Knox County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Knox County in 2026
Members of the public seeking publicly available information related to Knox County, Ohio may access a range of government documents through official county offices, court systems, and online portals. The site KnoxOHRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to public records maintained by Knox County agencies. Records that may be available through official channels include, but are not limited to, the following categories:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and domestic relations)
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, and liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Tax and assessment records
- Business licenses and permits
- Voting and election records
- Law enforcement records (where permitted by law)
- Meeting minutes, agendas, and financial documents
Records may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by Knox County and the State of Ohio.
Online Access:
The Knox County Auditor provides an online property search portal where members of the public may look up parcel data, tax records, and property assessments. The Knox County Recorder's Office maintains a searchable index of recorded land documents. The Ohio Courts Network offers access to case information for courts across the state, including Knox County Common Pleas Court. No registration is required to perform basic searches on most of these platforms.
In-Person Requests:
Members of the public may visit the relevant county office in person to inspect or request copies of records. The Knox County Clerk of Courts is located at 117 East High Street, Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050. Public counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Requestors should identify the specific record sought and provide any known case numbers, parcel numbers, or party names to facilitate retrieval.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests may be submitted by mail to the appropriate office. Requests should include the requestor's name, return address, a description of the records sought, and any identifying information. Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, public offices are required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable period of time.
Phone/Email:
- Knox County Clerk of Courts: (740) 393-6788
- Knox County Recorder: (740) 393-6797
- Knox County Auditor: (740) 393-6747
What Are Public Records in Knox County?
Public records in Knox County are defined by Ohio state law as any document, device, or item created or received by a public office in connection with the transaction of public business. Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, public records are open to inspection by any person at all reasonable times. The following record types are maintained by Knox County offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Knox County Clerk of Courts |
| Probate and estate records | Knox County Probate Court |
| Property deeds and mortgages | Knox County Recorder |
| Property tax and assessments | Knox County Auditor |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | Knox County Probate Court / Ohio Vital Statistics |
| Business licenses and permits | Knox County Auditor / Municipal offices |
| Voting and election records | Knox County Board of Elections |
| Meeting minutes and budgets | Knox County Commissioners |
| Law enforcement records | Knox County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Knox County Planning Commission |
The Knox County Recorder's Office maintains land records including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. The Knox County Probate Court handles estate, guardianship, and vital records matters. The Knox County Board of Elections maintains voter registration and election records.
Is Knox County an Open Records County?
Knox County follows Ohio's statewide open records law, which mandates broad public access to government documents. Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, all public records maintained by Ohio public offices are presumed open to inspection and copying unless a specific exemption applies. The Ohio Attorney General's Office has stated that "the Public Records Act reflects the General Assembly's intent that open government serves the public interest and that the public is entitled to know how its government operates."
Knox County public offices are required to maintain a public records policy and make it available to any person who requests it. The county operates in compliance with Ohio's Sunshine Laws, which govern both public records access and open meetings requirements. The Ohio Attorney General's Public Records Unit provides guidance to public offices and members of the public regarding rights and obligations under state law.
Any denial of a public records request must be accompanied by a written explanation citing the specific legal authority for the exemption. Members of the public who believe a request has been improperly denied may file a complaint with the Ohio Court of Claims or seek a writ of mandamus in the appropriate court.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Knox County?
Current fees for public records in Knox County are governed by Ohio state law and individual office fee schedules. Under Ohio law, public offices may charge only the actual cost of providing copies and are prohibited from charging fees for inspection of records.
| Fee Type | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (standard size) | $0.05–$0.10 per page (actual cost) |
| Certified copies (vital records) | $7.00–$26.00 depending on record type |
| Electronic copies | Actual cost of reproduction |
| Inspection of records | No charge |
| Search fees | Not permitted under Ohio law |
Fees vary by record type and the office maintaining the record. The Knox County Recorder charges fees for certified copies of recorded documents in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code. Vital records such as birth and death certificates carry fees set by the Ohio Department of Health. Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order; some offices accept credit or debit cards.
Fee waivers are available in limited circumstances, such as when records are requested by indigent individuals or when the request serves a clear public interest, at the discretion of the public office.
Does Knox County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Knox County government offices during regular business hours. Ohio law requires that public offices permit any person to inspect public records at no charge. The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while inspection carries no fee, obtaining physical or electronic copies may involve charges as described above.
Several online resources provide free access to Knox County records without requiring payment:
- The Knox County Auditor's property search portal provides free online access to parcel data, ownership information, and tax records.
- The Knox County Recorder's online index allows free searching of recorded document information.
- The Ohio Courts Network provides free access to court case information for Knox County courts.
- The Knox County Board of Elections provides free access to voter registration lookup tools.
Members of the public may visit any of these offices in person to inspect records at no cost during posted business hours.
Who Can Request Public Records in Knox County?
Any person may request public records in Knox County, Ohio. Under current Ohio law, a requestor is not required to be a resident of Ohio or Knox County, provide identification, or state the purpose of the request. The Ohio Public Records Act extends access rights to all persons without restriction based on residency or citizenship.
Certain record types carry additional requirements. Requests for records containing personal identifying information, such as Social Security numbers or financial account data, may result in the production of redacted copies. Individuals requesting their own records from law enforcement agencies may be required to provide identification to verify identity. Sealed or expunged court records are not accessible to the general public, regardless of the requestor's identity.
Non-residents retain the same rights as Ohio residents under the Public Records Act. There is no requirement to submit requests in any particular format; oral, written, electronic, and in-person requests are all recognized. However, submitting a written request creates a record of the transaction and is advisable for complex or voluminous requests.
What Records Are Confidential in Knox County?
Certain records maintained by Knox County offices are exempt from public disclosure under Ohio law. Ohio Revised Code § 149.43 and related statutes identify categories of records that public offices are required or permitted to withhold. The following record types are currently exempt from public disclosure:
- Sealed and expunged court records: Records sealed by court order are not available to the public.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juvenile proceedings are confidential under Ohio law.
- Ongoing criminal investigation records: Records compiled in connection with a pending law enforcement investigation are exempt until the investigation is closed.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data must be redacted from disclosed records.
- Medical records: Records protected under HIPAA and Ohio medical privacy statutes are exempt.
- Adoption records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are sealed by statute.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Records maintained by children services agencies are confidential.
- Personnel records: Certain employee records are exempt, with exceptions for names, positions, and compensation of public employees.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Records containing trade secrets submitted to a public office are exempt.
- Security and infrastructure plans: Records detailing security arrangements for public facilities are withheld to protect public safety.
When a public office withholds a record, it is required to notify the requestor of the specific legal basis for the exemption. Ohio courts apply a balancing test in some circumstances to weigh the public interest in disclosure against the interest in confidentiality.
Knox County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Knox County Recorder's Office 117 East High Street, Suite 103 Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 (740) 393-6797 Knox County Recorder
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM Closed on state and federal holidays.
Knox County Clerk of Courts 117 East High Street Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 (740) 393-6788 Knox County Clerk of Courts
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Knox County Auditor 117 East High Street, Suite 105 Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 (740) 393-6747 Knox County Auditor
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Knox County Probate Court 111 East High Street Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 (740) 393-6755 Knox County Probate Court
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Knox County Board of Elections 117 East High Street, Suite 103 Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 (740) 393-6920 Knox County Board of Elections
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Knox County Sheriff's Office 11 North 5th Street Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050 (740) 393-6641 Knox County Sheriff
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM; emergency services available 24 hours.