Stark County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Stark County?

Public records in Stark County, Ohio are official documents or pieces of information that are not considered confidential and are generally accessible to citizens and organizations. These records are created, maintained, or received by government agencies in Stark County as part of their legal obligations.

Public records include various types of documents such as birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, property records, court records, tax information, voting records, and business filings. These documents are maintained by different county departments including the Recorder's Office, Clerk of Courts, Health Department, and other government agencies.

The purpose of public records is to ensure transparency in government operations and to provide citizens with access to information that may be relevant to their personal, business, or legal matters. In Stark County, as in the rest of Ohio, public records are governed by the Ohio Public Records Act, which establishes the right of people to access public records.

Stark County Recorder's Office: 110 Central Plaza South, Suite 170, Canton, OH 44702

Is Stark County an Open Records County?

Yes, Stark County is an open records county. Like all counties in Ohio, Stark County operates under the Ohio Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code Section 149.43), which provides that all public records shall be promptly prepared and made available for inspection to any person during regular business hours.

The Ohio Public Records Act defines a "public record" as any record kept by a public office, including county offices. There are specific exemptions outlined in the law, but the general principle is that government records are open to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

Stark County government agencies are required to organize and maintain their records in a manner that allows them to be made readily available when requested. They must also have a policy in place for responding to public records requests and must provide copies of records within a reasonable period of time.

Stark County Job & Family Services: 221 3rd Street SE, Canton, OH 44702

How Do I Find Public Records in Stark County in 2025

To find public records in Stark County in 2025, you have several options:

Online Access: Many public records in Stark County are available online through various department websites. The Stark County Recorder's Office provides online access to real estate documents. The Clerk of Courts offers online access to court records through their website.
In-Person Requests: You can visit the specific county office that maintains the records you're seeking. For example, visit the Recorder's Office for property records, the Clerk of Courts for court records, or the Health Department for vital records.
Written Requests: You can submit a written request to the appropriate county department. Be specific about the records you're seeking to ensure a prompt response.
Email or Phone Requests: Many departments accept public records requests via email or phone. Check the specific department's website for contact information.
Third-Party Services: There are commercial services that aggregate public records and provide them for a fee. However, these services may not always have the most up-to-date information.

Stark County Court of Common Pleas: 101 W. Tuscarawas Street, Canton, OH 44702

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Stark County?

The cost to obtain public records in Stark County varies depending on the type of record and the format requested:

Copy Costs: According to Ohio law, public offices may charge the actual cost of making copies. In Stark County, this typically ranges from $0.05 to $0.25 per page for standard paper copies.
Electronic Records: If records are available electronically, they may be provided at no cost or for the cost of the media (such as a CD or USB drive) if the requester wants a physical copy.
Certified Copies: For certified copies of records (such as birth certificates, death certificates, or marriage licenses), there are specific fees set by state law. For example, certified copies of vital records typically cost between $20 and $25 per copy.
Search and Retrieval Fees: Ohio law generally does not permit charging for the time spent searching for and retrieving records. However, if a request requires extensive redaction or legal review, there may be additional costs.
Mailing Costs: If records are to be mailed, the actual cost of postage may be charged.

It's important to note that under Ohio law, a public office may require prepayment of costs associated with providing copies of public records.

Stark County Health Department: 7235 Whipple Avenue NW, North Canton, OH 44720

Does Stark County Have Free Public Records?

Yes, Stark County does offer some free public records access, although there may be costs associated with obtaining copies:

Inspection: Under Ohio law, you have the right to inspect public records at no cost during regular business hours. You can visit the appropriate county office and view records without paying a fee.
Online Access: Many Stark County departments provide free online access to certain public records. For example, the Stark County Recorder's Office offers a free online search tool for property records, and the Clerk of Courts provides free access to court records through their online portal.
Limited Free Copies: Some offices may provide a limited number of free copies before charging for additional pages.

However, it's important to note that while inspection of records is free, obtaining copies (whether paper or electronic) often involves a fee to cover the cost of reproduction. Additionally, certified copies of vital records and certain other official documents always carry a fee as established by state law.

Stark County Auditor's Office: 110 Central Plaza South, Suite 220, Canton, OH 44702

Who Can Request Public Records In Stark County?

In Stark County, as in all of Ohio, anyone can request public records regardless of:

Citizenship: You do not need to be a U.S. citizen or Ohio resident to request public records.
Age: There are no age restrictions on who can request public records, although some records may have access limitations based on content.
Purpose: You are not required to explain why you want the records or how you plan to use them. The purpose of your request is irrelevant to your right to access public records.
Identity: In most cases, you are not required to identify yourself when making a public records request, although providing contact information may be necessary if you want copies mailed to you or if you need to be contacted about your request.
Format: Requests can be made in person, by phone, by mail, or by email, depending on the specific department's policies.

The Ohio Public Records Act is designed to provide broad access to government records, with the burden on the government to justify any denial of access based on specific statutory exemptions.

Stark County Board of Elections: 3525 Regent Avenue NE, Canton, OH 44705

What Records Are Confidential In Stark County?

While Stark County operates under Ohio's open records laws, certain records are confidential and exempt from public disclosure. These exemptions are primarily defined by state law rather than county policy. Confidential records in Stark County include:

Medical Records: Personal medical information is generally confidential, including records held by county health departments.
Juvenile Records: Court records involving minors are typically confidential, with limited exceptions.
Social Security Numbers: Documents containing Social Security numbers are typically redacted before release.
Adoption Records: Adoption proceedings and records are confidential by law.
Certain Law Enforcement Records: Active investigation records, confidential informant information, and certain law enforcement techniques may be exempt.
Attorney-Client Privileged Communications: Legal advice provided to county agencies is protected.
Personal Information of Public Employees: Home addresses, personal phone numbers, and similar information of public employees may be protected.
Records Protected by Federal Law: Records that federal law designates as confidential, such as certain educational records under FERPA.
Infrastructure and Security Records: Information that could compromise security or critical infrastructure.
Certain Economic Development Records: Some records related to ongoing economic development negotiations.

When a record contains both public and confidential information, the county will typically redact (black out) the confidential portions and release the remainder of the record.

Stark County Prosecutor's Office: 110 Central Plaza South, Suite 510, Canton, OH 44702

Lookup Public Records in Stark County

Here are some key resources for accessing public records in Stark County:

Stark County Recorder's Office - Access property records, deeds, mortgages, and other real estate documents. The Recorder's Office maintains and provides access to these essential property records through their online search tools and in-person services.
Stark County Court Records - Search criminal, civil, and domestic relations court records through the Stark County Ohio Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS). This comprehensive resource allows you to access case information, dockets, and court proceedings.
Public Records Request - Stark County Job & Family Services - Learn about the process for requesting public records from Stark County Job & Family Services, including policies, procedures, and available record types.
Marriage Application Form - Download the official application form for obtaining a marriage license in Stark County, complete with instructions and requirements for applicants.

These resources provide convenient access to many of the most commonly requested public records in Stark County. For additional information or specific record requests, contact the appropriate county department directly.