Stark County Public Records Search

Stark County public records are managed by offices in Canton, the county seat. The county runs a Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) that ties together records from four different courts. You can search court cases, look up property records, and request vital records through the appropriate departments. With a population that makes it one of the larger counties in Ohio, Stark County handles a high volume of filings each year. R.C. 149.43 guarantees public access to these records, and the county provides both online tools and in-person access at county offices.

Stark County Court Records Search

The Stark County Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) is an independent website that links four courts into one search tool. The Stark County judicial system includes the Court of Common Pleas and three independent municipal courts, each with its own elected clerk and its own database. CJIS brings them together so you can search across courts from one place.

Public computer terminals are available at the courthouse to search cases filed in the Common Pleas Court or the Domestic Relations Division. You can search by party name or case number. Copies of public records cost $0.05 per page. Copies of divorce decrees are also available through this system. The CJIS tool is a solid starting point for anyone looking into court records in Stark County.

For records not in the CJIS system, you may need to contact individual courts directly.

Stark County Clerk of Courts

The Stark County Clerk of Courts is Lynn M. Todaro. The office is at 115 Central Plaza North, Suite 101, Canton, OH 44702. The Clerk maintains records for the Court of Common Pleas and provides public access to court files. A Public Records Policy is on file and available upon request.

The Clerk's office handles several types of payments and services. Auto Title Fees, Clerk of Courts fees, delinquent tax payments, and dog license fees can all be paid through this office. Unclaimed funds and vendor's licenses are also processed here. For court records specifically, the Clerk is the main custodian and the first place to contact.

Stark County Property Public Records

The Stark County Recorder's Office keeps all real estate documents for the county. Deeds, mortgages, easements, and other property filings are recorded here. Recorder Jamie Walters runs the office on the first floor of the County Office Building. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

All property records are available on the website 24 hours a day at no cost. You can also submit documents electronically through E-Recording. The Recorder's staff will help you search public records if you visit in person. This is the most accessible property records office in the area. Everything is online, and there is no charge to view it from home.

Birth and death records are not at the Recorder's Office. Those go through the Stark County Health Department at 330-493-9904. Marriage licenses are handled by the Probate Court at 330-451-7755. Divorce records sit with the Family Court at 330-451-7993.

Stark County Probate Court Records

The Stark County Probate Court maintains historical records including Will Records from 1811 through the 1980s on microfilm. For genealogy searches and inquiries about older records, the Stark County District Library at 715 Market Ave. North, Canton, Ohio 44702 may be a better resource. Call (330) 452-0665 for help with historical probate records.

Current probate matters like estates, guardianships, adoptions, and name changes go through the Probate Court at the courthouse. Marriage licenses are issued here too. The Probate Court is a separate division from the Common Pleas Court, even though they share the same building.

Stark County Sheriff's Office Records

The Stark County Sheriff's Office is led by Sheriff Eric Weisburn, who took office on January 9, 2025. The Concealed Handgun Licensing Office is at 4500 Atlantic Blvd NE, Canton, OH 44705. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Appointments are recommended to cut down on wait times.

The Sheriff's Office handles arrest records, incident reports, and other law enforcement files. These records are generally public under R.C. 149.43, with exceptions for ongoing investigations and certain protected categories. You can submit tips through the Stark Tips program or the Sheriff's mobile app. The Security Camera Registration Portal lets residents and businesses register cameras with the office to assist with investigations.

How to Get Stark County Records

Ohio law makes it simple to get public records. Under R.C. 149.43, you can ask any Stark County office for records in person, by phone, by email, or by mail. No form is needed. You do not have to give your name or say why you want the file. Just describe what records you need clearly enough for the office to find them.

Copies cost $0.05 per page at the Clerk's Office. Certified copies cost more. If an office denies your request, they must explain why in writing. Sealed records, juvenile files, medical records, and active investigation materials are among the exempt categories. For everything else, the law says it must be provided promptly.

• Court records: CJIS portal or Clerk of Courts
• Property records: Recorder's Office (free online)
• Vital records: Health Department at 330-493-9904
• Marriage licenses: Probate Court at 330-451-7755

Cities in Stark County

Stark County includes the city of Canton, which is both the county seat and the largest city. Court filings and county-level records for Canton residents go through the same Stark County offices listed above.

Nearby Counties

If you need public records from neighboring areas, these counties border Stark County.