintain extensive local records, and the state has invested in technology to make many records accessible online.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Ohio
Response Time
Agencies must respond within a reasonable period of time. Ohio law requires agencies to organize and maintain records so they can be made available 'promptly' upon request. Courts interpret this strictly.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge only the actual cost of copying. For standard copies, this is typically $0.05 to $0.10 per page. Agencies may not charge for search, retrieval, redaction, or review time under Ohio law.
How to Submit a Request
Requests may be made orally or in writing. No specific form, identification, or reason for the request is needed. The request must identify the records sought with reasonable clarity for the agency to locate them.
Appeal Process
The Ohio Court of Claims provides free mediation for public records disputes. Requesters may also file a mandamus action in the court of appeals, which can award attorney fees and impose statutory damages of $100 per day up to $1,000.
Types of Public Records Available in Ohio
Property Records
Property records in Ohio 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 Ohio contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Ohio election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Ohio 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 Ohio 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
Ohio 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 Ohio 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 Ohio Public Records
To request public records in Ohio, you may submit a request verbally, in writing, or by email to any public office. Ohio does not require you to identify yourself or explain why you want the records. Agencies must respond within a reasonable period of time, and ambiguous requests should be resolved in favor of providing access. Ohio county recorder offices maintain property records, and the Ohio Supreme Court mandates that courts provide online case access. The Secretary of State provides business entity searches online.
Online Access
Ohio maintains county-level online court record systems. Most county auditor and recorder offices provide online property records. Many counties participate in the Ohio Geographically Referenced Information Program for GIS data.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Ohio
While the Ohio Public Records Act 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 Ohio.
- Medical records of individuals
- Trial preparation records in pending civil or criminal cases
- Confidential law enforcement investigatory records
- Records whose release is prohibited by state or federal law
- Infrastructure records that could reveal security vulnerabilities
- Trade secrets submitted to government agencies
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Ohio 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
Ohio Public Records Act
Enacted: 1963
Ohio's Public Records Act is codified in Ohio Revised Code Section 149.43. The act is notable for its strong enforcement provisions, including statutory damages of $100 per business day for improper withholding (up to $1,000) and mandatory attorney fee awards for prevailing requesters. The law was substantially revised in 2006 to add these enforcement provisions. Ohio's Supreme Court has issued extensive case law interpreting the act.
Key Features of Ohio's Records Law:
- Ohio allows recovery of statutory damages of $100 per business day for wrongful withholding
- Prevailing requesters are entitled to mandatory attorney fee awards
- Ohio does not require requesters to identify themselves or state a purpose
- The state mandates that courts provide public access to records online
Ohio Public Records Facts
Ohio has 88 counties maintaining extensive local records systems
The Ohio Secretary of State maintains records for over 900,000 business entities
The state has approximately 8 million registered voters
Cuyahoga County (Cleveland) and Franklin County (Columbus) are the largest record-keeping jurisdictions
Search Ohio Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Ohio. Enter a name below to search public records in OH.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ohio Public Records
What happens if an Ohio agency improperly withholds records?
How do I access Ohio court records?
Do I need to identify myself to request Ohio records?
How do I search Ohio property records?
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FOIA Request Guide
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Ohio Public Records Act. Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Ohio 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.