About Elkhart County
Population
207,000 residents
County Seat
Goshen
Established
1830
Named After
the Elkhart River
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Most agencies require written requests for detailed reports and may charge copying fees.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the Sheriff's Office online inmate lookup system or by visiting the jail in person.
- Second Street in Goshen, also maintains records of criminal charges and case dispositions that can be requested under public records law.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- gov portal, which offers free public access to case information including dockets, judgments, and party information.
- Certified copies of court documents can be requested from the Clerk of Courts, with fees typically $1 per page plus a certification fee of $1-$2.
- Elkhart County Clerk's Office, reachable, maintains the official court records and accepts requests in person, by mail, or online for certain documents.
- The courts accept credit card payments for filing fees and copies, with exact fee schedules posted at www.elkhartcounty.com.
Property & Public Records
- Copies can be ordered online with credit card payment, typically $1 per page.
- Certified copies require an additional fee of approximately $5 per document.
- Walk-in requests are accepted during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
117 N. Second Street, Room 107, Goshen, IN 46526
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks for mail requests and can be completed same-day for walk-in requests if records are readily available.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at vitalchek.com with additional processing fees.
- Second Street, Goshen, with a license fee of $18 for Indiana residents.
- Divorce decrees and dissolution records are maintained by the Clerk of Courts and require case-specific requests.
608 Oakland Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46516
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- gov) provides free business entity searches, allowing users to look up corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and trademarks registered in Indiana.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Elkhart County, Indiana?
To search for someone recently arrested in Elkhart County, Indiana, you can use the inmate lookup tool provided by the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office. The this county Correctional Complex maintains records of current inmates. You can visit their official website and use the online inmate search feature by entering the individual's name or booking number. For further assistance, you may contact the Correctional Complex directly at their phone number provided on the website.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Elkhart County, Indiana?
Mugshots or booking photos in Elkhart County, Indiana, can be accessed through the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office. They may provide these images upon request or through their online portal, if available. For specific inquiries, you can visit the Sheriff's Office website or contact them directly to understand the procedure for obtaining booking photos.
How do I get a criminal background check in Elkhart County, Indiana?
To obtain a criminal background check in Elkhart County, Indiana, you can contact the Indiana State Police, as they handle statewide background checks. Locally, you may also inquire with the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office for any additional procedures they may offer. The Indiana State Police provides an online service called 'Limited Criminal History Search' which can be accessed through their website for a fee.
How can I look up sex offenders in Elkhart County, Indiana?
You can look up sex offenders in Elkhart County, Indiana, by using the Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the Indiana Department of Correction and provides information on registered offenders across the state. You can search the registry online by entering the offender's name, address, or other identifying details to find information specific to Elkhart County.
How do I register to vote in Elkhart County, Indiana?
To register to vote in Elkhart County, visit indianavoters.in.gov to register online, or submit a paper application to the Elkhart County Clerk's Office, Election Division, at 117 N. Second Street, Goshen, IN 46526, phone (574) 535-6786. Registration must be completed at least 29 days before Election Day. You can also register at any Indiana BMV branch when obtaining or renewing a driver's license. Absentee ballots can be requested online through the state voter portal or by contacting the County Clerk.
How do I look up property records in Elkhart County, Indiana?
Property records in Elkhart County can be searched through the Elkhart County Recorder's Office online at indianadocuments.us (Laredo system) for deeds, mortgages, and liens. For property tax assessments, parcel maps, and sales history, use the free Beacon property search or the county GIS portal at gis.elkhartcounty.in.gov. For in-person assistance or certified copies, visit the Recorder's Office at 117 N. Second Street, Room 107, Goshen, or call (574) 535-6781. Most searches are free; copies cost approximately $1 per page.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Elkhart County, Indiana?
Birth and death certificates for events in Elkhart County can be obtained from the Elkhart County Health Department at 608 Oakland Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46516, phone (574) 523-2107. The cost is $12 for the first certified copy and $4 for each additional copy. You must provide valid photo ID and proof of relationship or legal interest. For statewide records or online ordering, contact the Indiana State Department of Health Vital Records at (317) 233-2700 or order through vitalchek.com with additional fees.
How do I find business license records in Elkhart County, Indiana?
To find business records in Elkhart County, check the Elkhart County Clerk's Office at (574) 535-6750 for local DBA (Doing Business As) and assumed name registrations. For corporations and LLCs, search the Indiana Secretary of State's free database at inbiz.in.gov. Local operating licenses and permits may be maintained by individual city governments (Elkhart, Goshen, etc.) or the County Planning & Development Office at (574) 535-6560 for building and zoning permits.