Clinton County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Clinton County in 2026
ClintonOHRecords.us provides publicly available information and data related to public records in Clinton County, Ohio. Members of the public seeking access to government documents may find information pertaining to court filings, property transactions, vital statistics, business registrations, and other official records maintained by county and state agencies. The availability and completeness of specific records may vary depending on the record type, the custodial office, and applicable state law.
Records in Clinton County can be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by county agencies.
Online Access:
- The Clinton County Auditor's website provides online property search tools, including parcel data, tax records, and assessment information.
- The Clinton County Common Pleas Court maintains case information accessible through the court's online docket system.
- The Ohio Courts Network offers statewide case search tools for civil and criminal proceedings.
- Some records require no registration; others, such as sealed or restricted filings, require in-person verification.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the relevant custodial office during regular business hours. The Clinton County Clerk of Courts, located at 46 S. South Street, Wilmington, OH 45177, accepts walk-in requests Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Requestors should identify the record type, approximate date range, and any known case or parcel numbers to facilitate retrieval.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted by mail to the appropriate custodial office. Requests should include the requestor's name, return address, a description of the records sought, and any identifying information such as case numbers or property parcel IDs. Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, public offices must respond to public records requests within a reasonable period of time.
Phone/Email:
- Clinton County Clerk of Courts: (937) 382-2316
- Clinton County Auditor: (937) 382-2250
- Clinton County Recorder: (937) 382-2369
What Are Public Records in Clinton County?
Public records in Clinton County are defined under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43 as any document, device, or item, regardless of physical form or characteristic, created or received by or coming under the jurisdiction of any public office, that serves to document the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the office. The following record types are maintained by various county offices:
| Record Type | Custodial Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Clinton County Clerk of Courts |
| Probate and estate records | Clinton County Probate Court |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Clinton County Recorder |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | Clinton County Probate Court / Ohio Vital Statistics |
| Business licenses and fictitious names | Clinton County Recorder / Ohio Secretary of State |
| Property tax and assessment records | Clinton County Auditor |
| Voting and election records | Clinton County Board of Elections |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Clinton County Board of Commissioners |
| Budget and financial documents | Clinton County Auditor |
| Arrest logs and incident reports | Clinton County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Clinton County Planning Commission |
Municipal court records, including those from the City of Wilmington, are maintained through the Clinton County Municipal Court, which also provides access to court dockets and probation department information.
Is Clinton County an Open Records County?
Clinton County follows Ohio's statewide open records law, which mandates broad public access to government documents. Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, known as the Ohio Public Records Act, all public offices are required to make public records available for inspection and copying upon request. The statute states that "upon request and subject to division (B) of this section, all public records responsive to the request shall be promptly prepared and made available for inspection to any person at all reasonable times during regular business hours."
The Ohio Attorney General's Office administers guidance on compliance with Ohio's Sunshine Laws, which encompass both the Public Records Act and the Open Meetings Act. Clinton County offices are subject to these provisions and are required to maintain written public records policies. The Ohio Attorney General notes that "public offices must adopt a public records policy and post it in a conspicuous place in the office and on the office's website, if the office maintains a website."
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Clinton County?
The cost to obtain public records in Clinton County varies by record type and the office maintaining the records. Under Ohio law, fees for public records must reflect the actual cost of duplication and may not include costs for retrieval, review, or redaction.
Standard Copy Fees:
| Fee Type | Standard Rate |
|---|---|
| Black-and-white paper copies (8.5" x 11") | $0.05 per page (standard) |
| Larger format copies | Actual cost of duplication |
| Certified copies (vital records) | $7.00 per certificate (Ohio standard) |
| Electronic records | Actual cost of the medium used |
| Inspection of records | No charge |
Accepted payment methods at most Clinton County offices include cash, check, and money order. Some offices accept credit or debit cards; requestors should confirm accepted methods with the specific office prior to submitting a request.
Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1) governs fee limitations and specifies that charges may only reflect the actual cost of duplication. Fee waivers are not broadly mandated under Ohio law, though individual offices may exercise discretion in specific circumstances.
Does Clinton County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Clinton 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 viewing records in person carries no fee, obtaining physical or electronic copies may incur duplication costs as outlined above.
The following resources provide free online access to certain Clinton County records:
- The Clinton County Auditor's property search portal allows free online access to parcel data, ownership history, and tax assessment information.
- The Ohio Courts Network provides free case search functionality for many court records statewide.
- The Clinton County Board of Elections maintains free access to voter registration and election result data.
- The Ohio Secretary of State's business search provides free access to registered business entity information.
Who Can Request Public Records in Clinton County?
Any person may request public records in Clinton County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Ohio's Public Records Act does not require requestors to identify themselves, provide a reason for the request, or demonstrate any particular interest in the records sought. This broad access standard applies to residents and non-residents alike.
Specific considerations include:
- Identification: Requestors are not required to provide identification for standard public records requests. However, certain offices may require identification when accessing records that contain sensitive personal information or when the requestor seeks records pertaining to themselves.
- Purpose: Under Ohio law, public offices may not condition access to public records on the requestor's stated purpose.
- Restrictions by record type: Some records, such as those involving ongoing criminal investigations, juvenile proceedings, or sealed court files, are subject to access restrictions regardless of who is requesting them.
- Requesting your own records: Individuals seeking records about themselves, such as criminal history or vital records, may be required to provide proof of identity and, in some cases, a notarized authorization.
The Ohio Attorney General's Public Records Manual provides detailed guidance on requestor rights and office obligations under state law.
What Records Are Confidential in Clinton County?
Certain records maintained by Clinton County offices are exempt from public disclosure under Ohio law. Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1) enumerates specific categories of records that are not subject to mandatory disclosure. The following record types are currently exempt or restricted:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by court order pursuant to Ohio expungement or sealing statutes are not available for public inspection.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juvenile proceedings are confidential under Ohio law and accessible only to authorized parties.
- Ongoing investigation records: Records compiled in connection with a law enforcement investigation are exempt while the investigation is active.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are redacted from public records prior to release.
- Medical records: Health information protected under HIPAA and Ohio law is not subject to public disclosure.
- Adoption records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are sealed under Ohio Revised Code and accessible only through court order or specific statutory procedures.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Records maintained by children services agencies are confidential under state and federal law.
- Personnel records: Certain employee records, including performance evaluations and medical information, are exempt, though basic employment information such as name, title, and salary is public.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Submitted business records containing trade secrets are protected from disclosure.
- Security and infrastructure plans: Documents detailing security systems, emergency response plans, or critical infrastructure are exempt from disclosure.
Ohio courts apply a balancing test in some circumstances to weigh the public interest in disclosure against privacy or security concerns.
Clinton County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Clinton County Recorder's Office
46 S. South Street, Suite 201
Wilmington, OH 45177
(937) 382-2369
Clinton County Recorder
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on federal and state holidays
Clinton County Clerk of Courts
46 S. South Street
Wilmington, OH 45177
(937) 382-2316
Clinton County Clerk of Courts
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Clinton County Auditor's Office
46 S. South Street
Wilmington, OH 45177
(937) 382-2250
Clinton County Auditor
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Clinton County Probate Court
46 S. South Street
Wilmington, OH 45177
(937) 382-2316
Clinton County Probate Court
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Clinton County Board of Elections
1900 Davids Drive, Suite 100
Wilmington, OH 45177
(937) 382-4811
Clinton County Board of Elections
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Clinton County Sheriff's Office
977 S. Nelson Avenue
Wilmington, OH 45177
(937) 382-1611
Clinton County Sheriff's Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Records Division)