Adams County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Adams County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in Adams County, Indiana may access publicly available information through AdamsINRecords.us, which aggregates data related to a range of county records. Official records in Adams County are maintained by multiple government offices, and the availability of specific documents depends on the record type, the custodial agency, and applicable state law. Requestors may find information pertaining to the following categories:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Vital records including birth, death, marriage, and divorce
- Business licenses and permits
- Property tax and assessment records
- Arrest logs and incident reports (where permitted)
- Land use, zoning, and planning documents
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
Records may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by county and state agencies.
Online Access:
- The Indiana Courts case search portal (MyCase) allows members of the public to search civil, criminal, and probate case information statewide, including Adams County proceedings. No registration is required for basic searches, though some case details may be restricted.
- Property and recorder records may be accessed through the Adams County official government website.
- The Adams County Sheriff's Office public records portal provides access to inmate information, warrant searches, and case file requests.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Adams County Clerk's Office or the Adams County Recorder's Office to inspect records in person. The Adams County Courthouse is located at 112 S. 2nd St., Decatur, IN 46733. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests should be directed to the appropriate custodial office and must include a description of the record sought, the requestor's contact information, and any applicable fees. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-9, agencies are required to respond to public records requests within 24 hours of receipt on days the agency is open.
Phone/Email:
- Adams County Clerk: (260) 724-5300
- Adams County Recorder: (260) 724-5303
- Adams County Sheriff's Office: (260) 724-5353
What Are Public Records in Adams County?
Public records in Adams County are defined by 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 documentation regardless of physical form or characteristics that is made or received under law in connection with the transaction of public business by a government agency.
The following record types are currently maintained by Adams County agencies:
| Record Type | Custodial Office |
|---|---|
| Civil, criminal, probate, family court records | Adams County Circuit and Superior Courts |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Adams County Recorder's Office |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | Adams County Health Department / Indiana State Department of Health |
| Business licenses and permits | Adams County Clerk's Office |
| Property tax and assessment records | Adams County Assessor / Auditor |
| Voting and election records | Adams County Election Board |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Adams County Auditor's Office |
| Arrest logs and incident reports | Adams County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Adams County Plan Commission |
Members of the public seeking court case information may use the Indiana judicial case search system to locate filings, docket entries, and case status for proceedings in Adams County.
Is Adams County an Open Records County?
Adams County operates in full compliance with Indiana's statewide open records framework. Under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), Indiana Code § 5-14-3-1 et seq., all public agencies in the state, including those in Adams County, are required to make public records available for inspection and copying by any person. The Act establishes a presumption of openness, meaning that records are public unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
As stated in the Indiana Public Access Counselor's guidance, "The Access to Public Records Act declares 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 principle governs the conduct of all Adams County offices in responding to records requests.
The Adams County Courts operate under the Indiana Judicial Branch and adhere to both APRA and the Indiana Rules on Access to Court Records, which govern the availability of judicial documents. County-specific policies do not supersede state law, and no local ordinance may restrict access beyond what APRA permits.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Adams County?
The fee structure for public records in Adams County is governed by Indiana state law and the policies of each custodial office. Current standard fees are as follows:
- Paper copies: $0.10 per page (standard 8.5" x 11")
- Certified copies: Fees vary by record type; vital records certifications are set by the Indiana State Department of Health
- Electronic copies: Agencies may charge the actual cost of reproduction; in many cases, electronic records are provided at no charge
- Search fees: Agencies may not charge a search fee unless specifically authorized by statute
- Inspection: No fee is charged for inspecting records in person
Accepted payment methods at Adams County offices include cash, check, and money order. Some offices accept credit or debit cards; requestors should confirm accepted payment methods with the specific office prior to submitting a request.
Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, agencies are permitted to establish reasonable fees for copying but may not impose fees that exceed the actual cost of reproduction. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest, at the discretion of the agency.
Does Adams County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Adams County government offices during regular business hours. Indiana law requires that agencies permit any person to inspect public records without charge. The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while inspection carries no cost, obtaining physical or electronic copies may involve the fees described above.
The following resources provide free access to Adams County records online:
- The Indiana Courts case search tool provides free online access to court case information, including docket entries and case status, for proceedings in Adams County Circuit and Superior Courts.
- The Adams County Sheriff's Office inmate search allows members of the public to search current inmate information at no charge. As noted on the Sheriff's Office website, "Criminal justice records cannot be used for solicitation of business for monetary gain."
- Property assessment data and tax records are accessible through the Adams County online government portal at no cost for basic searches.
Who Can Request Public Records in Adams County?
Any person may request public records in Adams County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Indiana's Access to Public Records Act does not require requestors to be Indiana residents, to provide identification, or to explain the reason for their request. This broad eligibility reflects the state's commitment to government transparency.
Specific provisions apply to certain record types:
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates): Access is restricted to authorized individuals, including the subject of the record, immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with a demonstrated legal interest.
- Criminal history records: Certain detailed criminal history information is available only to authorized agencies or individuals under Indiana Code § 10-13-3.
- Juvenile records: Access is restricted by statute and is not available to the general public.
Requestors seeking their own records are subject to the same process as any other request, though they may be required to provide identification to verify their identity before receiving records containing personal information.
What Records Are Confidential in Adams County?
Not all government documents in Adams County are subject to public disclosure. Indiana law identifies specific categories of records that are exempt from the Access to Public Records Act. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4, the following records are confidential and not available for public inspection:
- Sealed court records and expunged criminal records
- Juvenile court records
- Records pertaining to ongoing law enforcement investigations
- Social Security numbers and financial account information
- Medical records and protected health information (subject to HIPAA)
- Adoption records
- Child welfare and protective services records
- Personnel files of public employees (with limited exceptions)
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information submitted to government agencies
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details
Agencies applying exemptions are required to identify the specific statutory basis for withholding any record. Indiana law provides a balancing framework under which agencies must disclose any reasonably segregable portion of a record that is not exempt, even if other portions are withheld.
Adams County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Adams County Recorder's Office
112 S. 2nd St., Decatur, IN 46733
(260) 724-5303
Adams County Recorder
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Adams County Clerk's Office
112 S. 2nd St., Decatur, IN 46733
(260) 724-5300
Adams County Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Adams County Sheriff's Office
313 N. 2nd St., Decatur, IN 46733
(260) 724-5353
Adams County Sheriff's Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Adams County Circuit and Superior Courts
112 S. 2nd St., Decatur, IN 46733
(260) 724-5300
Adams County Courts – Indiana Judicial Branch
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Adams County Assessor's Office
112 S. 2nd St., Decatur, IN 46733
(260) 724-5301
Adams County Assessor
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM