Findlay Public Records

Findlay public records are handled through city offices and Hancock County agencies. As the county seat of Hancock County, Findlay is where all the main county record-keeping offices are located. Court files, property deeds, vital records, and police reports can all be accessed in the city. The Hancock County Clerk of Courts, Recorder, and Probate Court are all at or near the courthouse at 300 South Main Street. R.C. 149.43 gives everyone the right to ask for and inspect public records without having to provide a reason.

Findlay Court Public Records

The Hancock County Clerk of Courts is at 300 S. Main Street, Findlay, Ohio 45840. Legal Division Phone: 419-424-7037, Fax: 419-424-7801. The Clerk receives, distributes, and preserves official court documents. You can visit the office to pay traffic and criminal fines, file papers in a civil case, and access court records.

Starting January 1, 2026, all attorneys must use the Hancock County electronic filing system. Paper filings and fax filings from attorneys are no longer accepted. Self-represented filers can still submit paper documents at the Clerk's office on the third floor of the Courthouse. This is an important change that affects how new case documents come into the system.

The Hancock County Common Pleas Court handles felony criminal cases, major civil disputes, and domestic relations matters including divorce, dissolution, child custody, and spousal support. Judges Jonathan P. Starn and Phillip A. Riegle preside. The court is at 300 South Main Street, Findlay, Ohio 45840. Phone: 419-424-7008. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m., and Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Note the court closes for lunch and has shorter Friday hours.

The Findlay Municipal Court covers traffic violations, misdemeanors, and small civil claims. Judges Alan D. Hackenberg and Stephanie M. Bishop preside. The court is on the second floor of the City Municipal Building at 318 Dorney Plaza, Room 206, Findlay, OH 45840. Phone: (419) 424-7141. This court has jurisdiction over Findlay and all townships in Hancock County except Washington Township. For records before January 1984, visit the office in person.

Hancock County Sheriff Records

The Hancock County Sheriff's Office Records Division handles incident reports, crash reports, and other law enforcement files. Records are generally available 3 to 5 business days after an event is reported. The office takes requests Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Ohio provides statewide access to various public records systems that serve Findlay and all other Ohio cities.

Call 419-424-7251 before you visit to make sure the record you want is ready. The office is at 200 West Crawford Street, Findlay, OH 45840. Crash reports are now available online for free from the Ohio Department of Public Safety. From the office, accident reports, witness statements, and narratives cost $4.00. Photos on a sheriff's office disc cost $4.00. If you bring your own disc, photos are free.

You can also submit records requests through the NextRequest online system. Email: hancocksheriff@co.hancock.oh.us. Fax: 419-424-7078. The sheriff's office also maintains an online inmate database for the Hancock County Justice Center, which has a capacity of 98 inmates.

Findlay Property Public Records

The Hancock County Recorder keeps all land records for properties in Findlay. The office is at 300 S Main Street, Room 23, Findlay, OH 45840. Phone: 419-424-7091, Fax: 419-423-3017. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Recording of documents ends at 4:00 p.m. daily.

Online property record search covers documents recorded from January 1, 1985 to present. Staff are working to add older records. When searching online, enter names last name first (for example, "Doe John"). Businesses can be searched by their normal name. You can also get copies of deeds or mortgages by visiting the office, calling and providing a name and address, or searching the website yourself.

The Recorder accepts electronic documents for recording, but only for types that do not need to go through the County Auditor's office. Deeds still need to be filed in person or by mail. Payment is by cash or check only. No credit cards.

Vital Records in Findlay

Birth and death records for Findlay are handled by Hancock Public Health at 2225 Keith Parkway, Findlay, Ohio 45840. Records are on file from 1909 to the present. The health department can issue birth certificates for anyone born in Ohio, not just Hancock County. Death certificates cover deaths that occurred within the county, including the city of Findlay. Each certificate costs $30.

Marriage licenses come from the Hancock County Probate/Juvenile Court. The court's records search system lets you look up marriage licenses by applicant name, case type, case number, or filing date. You can see couple information, marriage details, and even view images of issued and returned licenses. For older probate records before May 25, 2021, a separate search link is available. Certified marriage record copies cost $2.00 each.

How to Get Findlay Public Records

Under R.C. 149.43, you can ask for records from any Findlay or Hancock County office by phone, email, mail, or in person. No form is needed. You do not have to give your name or explain why you want the records. Just describe what you need and the office must respond promptly.

Standard copies cost about $0.05 per page. Certified copies cost more depending on the office. If a request is denied, the office must put the reason in writing and cite the specific law. Common exemptions include sealed records, juvenile files, active investigations, and medical documents.

• Clerk of Courts: 419-424-7037
• Sheriff Records: 419-424-7251
• Recorder: 419-424-7091
• Vital Records (Hancock Public Health): 2225 Keith Parkway, Findlay
• Municipal Court: (419) 424-7141

For disputes over denied requests, file a complaint with the Ohio Court of Claims for $25 or call the Attorney General's mediation program at (800) 282-0515.

Nearby Cities

Need public records from other northwest Ohio cities? Check these pages.