White County Public Records

How to Find Public Records in White County in 2026

Members of the public seeking government documents in White County, Indiana may access publicly available information through WhiteCountyRecords.org, which aggregates data related to public records maintained by county and state agencies. Records accessible through official channels may include court filings, property documents, vital records, tax assessments, and other materials created or maintained by government bodies. The availability and completeness of any particular record depends on the custodial office, the nature of the document, and applicable state law.

Record categories that members of the public may encounter include:

Civil, criminal, and probate court records
Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
Marriage and divorce records
Property tax and assessment records
Business licenses and permits
County commission meeting minutes and agendas
Arrest logs and incident reports (where permitted)
Land use and zoning documents

Online Access: The White County official government portal provides access to property tax information, traffic ticket payment, and court-related tools. The Indiana Judicial Branch maintains a separate portal for court records. Members of the public may search court records through the Indiana Courts public access system. Some records require account registration; others are available without credentials.

In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the White County Clerk's Office or the Recorder's Office, both located in the White County Courthouse in Monticello, Indiana. Staff at each office can assist with identifying the appropriate record and initiating a formal request. Requestors should bring a valid photo identification and, where applicable, case numbers or parcel identification numbers to expedite the search.

Written/Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted by mail to the relevant custodial office. Requests should include the requestor's full name, mailing address, a description of the record sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-9, agencies are required to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time.

Phone/Email: The White County Clerk's Office may be reached by telephone at 574-583-7032. The Recorder's Office main line is 574-583-5912.

What Are Public Records in White County?

Public records in White County are defined under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act, codified at Indiana Code § 5-14-3, as any writing, paper, report, study, map, photograph, book, tape, recording, or other material that is created, received, retained, maintained, or filed by or with a public agency. The following record types are currently maintained by White County offices:

Court records (civil, criminal, probate, family law): Maintained by the White County Clerk's Office and accessible through the Indiana Judicial Branch
Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens): Maintained by the White County Recorder's Office
Vital records (marriage and divorce): Maintained by the County Clerk; birth and death certificates are maintained by the Indiana Department of Health
Business records (licenses, permits, fictitious names): Maintained by the County Clerk and the Indiana Secretary of State
Tax records (property tax, assessments): Maintained by the White County Auditor and Assessor
Voting and election records: Maintained by the White County Clerk
Meeting minutes and agendas: Maintained by the White County Auditor and individual boards
Budget and financial documents: Maintained by the White County Auditor
Law enforcement records (arrest logs, incident reports): Maintained by the White County Sheriff's Office, subject to applicable exemptions
Land use and zoning records: Maintained by the White County Plan Commission

Is White County an Open Records County?

White County operates in full compliance with Indiana's statewide open records framework. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-3, any person may inspect and copy the public records of any public agency during regular business hours. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA) establishes the presumption that all public records are open for inspection and copying unless a specific statutory exemption applies.

As stated in the Indiana Public Access Counselor's guidance: "The Access to Public Records Act establishes that the policy of the state is 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." White County agencies are bound by this standard and do not impose additional local restrictions beyond those permitted under state law.

The Indiana Public Access Counselor's office provides advisory opinions and enforcement guidance for agencies and requestors statewide. Members of the public who believe a request has been improperly denied may file a complaint with that office. White County does not maintain a separate county-level public records ordinance; the state statute governs all access requests.

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

The current fee structure for public records in White County varies by office and record type. The following standard fees apply:

Record Type	Fee
Document copies (Recorder's Office)	$1.00 per page
Certified copies (Clerk's Office)	Varies by document type
Electronic record copies	Determined by agency
Search fees	Not charged for standard requests

As noted on the White County Recorder's Office page, "Copies are $1.00 per page." Certification fees for court documents are set by the Indiana Supreme Court and the County Clerk's schedule. Under Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, agencies may charge only the actual cost of copying and may not charge for the time spent locating records unless the request requires extraordinary use of agency resources.

Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order. Members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods with the specific office prior to submitting a request. Fee waivers are not broadly available under Indiana law, though agencies retain discretion in individual circumstances.

Does White County Have Free Public Records?

Free inspection of public records is available to any person under Indiana law. Members of the public may inspect records in person at the custodial office without charge during regular business hours. The right to inspect does not require payment; fees apply only when copies are requested.

The following free access options are currently available:

In-person inspection at the White County Clerk's Office, Recorder's Office, and other county offices during business hours
Online property tax records through the White County government portal, which provides free access to assessment and tax payment data
Court records accessible through the Indiana Judicial Branch's public access terminals, available at the courthouse
White County court information accessible through the Indiana Judicial Branch website at no cost

The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: members of the public have the right to view records at no cost, but obtaining physical or electronic copies is subject to the fee schedule described above.

Who Can Request Public Records in White County?

Any person may request public records in White 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 for standard requests, or to explain the reason for the request. This broad access standard reflects the state's policy of government transparency.

Specific considerations include:

Identification: Not required for most public records requests; however, certain record types (such as personal vital records) may require proof of identity or relationship
Residency: Not required; non-residents have the same access rights as Indiana residents
Purpose: Not required to be stated for standard public records; agencies may not condition access on disclosure of purpose
Requesting your own records: Individuals requesting records about themselves may be entitled to access certain records that are otherwise restricted, such as sealed records in limited circumstances

Restrictions apply to specific categories of records regardless of who is requesting them. Juvenile records, sealed court files, and records subject to statutory exemptions remain restricted for all requestors. Members of the public seeking records about another individual should be aware that certain personal information may be redacted prior to release.

What Records Are Confidential in White County?

Indiana Code § 5-14-3-4 enumerates the categories of records that are exempt from public disclosure. White County agencies apply these exemptions consistently with state law. The following record types are currently treated as confidential or restricted:

Sealed court records and expunged criminal records
Juvenile court records and child welfare files
Records pertaining to ongoing law enforcement investigations
Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and other personal identifying information
Medical records and health information protected under HIPAA
Adoption records
Child protective services records
Personnel files of public employees (with limited exceptions for disciplinary actions)
Trade secrets and proprietary business information submitted to government agencies
Security plans, infrastructure vulnerability assessments, and emergency response protocols

When a record contains both disclosable and exempt information, the custodial agency is required to redact the exempt portions and release the remainder. This balancing approach ensures that the maximum amount of information is made available consistent with statutory protections.

White County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

White County Recorder's Office
110 N Main St, Monticello, IN 47960
574-583-5912 (Phone) | 574-583-1521 (Fax)
White County Recorder's Office

Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays

The Recorder's Office index of records is available beginning November 1834. Document copies are available at $1.00 per page. Mailing address: P.O. Box 127, Monticello, Indiana 47960.

White County Clerk's Office
110 N Main St, Monticello, IN 47960
574-583-7032
White County Clerk's Office