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How to Find Public Records in Harrison County in 2026

Members of the public seeking government documents may access publicly available information related to public records through official county and state resources, as well as through directory platforms such as HarrisonCountyRecords.org, which aggregates links to official sources. Public records in Harrison County, Indiana may include court filings, property documents, vital records, tax assessments, business registrations, and meeting minutes, among other categories. The availability and completeness of any given record depends on the maintaining agency, the nature of the document, and applicable state law.

Records that members of the public may find through official channels include:

  • Civil, criminal, probate, and family court records
  • Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
  • Birth, death, marriage, and divorce records
  • Business licenses and fictitious name registrations
  • Property tax and assessment records
  • Voting and election records
  • County commission meeting minutes and agendas
  • Budget and financial documents
  • Arrest logs and incident reports (where permitted)
  • Land use and zoning records

Online Access: Court records may be searched through the Indiana Courts case search portal, which provides access to case information statewide. The Harrison County Clerk's office maintains court case documents and processes filings. Property records are searchable through the Harrison County Recorder's Office online database. No registration is required to conduct basic searches on most state-maintained portals.

In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Harrison County Clerk's Office or the Recorder's Office during regular business hours. Staff at the public counter can assist with locating documents, providing certified copies, and directing requestors to the appropriate department. Requestors are advised to bring identifying information relevant to the record sought, such as a case number, parcel number, or full legal name.

Written/Mail Requests: Written requests should include the requestor's full name, mailing address, a description of the record 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, with a maximum of 24 hours for denial and seven days for fulfillment in most circumstances.

Phone/Email:

  • Harrison County Clerk: (812) 738-4289
  • Harrison County Recorder: (812) 738-8241

What Are Public Records in Harrison County?

Public records in Harrison County are defined by Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (APRA), codified at Indiana Code § 5-14-3, as any writing, paper, report, study, map, photograph, book, tape, recording, or other material that is created, received, retained, maintained, or filed by or with a public agency. The following record types are currently maintained by Harrison County offices:

Record TypeMaintaining Office
Civil, criminal, probate, family court recordsHarrison County Circuit/Superior Court
Property deeds, mortgages, liensHarrison County Recorder's Office
Birth, death, marriage, divorce recordsHarrison County Clerk / Indiana Department of Health
Business licenses, fictitious namesHarrison County Clerk
Property tax and assessment recordsHarrison County Assessor / Auditor
Voting and election recordsHarrison County Election Board
Meeting minutes and agendasHarrison County Council / Commissioners
Budget and financial documentsHarrison County Auditor
Arrest logs, incident reportsHarrison County Sheriff's Office
Land use and zoning recordsHarrison County Plan Commission

The Harrison County Clerk processes and distributes documents for court cases, collects and distributes court-ordered payments, and maintains official records of court proceedings. The Recorder's Office preserves instruments related to real property, including deeds, mortgages, power of attorney documents, contracts, and liens.

Is Harrison County an Open Records County?

Harrison County operates in full compliance with Indiana's statewide open records framework. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3, any person may inspect and copy the public records of any public agency during regular business hours, subject to the exemptions provided by law. Indiana does not require requestors to be state residents, nor does it require a statement of purpose for most record types.

As stated in the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, "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 presumption of openness that applies to all Harrison County offices and departments.

The Indiana Public Access Counselor, an office established under state law, provides guidance on compliance with APRA and investigates complaints regarding denied access. County agencies are bound by the same statutory framework as all other Indiana public agencies, and no county-specific ordinance may restrict access beyond what state law permits.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Harrison County?

The cost to obtain public records in Harrison County varies by record type and the office maintaining the document. Under Indiana law, agencies may charge fees that do not exceed the actual cost of copying.

Standard Copy Fees:

Fee TypeAmount
Standard paper copies (per page)$0.10 – $1.00 (varies by office)
Certified copy of court document$1.00 per page + $5.00 certification fee
Certified copy of deed or recorded instrument$1.00 per page
Electronic records (where available)Varies; inspection is free
Search feeNot permitted under APRA for most requests

Inspection of public records at a public agency's office is free of charge. Fees apply only when copies are requested. The Harrison County Recorder's Office charges a per-page fee for certified copies of recorded instruments. The Harrison County Clerk's Office charges fees for certified court documents in accordance with Indiana's fee schedule for clerks of court.

Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order. Some offices accept credit or debit cards; requestors are advised to confirm accepted payment methods with the specific office prior to visiting.

Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances, such as when records are requested by a government agency or when the request serves a demonstrable public interest, at the discretion of the agency.

Does Harrison County Have Free Public Records?

Free inspection of public records is available at Harrison County government offices during regular business hours. Members of the public may review documents in person without charge; fees apply only when physical or electronic copies are requested.

The following resources provide free access to public records:

  • Indiana Courts Case Search (MyCase): Provides free online access to court case information statewide, including Harrison County cases. As noted on the portal, "official records of court proceedings may only be obtained from the court where the case is filed."
  • Harrison County Recorder's Office online portal: Allows free search and inspection of recorded property instruments.
  • Harrison County Clerk's Office public terminals: In-office terminals allow free inspection of court records.
  • Indiana Judicial Branch public records page: The Indiana Judicial Branch public records resource provides guidance on accessing court records at no cost.

The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant under Indiana law: the right to inspect is unconditional for non-exempt records, while the right to receive copies is subject to applicable fees.

Who Can Request Public Records in Harrison County?

Any person may request public records from Harrison County agencies under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act. Requestors are not required to be Indiana residents, to provide identification, or to state the purpose of their request for most record types. This broad eligibility reflects the state's commitment to government transparency.

Specific conditions apply in limited circumstances:

  • Identification: Not required for most requests; however, certain sensitive records (e.g., personal records such as birth certificates) may require proof of identity or relationship.
  • Purpose statement: Not required for general public records requests under APRA.
  • Non-residents: Fully entitled to request and receive public records under state law.
  • Requesting your own records: Individuals requesting their own records may be entitled to access documents that are otherwise restricted to third parties, such as certain law enforcement or court records.
  • Requesting records about others: Access to records containing personal identifying information may be subject to redaction of exempt data under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4.

Attorneys, journalists, researchers, and members of the general public are all treated equally under Indiana's open records framework.

What Records Are Confidential in Harrison County?

Certain records maintained by Harrison County agencies are exempt from public disclosure under Indiana law. Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4 enumerates the categories of records that public agencies may or must withhold from public inspection. The following record types are currently treated as confidential or restricted:

  • Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not available for public inspection.
  • Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juvenile proceedings are confidential under Indiana law.
  • Ongoing investigation records: Law enforcement investigatory records compiled for the purpose of an investigation are exempt while the investigation is active.
  • Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are redacted from publicly disclosed records.
  • Medical records: Protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
  • Adoption records: Sealed by statute and accessible only under specific legal procedures.
  • Child welfare and protective services records: Confidential under Indiana child protection statutes.
  • Personnel records: Employee personnel files are exempt, with limited exceptions for certain public employees.
  • Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Exempt when submitted to a public agency under a confidentiality agreement.
  • Security plans and infrastructure details: Records relating to the security of public facilities are withheld to protect public safety.

Where a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the agency is required to redact the exempt portions and provide access to the remainder.

Harrison County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Harrison County Recorder's Office
300 N Capitol Ave, Corydon, IN 47112
(812) 738-8241
Harrison County Recorder's Office

Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays.

The Recorder's Office preserves and maintains public records including deeds, mortgages, power of attorney documents, contracts, liens, and Articles of Incorporation. Recorded instruments may be searched in person at the public counter or through the office's online portal.

Harrison County Clerk's Office
300 N Capitol Ave, Corydon, IN 47112
(812) 738-4289
Harrison County Clerk

Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays.

The Clerk's Office processes Indiana Department of Revenue tax warrants for collection, processes and distributes documents for court cases, and collects and distributes court-ordered payments. Court case documents may also be accessed through the Harrison County Circuit and Superior Courts.

Harrison County Sheriff's Office (for law enforcement records)
245 Atwood St, Corydon, IN 47112
(812) 738-3949
Harrison County Sheriff's Office

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