OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Ohio Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Ohio. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 88 counties, each with a common pleas court
  • Federal courts: 2 U.S. District Courts (Northern, Southern)
  • Background checks: Ohio BCI — Background Check
  • Records law: Ohio Public Records Act
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through Ohio BCI
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Ohio has 88 counties, each with a Court of Common Pleas. Court records are maintained by each county's clerk of courts. There is no single statewide portal — many counties offer online case search through their clerk's website.

County-level court records include common pleas courts, municipal courts, and county courts.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Ohio are handled by two U.S. District Courts:

  • Northern District — Cleveland, Akron, Toledo, Youngstown
  • Southern District — Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ Supreme Court of Ohio 🏛️ Ohio Courts Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Ohio are created and held by the arresting agency. Contact the agency directly for copies.

For statewide criminal history, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) provides background checks through the WebCheck system.

🔍 Ohio BCI — WebCheck Background Check 📋 Ohio Attorney General Website

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Ohio operates under the Ohio Public Records Act (ORC §149.43). Any person can request government records. Agencies must respond within a reasonable time.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Ohio

Court records are maintained at the county level by each county's clerk of courts. Criminal history is centralized through the Ohio BCI. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in Ohio

Ohio has 88 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Ohio state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Ohio for free?
Ohio does not have a single statewide court search. Visit your county clerk of courts website or the Ohio Courts website for directory information.
Are arrest records public in Ohio?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Ohio Public Records Act. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Ohio?
The Ohio BCI provides background checks through the WebCheck system. Visit the Ohio AG website for details.
What is the Ohio Public Records Act?
It is the state law that gives the public the right to access government records. The Ohio Attorney General oversees compliance through the Sunshine Laws program.
How many court systems does Ohio have?
Ohio has a multi-level court system: mayor's courts, county courts, municipal courts, Courts of Common Pleas (one per county), District Courts of Appeals (12 districts), and the Supreme Court of Ohio.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026