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Hendricks County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Hendricks County?

Public records in Hendricks County are defined according to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), codified under Indiana Code § 5-14-3. This statute establishes that public records include any material that is "created, received, retained, maintained, or filed by or with a public agency." These records document the business and functions of government entities serving Hendricks County residents.

Hendricks County maintains numerous categories of public records, including:

  • Court Records: Civil, criminal, family, and probate case files maintained by the Hendricks County Courts
  • Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and property assessments
  • Vital Records: Birth certificates (limited to 75 years or older), death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
  • Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and assumed business names
  • Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax sale listings
  • Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance reports
  • Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records from County Commissioners, County Council, and various boards and commissions
  • Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
  • Law Enforcement Records: Arrest logs, incident reports (with legally required redactions), and jail records
  • Land Use and Zoning Records: Planning documents, zoning maps, and building permits

The Hendricks County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for many county records, particularly court-related documents. The Hendricks County Recorder's Office maintains property records, while the Hendricks County Health Department oversees vital records. Additional records are maintained by the Hendricks County Assessor, Treasurer, and other county departments according to their respective functions.

Is Hendricks County an Open Records County?

Hendricks County fully complies with the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), as established under Indiana Code § 5-14-3. This comprehensive state law governs public access to governmental records throughout Indiana, including Hendricks County.

Under IC § 5-14-3-1, the fundamental policy of the state is explicitly stated: "A fundamental philosophy of the American constitutional form of representative government is that government is the servant of the people and not their master. Accordingly, 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."

Hendricks County has implemented this state mandate through its own public records policies. Each county department that serves as a records custodian maintains procedures for facilitating public access to records in accordance with state law. The Hendricks County Prosecutor's Office and other county agencies regularly process public records requests pursuant to these regulations.

The county adheres to the statutory response timelines established in APRA, which generally requires acknowledgment of requests within 24 hours and substantive responses within reasonable timeframes based on the nature and volume of records requested. Hendricks County also observes the state's sunshine laws regarding open meetings, ensuring transparency in governmental decision-making processes.

How to Find Public Records in Hendricks County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records in Hendricks County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain the information they need:

  1. Online Access: Many records are available through the county's digital platforms:

  2. In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours:

    • For court records: Hendricks County Courthouse, 51 W Main St, Danville, IN 46122
    • For property records: Hendricks County Government Center, 355 S Washington St, Danville, IN 46122
    • For vital records: Hendricks County Health Department, 355 S Washington St, Danville, IN 46122

  3. Written Requests: Submit a formal public records request to the relevant department:

    • Use the county's standard Public Records Request Form (available on the county website)
    • Include specific details about the records sought
    • Provide contact information for response
    • Submit via email, mail, or in person to the appropriate records custodian

  4. Specialized Databases: Certain records have dedicated search systems:

When making requests, citizens should specify the records with reasonable particularity as required by IC § 5-14-3-3(a)(1). The Town of Danville and other municipalities within Hendricks County maintain their own records and may have separate request procedures for municipal documents.

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

Hendricks County assesses fees for public records in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, which establishes guidelines for permissible charges. The current fee structure includes:

  • Standard Copies: $0.10 per page for black and white copies (8.5" x 11" or 8.5" x 14")
  • Color Copies: $0.25 per page
  • Certified Copies: Additional $1.00 certification fee per document
  • Large Format Documents: $3.00 per page for maps, plats, and other oversized materials
  • Electronic Records: $7.00 per DVD/CD or no charge if requestor provides storage media
  • Specialized Records:
    • Marriage License: $18.00
    • Death Certificate: $15.00 for first copy, $6.00 for each additional copy requested at same time
    • Recorded Documents: $1.00 per page from the Recorder's Office
    • Court Records: Variable fees depending on document type and certification requirements

Payment methods accepted by most Hendricks County offices include:

  • Cash (in-person only)
  • Check or money order (payable to the specific county department)
  • Credit/debit cards (subject to processing fees in some departments)

The Danville Police Department and other law enforcement agencies may have separate fee schedules for incident reports and other police records. Commercial requestors may be subject to additional fees for certain records when permitted by state law.

Fee waivers are available in limited circumstances at the discretion of the records custodian, particularly for requests that serve the public interest. Additionally, indigent persons may qualify for fee reductions for certain vital records when demonstrating financial hardship.

Does Hendricks County Have Free Public Records?

Hendricks County provides free access to certain public records in compliance with Indiana law. The following records are available without charge:

  • In-Person Inspection: Pursuant to IC § 5-14-3-8(c), members of the public may inspect records during regular business hours at no cost. This right applies to all non-confidential public records maintained by county offices.

  • Online Resources: Several free digital platforms provide access to county records:

  • Public Terminals: Computer terminals are available at the following locations for free public access to certain records:

    • Hendricks County Courthouse - Court records
    • Hendricks County Recorder's Office - Land records
    • Hendricks County Assessor's Office - Property assessment records

The Hendricks County Prosecutor's Office provides certain public safety information at no charge, and the Town of Danville offers free access to municipal ordinances and regulations online.

While inspection is free, reproduction costs apply when copies are requested, as detailed in the previous section. Additionally, commercial use of public records may incur fees even when the records themselves are available for free inspection.

Who Can Request Public Records in Hendricks County?

Under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act, specifically IC § 5-14-3-3, any person may request access to public records maintained by Hendricks County agencies. The law establishes the following eligibility criteria and requirements:

  • Residency: There is no Indiana residency requirement to request public records. Citizens from any state or country may submit requests.

  • Identification Requirements:

    • Basic identification may be required to verify identity for certain records
    • Photo ID is typically required for vital records and some court documents
    • Requestors seeking their own confidential records must provide proof of identity

  • Purpose Disclosure:

    • For most records, requestors are not required to state the purpose of their request
    • Certain specialized records (such as voter data or law enforcement records) may require purpose statements under specific statutes
    • Commercial purpose disclosure may be required for some datasets

  • Special Considerations:

    • Attorneys may access additional court records with proper bar identification
    • Next of kin have expanded access to certain vital records
    • Parents/legal guardians may access records of minor children with proof of relationship
    • Authorized representatives may request records with proper documentation

The Danville Police Department and other law enforcement agencies have specific protocols for requesting police reports, which may include additional verification steps to protect privacy and ongoing investigations.

When requesting records about oneself versus records about others, different standards may apply. For example, individuals have greater access to their own health records, personnel files, and certain court documents than would be granted to third parties requesting the same information.

What Records Are Confidential in Hendricks County?

Hendricks County maintains certain records as confidential in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4, which establishes mandatory and discretionary exemptions from public disclosure. The following record types are generally not available for public inspection:

  • Court Records:

    • Sealed court cases and expunged criminal records
    • Juvenile court records (with limited exceptions)
    • Mental health commitment proceedings
    • Certain family court matters involving child welfare

  • Personal Information:

    • Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, and financial account information
    • Medical records and protected health information (HIPAA-protected)
    • Personnel files (except for basic employment information)
    • Home addresses of certain public officials and employees

  • Law Enforcement Records:

    • Active criminal investigation materials
    • Investigatory records that would jeopardize proceedings
    • Records that would reveal confidential sources or investigative techniques
    • Juvenile arrest records

  • Other Protected Records:

    • Adoption records (except through court order)
    • Child welfare and protective services records
    • Trade secrets and confidential commercial information
    • Security and infrastructure details that could pose safety risks
    • Attorney-client privileged communications
    • Educational records protected under FERPA

The Hendricks County Prosecutor's Office maintains confidentiality of certain case files in accordance with these exemptions. Similarly, the Hendricks County Jail Inmate Lookup system provides only limited public information about inmates while protecting confidential details.

When records contain both public and confidential information, county agencies will redact the confidential portions and release the remainder when feasible, as required by IC § 5-14-3-6. The county applies a balancing test when discretionary exemptions are involved, weighing the public interest in disclosure against privacy interests and other protected values.

Hendricks County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Hendricks County Recorder's Office
355 South Washington Street, Suite 213
Danville, IN 46122
(317) 745-9224
Hendricks County Recorder

Regular Office Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Services Provided:

  • Recording of deeds, mortgages, and liens
  • Maintaining land records and property documents
  • Issuing copies of recorded documents
  • Processing military discharge records (DD-214)
  • Maintaining and providing access to property records

Public Access Terminal Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
(No appointment necessary for public terminal use)

The Recorder's Office is located in the Hendricks County Government Center in downtown Danville. Visitors should check in at the security desk upon arrival. Limited public parking is available in the county lot adjacent to the building.

Lookup Public Records in Hendricks County

Indiana Judicial Branch: Hendricks County

Hendricks County Jail Inmate Lookup

Town of Danville, Indiana

Hendricks County Prosecutor's Office

Danville Police Department Public Records

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