About Adams County
County Seat
Decatur
Established
1835
Named After
President John Quincy
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Most agencies require photo identification and may charge nominal copying fees as permitted under IC 5-14-3-8.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the jail's inmate lookup system or can be requested as part of an arrest record request.
- Processing times vary but most agencies respond within the statutorily required timeframe.
- Indiana law requires law enforcement agencies to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time, typically within seven business days, though complex requests may require additional time.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- The Indiana Judicial Branch provides the Mycase.
- This system provides case summaries, docket entries, and party information at no charge, though certified copies of documents require in-person or mail requests.
- Adams County Clerk charges statutory fees for certified copies (typically $1.00 per page plus $7.00 certification fee) and document filing fees that vary by case type.
- Small claims cases with disputes under $6,000 are heard in either court.
- Marriage license applications are processed through the County Clerk's office with a $18.00 fee and three-day waiting period unless waived.
Property & Public Records
- Adams County provides online access to recorded documents through mix, a subscription-based system accessible via Adams County website at www.adamscounty.
- Recording fees are established by state statute: $26.00 for the first page and $5.00 for each additional page for most documents.
- Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus $7.00 for certification.
- This system is updated regularly and provides full property information at no cost.
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Processing time is typically same-day for walk-in requests during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM).
- The state office charges $28.00 for birth certificates and $25.00 for death certificates, with processing times of approximately 10-15 business days for mail requests.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com with additional service fees.
- The marriage license fee is $18.00, requires both parties to appear with valid photo identification and proof of Social Security numbers, and has a three-day waiting period unless waived.
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- Businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must file a Business Name Registration Certificate with the County Clerk, which costs approximately $30.00 and must be renewed every five years.
- Adams County Chamber of Commerce, accessible at www.adamscc.com, provides resources for new and existing businesses and maintains a business directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Adams County, Indiana?
To search for someone recently arrested in Adams County, Indiana, you can contact the Adams County Jail. The jail is located at 313 S 1st St, Decatur, IN 46733. They provide an inmate lookup service where you can inquire about recent arrests. You can also call the jail directly at (260) 724-7141 for more information on the inmate search process.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Adams County, Indiana?
Mugshots or booking photos in Adams County, Indiana, can be obtained from the Adams County Sheriff's Office. The office is located at 911 W Peacekeepers Way, Decatur, IN 46733. They may provide access to booking photos through their records department. For online access, you can visit their official website or contact them directly at (260) 724-5345 for further assistance.
How do I get a criminal background check in Adams County, Indiana?
To obtain a criminal background check in Adams County, Indiana, you should contact the Indiana State Police, as they handle background checks for the state. You can visit their website to request a Limited Criminal History Search. Local background checks may be available through the Adams County Sheriff's Office, where you can inquire about the specific process and any associated fees.
How can I look up sex offenders in Adams County, Indiana?
To look up sex offenders in Adams County, Indiana, you can use the Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry. This registry is managed by the Indiana Department of Correction and provides information on registered sex offenders throughout the state. You can search the registry online by name, address, or proximity to a specific location to find detailed information about offenders in Adams County.
How do I register to vote in Adams County, Indiana?
You can register to vote in Adams County through the Indiana Voter Portal at www.indianavoters.in.gov (requires Indiana driver's license or state ID), in person at the Adams County Clerk's Office at 112 South Second Street, Room 201 in Decatur, or by mailing a completed Indiana Voter Registration Application. The deadline to register is 29 days before any election. You can also request absentee ballots through the same voter portal or by contacting the County Clerk at (260) 724-5316, with no excuse required for absentee voting in Indiana.
How do I look up property records in Adams County, Indiana?
Property records in Adams County can be searched online for free through the county's Beacon GIS system and property assessment database, accessible via www.adamscounty.in.gov, where you can search by owner name, address, or parcel number to view assessment data, tax information, and sale history. Recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, and liens are maintained by the Adams County Recorder's Office at 313 West Jefferson Street, Suite 102, phone (260) 724-5313, with online document images available through the Mix subscription system. The Assessor's Office at the same address, Suite 201, phone (260) 724-5314, provides property assessment and tax information.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Adams County, Indiana?
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Adams County can be obtained from the Adams County Health Department at 313 West Jefferson Street, Suite 201, Decatur, phone (260) 724-5371, with fees of $12 for the first birth certificate copy and $10 for the first death certificate copy. Walk-in requests are typically processed same-day during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM), and you must provide valid photo ID and demonstrate direct interest. Alternatively, you can order from the Indiana State Department of State Vital Records Office at (317) 233-2700 or online through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com, with processing times of 10-15 business days and fees of $28 for birth certificates and $25 for death certificates plus service fees.
How do I find business license records in Adams County, Indiana?
Fictitious business name (DBA) registrations in Adams County are filed with the Adams County Clerk's Office at 112 South Second Street, Room 201, phone (260) 724-5316, where you can request to view or copy these records. For formal business entities including corporations and LLCs, search the free online Indiana Business Entity Database at www.inbiz.in.gov maintained by the Indiana Secretary of State, which provides information on all registered businesses. Local business operating permits, zoning approvals, and building permits are handled by the Adams County Building and Planning Department at (260) 724-5335, while professional licenses can be verified through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency at www.in.gov/pla.