About Adams County
County Seat
West Union
Established
1797
Named After
President John Adams
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Mugshot and booking information are considered public records under Ohio Revised Code Section 149.43, the state's public records law, and can be requested in person or in writing from the Sheriff's Office.
- The Peebles Police Department provides law enforcement services for the village of Peebles in the northern part of Adams County.
- Booking photos and arrest logs are typically available within a few days of an arrest and can be accessed by visiting the Sheriff's Office in person or submitting a written request.
110 West Main Street, West Union, OH 45693
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond and bail process follows Ohio state guidelines, allowing for the posting of bail to secure an inmate's release pending trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- To search court records, visitors can access the Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, or request records by mail with appropriate fees.
110 West Main Street, West Union, OH 45693
Property & Public Records
- For certified copies of recorded documents, the Recorder charges $2.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page, with an additional $2.00 certification fee.
- Mortgage and lien releases must be recorded to clear title, and the Recorder's Office provides same-day recording services for documents presented before 3:00 PM on business days.
110 West Main Street, West Union, OH 45693
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Death certificates are also available through Adams County Health Department for deaths occurring in Adams County, at the same fee structure and with similar identification requirements.
- The marriage license fee is $55.00, and there is no waiting period in Ohio, with licenses valid for 60 days from issuance.
- Certified copies of marriage records cost $2.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page through the Probate Court.
- Divorce decrees and dissolution records are maintained by Adams County Clerk of Courts and can be obtained for $2.00 per page plus $2.00 certification fee.
- Online ordering for vital records is available through the Ohio Department of Health's VitalChek service, though fees are higher and processing times may be longer than in-person requests at Adams County level.
102 North Wilson Drive, West Union, OH 45693
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- Sales tax permits and vendor's licenses are obtained through the Ohio Department of Taxation, not at Adams County level, though businesses must register for tax purposes when establishing operations in Adams County.
- Permit fees vary based on project scope and valuation, with residential building permits typically starting at $50.00 for minor renovations.
- Adams County Chamber of Commerce, while not a government agency, provides business resources and networking opportunities; information can be found through local business associations in West Union and Manchester.
- Agricultural businesses may need to register with Adams County Soil and Water Conservation District for certain land use activities, and food service establishments require permits from Adams County Health Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Adams County, Ohio?
To search for someone recently arrested in Adams County, Ohio, you can contact the Adams County Jail. The jail provides an inmate lookup service where you can inquire about current detainees. You can visit the jail in person at 110 W Main St, West Union, OH 45693, or call them at (937) 544-6310 for more information on recent arrests and inmate status.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Adams County, Ohio?
Mugshots and booking photos in Adams County, Ohio, are typically managed by the Adams County Sheriff's Office. You can contact the Sheriff's Office directly at 110 W Main St, West Union, OH 45693, or call (937) 544-2314. They may provide access to booking photos through their office or an online portal if available.
How do I get a criminal background check in Adams County, Ohio?
To obtain a criminal background check in Adams County, Ohio, you can request one through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Locally, you can visit the Adams County Sheriff's Office for fingerprinting services required for the BCI background check. The Sheriff's Office can guide you through the process and provide the necessary forms and instructions.
How can I look up sex offenders in Adams County, Ohio?
You can look up sex offenders in Adams County, Ohio, by accessing the Ohio Sex Offender Registry. The registry is maintained by the Ohio Attorney General's Office and provides an online searchable database. You can visit the website at www.icrimewatch.net to search for registered sex offenders in your area by name, address, or proximity to specific locations.
How do I register to vote in Adams County, Ohio?
You can register to vote in Adams County through the Adams County Board of Elections at 215 North Cross Street, West Union, or online at olvr.ohiosos.gov. Ohio requires registration at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. Once registered, you can request an absentee ballot through a written application to the Board of Elections, and early in-person voting is available beginning approximately four weeks before Election Day at the Board of Elections office.
How do I look up property records in Adams County, Ohio?
Property records in Adams County can be searched through the Adams County Auditor's Office online at adamscountyohio.com, where you can find tax assessments, ownership information, and payment history free of charge. For recorded deeds, mortgages, and liens, contact the Recorder's Office at (937) 544-2364 or visit 110 West Main Street in West Union. The county also offers a GIS parcel viewer online showing property boundaries, zoning, and aerial imagery, while certified copies of recorded documents cost $2.00 for the first page plus $0.25 for each additional page.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Adams County, Ohio?
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Adams County are available through the Adams County Health Department at 102 North Wilson Drive, West Union, phone (937) 544-5547. Certified copies cost $25.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for additional copies ordered simultaneously, with processing taking 3-5 business days for in-person requests. You can also order through the Ohio Department of Health's online VitalChek service at odh.ohio.gov, though fees are higher and processing may take longer. Valid photo ID and proof of relationship to the person named on the certificate are required.
How do I find business license records in Adams County, Ohio?
Business name registrations and DBA filings in Adams County are maintained by the Adams County Clerk of Courts at 110 West Main Street, West Union. For formal business entity searches including corporations and LLCs, use the Ohio Secretary of State's free online database at businesssearch.ohiosos.gov, which provides information on registered businesses statewide. Local business permits and zoning compliance information can be obtained from the Adams County Building Department at (937) 544-2364, while professional licenses are issued by state boards accessible through com.ohio.gov.