The state of Kansas joined the Union in 1861, with an economy initially rooted in agriculture—particularly known for its production of corn, wheat, and grains. Today, Kansas remains a key player in the nation’s agricultural sector while expanding into other industries. Home to over 2.8 million residents, Kansas ranks as the 33rd most populous state and the 15th largest by area, covering more than 82,000 square miles. It is divided into 105 counties and 628 cities, each playing a vital role in local governance.
The Kansas Legislature has the constitutional authority to establish counties, designate county seats, and modify county boundaries. Each county operates its own government, typically electing officials such as commissioners, clerks, district attorneys, treasurers, registers of deeds, and sheriffs.
Cities in Kansas are classified into three categories based on population:
First-Class Cities: Population of 15,000 or more
Second-Class Cities: Fewer than 25,000 residents but eligible for first-class status at 15,000
Third-Class Cities: Population between 2,000 and 5,000
Major cities include Wichita, Overland Park, Kansas City, and Topeka (the state capital).
The Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) ensures government transparency by declaring that “public records shall be open for inspection by any person.” This law provides the public with the right to access government-held information, subject to specific exceptions designed to protect privacy and sensitive data. Requests may be made for any reason, and no one can be denied access based on the purpose of their inquiry.
Agencies at the city, county, and state levels are responsible for:
Public safety
Trial court administration
Tax collection
Document recording
Dissemination of public records
Kansas residents and businesses routinely conduct background checks for employment, security, or personal reasons. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) provides criminal history record checks for the general public. These include summaries of arrests, prosecutions, and court outcomes.
Sample reports and instructions are available online before submitting a request.
The Kansas Department of Revenue offers driver license history checks for employment screening.
The Kansas Judicial Branch maintains a database of civil and criminal court records, including:
Divorces
Judgments
Liens
Trial transcripts and case dispositions
Most records can be retrieved within three business days.
While personal financial information and ongoing investigations are protected under Kansas privacy laws, many public asset records remain accessible:
Real estate and property ownership records can be obtained from the county register of deeds.
The Kansas Secretary of State provides a business entity search database, including LLCs, corporations, and other registered entities.
Access bankruptcy records through Kansas district bankruptcy courts to view case filings, declared assets, and liabilities.
Kansas maintains numerous databases and resources to support more extensive record searches:
Verify professional licenses issued by state boards and associations
Search UCC filings via the Secretary of State
Access sex offender registries and inmate databases from the Department of Corrections
Order birth, death, and marriage certificates through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Explore genealogy records and historical archives for research and family history
Whether you’re conducting a full background investigation or simply need one specific document, PublicRecordCenter offers a comprehensive directory of the most current Kansas public record resources. You'll find:
Easy-to-navigate categories
Free electronic request forms
Do-it-yourself help
Direct links to official agency sites
Clear instructions for each search type
Start your public records search in Kansas with confidence and efficiency using the trusted tools and guidance from PublicRecordCenter.
