Indiana, admitted to the Union in 1816, has evolved from a manufacturing- and farming-based economy to one increasingly driven by the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Spanning approximately 36,000 square miles, Indiana ranks as the 38th largest state by area and is the 15th most populous, with a population of around 6.4 million.
The state is divided into 92 counties, each functioning as an extension of the state government. These counties are home to hundreds of local municipalities. County governments include elected officials such as sheriffs, assessors, treasurers, and other departmental administrators serving residents at the local level. City governments typically consist of a seven-member council, along with an elected clerk and treasurer. Notably, Indianapolis is Indiana’s only consolidated city-county government and the largest of its kind in the United States.
Indiana has taken meaningful steps toward government transparency. The Indiana Open Door Law, enacted in 1977, and the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), passed in 1983, guarantee the public’s right to access government meetings and records. These laws mandate that state and local agencies provide access to public records—regardless of format—upon request. While amendments have been made to protect confidential or sensitive information, the core principle remains open access for all.
Public records are frequently requested by journalists, advocacy groups, watchdog organizations, and private citizens for purposes ranging from oversight of government spending to personal or legal needs. Agencies across all levels—city, county, and state—are required to provide requested information or certified copies without the need for the requester to provide a reason.
Indiana residents and businesses often conduct background checks for purposes such as employment screening, caregiver vetting, or personal safety. The Indiana State Police offers a Limited Criminal History Search, which includes convictions and Class A misdemeanor arrests. Detailed instructions and access to resources are available through their official site.
For a more comprehensive background investigation, public court records can be searched to uncover information such as divorces, lawsuits, criminal charges, and judgments. Access to the Northern and Southern District Bankruptcy Courts in Indiana allows users to search bankruptcy filings and financial disclosures via the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system. Additionally, the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles provides access to personal driving records, which can also be certified for employment verification.
Public records in Indiana can help identify asset ownership, including real estate, business entities, and vehicles. While personal financial data such as bank accounts or investment holdings remain confidential under Indiana law, many other assets are accessible through government channels.
County Clerks provide information on property deeds, UCC filings, and liens.
The Indiana Secretary of State offers searchable databases for business registrations, where you can verify business entities, download official documents, or obtain certificates of existence.
To obtain birth, death, or marriage certificates, records can be requested from the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) or your local health department. For individuals beginning a search or expanding ongoing research, PublicRecordCenter offers a comprehensive, categorized directory of Indiana agencies. This resource provides direct links and clear descriptions to help navigate the state’s records systems efficiently.
Whether you're conducting a background check, seeking vital records, or performing an asset search, PublicRecordCenter connects you to the most reliable and up-to-date sources to streamline your search.
