Fulton County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Fulton County in 2026
Members of the public seeking access to government documents in Fulton County, Indiana, may locate publicly available information through official county offices, state repositories, and online portals. FultonCountyRecords.us provides access to data and publicly available information related to public records maintained by Fulton County government agencies. The records available through official channels may include, but are not limited to, the following categories:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family)
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens, and tax assessments)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Business licenses and permits
- Voting and election records
- Law enforcement records (where permitted by law)
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Budget and financial documents
- Land use and zoning records
Records may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by Fulton County and the State of Indiana.
Online Access: Members of the public may access certain Fulton County records through the Indiana Courts Public Access Portal, which provides searchable court case information statewide. Property records and land documents are maintained by the Fulton County Recorder's Office. Some records require registration or account creation to access digitally.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Fulton County Clerk's Office or the Fulton County Recorder's Office to inspect records in person. Both offices are located at the Fulton County Courthouse, 125 N. Main Street, Rochester, Indiana 46975. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted by mail to the appropriate office at 125 N. Main Street, Rochester, IN 46975. Requests should include the requester's name, contact information, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under Indiana law, agencies are required to respond to public records requests in a timely manner.
Phone/Email: The Fulton County Clerk's Office may be reached by phone at (574) 223-2912. The Fulton County Recorder's Office may be contacted at (574) 223-2149.
What Are Public Records in Fulton County?
Public records in Fulton County are defined under Indiana 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 and is generated on public funds. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-2, a "public record" encompasses a broad range of documents held by government bodies.
The following record types are currently maintained by Fulton County agencies:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil, criminal, probate, family court records | Fulton County Circuit Court Clerk |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Fulton County Recorder's Office |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | Fulton County Health Department / Indiana State Department of Health |
| Tax and assessment records | Fulton County Assessor / Auditor |
| Business licenses and permits | Fulton County Clerk's Office |
| Voting and election records | Fulton County Election Board |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Fulton County Auditor's Office |
| Law enforcement records | Fulton County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Fulton County Plan Commission |
The Fulton County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian of court records and many administrative documents. Property-related records are filed with the Recorder's Office, while vital records may require requests to the Indiana State Department of Health.
Is Fulton County an Open Records County?
Fulton County operates in full compliance with Indiana's open records laws. Under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), codified at Indiana Code § 5-14-3, all persons are entitled to inspect and copy the public records of any public agency. The Act establishes a presumption of openness, meaning that records are considered public unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
As stated in the Indiana Public Access Counselor's guidance, "The Access to Public Records Act reflects a fundamental philosophy that Indiana citizens are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them." This principle applies to all county agencies in Fulton County, including the Clerk, Recorder, Assessor, Sheriff, and all boards and commissions.
The Indiana Public Access Counselor's Office provides oversight and advisory opinions regarding compliance with APRA. Members of the public who believe a request has been improperly denied may file a complaint with the Indiana Public Access Counselor.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Fulton County?
The current fee structure for public records in Fulton County is governed by Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, which sets limits on the fees agencies may charge for copying and certifying public records. Standard fees applicable to most requests are as follows:
| Fee Type | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Copies (paper, per page) | $0.10 per page (standard) |
| Certified copies | Varies by record type |
| Electronic format | Varies; may be provided at no charge |
| Inspection of records | No charge |
| Search fees | Not permitted under APRA for most requests |
- Inspection fees: Members of the public have the right to inspect public records at no charge.
- Copy fees: Agencies may charge a reasonable fee not to exceed the actual cost of copying. The standard rate is $0.10 per page for paper copies.
- Certification fees: Certified copies of vital records and court documents carry separate fees set by the issuing office. Certified copies of birth or death records from the Indiana State Department of Health currently cost $10.00 per copy.
- Electronic format fees: Agencies may provide records in electronic format, and fees for electronic copies are subject to the same cost-recovery limitations.
- Fee waivers: Agencies may waive fees at their discretion, particularly for requests that serve a public interest.
Accepted payment methods vary by office but commonly include cash, check, and money order. Members of the public are advised to confirm accepted payment methods with the specific office prior to submitting a request.
Does Fulton County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available in Fulton County. Under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act, any person has the right to inspect public records during regular business hours at no cost. The right to inspect is distinct from the right to receive copies, for which fees may apply.
Free access to certain records is available through the following official resources:
- Indiana Courts Public Access Portal: The Indiana Courts Public Access Portal provides free online access to court case information, including civil, criminal, and probate records filed in Fulton County courts.
- Fulton County Assessor's Office: Property assessment records and tax information may be inspected at no charge at the Assessor's Office or through the county's online property search tools.
- Fulton County Recorder's Office: Land records and recorded documents may be inspected in person at no charge during regular business hours.
- Indiana GIS Mapping: Certain land and property records are accessible at no cost through the Indiana Geographic Information Office.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while inspection is always free, obtaining paper or certified copies involves the fees described in the preceding section.
Who Can Request Public Records in Fulton County?
Any person may request public records in Fulton County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3, a public agency must allow any person to inspect and copy public records during regular business hours. Requesters are not required to be Indiana residents, and agencies may not require a requester to state the purpose of the request as a condition of access.
Key eligibility provisions include:
- Residency: Not required. Non-residents have the same rights as Indiana residents under APRA.
- Identification: Agencies may not require identification as a condition of inspecting public records, though identification may be required for certain sensitive records or certified copies.
- Purpose: Requesters are not required to state a reason for their request for most public records.
- Requesting your own records: Individuals seeking their own records, such as personal court records or vital records, follow the same process as any other requester, though additional verification may be required for certified copies.
- Restrictions for specific record types: Certain records, such as juvenile records, adoption records, and sealed court files, are subject to access restrictions regardless of who is requesting them.
As noted by the Indiana Public Access Counselor, "A person does not have to explain why they want a public record." This principle reflects the foundational openness of Indiana's public records framework.
What Records Are Confidential in Fulton County?
Not all government records in Fulton County are available for public inspection. Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4 enumerates specific categories of records that are either confidential by law or discretionarily exempt from disclosure. The following records are currently exempt or restricted:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by court order are not available for public inspection.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juvenile proceedings are confidential under Indiana law.
- Ongoing investigation records: Law enforcement records related to active investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are exempt from disclosure.
- Medical records: Protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Adoption records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are sealed under Indiana law.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Records maintained by child protective services are confidential.
- Personnel records: Employee personnel files are generally exempt, with limited exceptions for certain public employees.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Submitted to government agencies under confidentiality agreements.
- Security plans and infrastructure details: Records that could compromise public safety or critical infrastructure.
Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4, agencies retain discretion to withhold certain categories of records even when not strictly required to do so, provided the withholding is consistent with the public interest. When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, agencies are required to redact the exempt portions and provide access to the remainder.
Fulton County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Fulton County Recorder's Office 125 N. Main Street, Room 204 Rochester, IN 46975 (574) 223-2149 Fulton County Recorder's Office
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Closed on state and federal holidays.
Fulton County Clerk's Office 125 N. Main Street Rochester, IN 46975 (574) 223-2912 Fulton County Clerk's Office
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fulton County Assessor's Office 125 N. Main Street Rochester, IN 46975 (574) 223-2713 Fulton County Assessor's Office
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fulton County Sheriff's Office 1 N. Main Street Rochester, IN 46975 (574) 223-2911 Fulton County Sheriff's Office
Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Indiana State Department of Health – Vital Records 2 N. Meridian Street Indianapolis, IN 46204 (317) 233-2700 Indiana State Department of Health Vital Records