Indiana, county records

Clay County, Indiana Public Records

Find the right office in Clay County. Court cases, deeds and parcels, sheriff and jail records, vital records and county filings, each linked to the office that keeps them, with addresses and phone numbers.

Start here

Most requested Clay County records

Every card below goes to the government office responsible for that record. Use the category buttons to narrow the list.

Filter by type

Showing 7 official sources

Local record guide

About public records in Clay County

Useful local context without burying the official record links above.

County profile

Clay County at a glance

State
Indiana
County seat
Brazil
Population
26,590
Area
360 sq mi
Founded
1825
Cities and towns
10

Clay County offices and records

Sheriff & Law Enforcement. Clay County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Clay County.

Police Departments. In addition to Clay County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Clay County is provided by municipal police departments, including the Brazil Police Department and the Clay City Police Department.

Law Enforcement & Arrests. Clay County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 506 South Crawford Street in Brazil, Indiana 47834, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Clay County. Arrest records and incident reports in Clay County are considered public records under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code 5-14-3), which requires law enforcement agencies to provide access to most records upon request, though certain investigatory records may be exempt.

Arrest Records. Arrest records in Clay County are maintained by Clay County Sheriff's Office.

Mugshots & Booking Photos. Mugshots in Clay County are taken and retained by Clay County Sheriff's Office during the booking process.

Straight answers

Clay County public-records FAQs

Open only the answer you need.

Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Clay County, Indiana?

Mugshots and booking photos in Clay County, Indiana can be obtained from the Clay County Sheriff's Office. They may provide access to these records through their office or an online portal. It's advisable to contact the Sheriff's Office directly to understand the process and any fees involved.

How do I get a criminal background check in Clay County, Indiana?

To obtain a criminal background check in Clay County, Indiana, you can request it through the Indiana State Police, which handles statewide background checks. Locally, you may also contact the Clay County Sheriff's Office for guidance on obtaining records specific to the county. Ensure you have the necessary identification and any required forms completed for the request.

How can I look up sex offenders in Clay County, Indiana?

You can look up sex offenders in Clay County, Indiana by accessing the Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry. This registry provides detailed information about registered offenders in the area. The registry is maintained by the Indiana Department of Correction and is available online for public access.

How do I register to vote in Clay County, Indiana?

You can register to vote in Clay County through the Indiana Voter Registration Portal at indianavoters.in.gov, in person at the Clay County Clerk's Office at 609 East National Avenue in Brazil (phone 812-448-9001), or at any Indiana BMV location. You must register at least 29 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. The online portal also allows you to check your registration status, find your polling place, and request an absentee ballot for upcoming elections.

How do I look up property records in Clay County, Indiana?

Property records in Clay County can be searched through the Clay County Recorder's Office online portal and the county's GIS mapping system, both accessible via the county website. The Recorder's Office at the courthouse (609 East National Avenue, Brazil, phone 812-448-8760) maintains deeds, mortgages, and liens, while the Assessor's Office (phone 812-448-9006) provides tax assessment information. Most basic property searches including parcel maps, ownership, and assessment data are available free online through the Indiana Gateway portal and county GIS viewer, with certified copies available for statutory fees.

How do I get a birth or death certificate in Clay County, Indiana?

Birth and death certificates for Clay County events can be requested from the Clay County Health Department at 1116 South Meridian Street in Brazil (phone 812-442-1621) or from the Indiana State Department of State Vital Records Office in Indianapolis. The fee is $10 for the first certified copy and $4 for additional copies ordered simultaneously. You must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct interest in the record; in-person requests at the health department are typically processed same-day, while mail requests take two to three weeks. Online ordering is available through VitalChek.com with additional processing fees.

How do I find business license records in Clay County, Indiana?

Business records in Clay County can be found through multiple sources depending on the business type. The Clay County Clerk's Office (phone 812-448-9001) maintains fictitious business name (DBA) registrations searchable during office hours. For formal business entities like LLCs and corporations, use the free Indiana Secretary of State business search portal at inbiz.in.gov, which provides entity status, registered agent, and filing history. Local operating permits and building permits are handled by the Clay County Building Department (phone 812-448-9334) or municipal authorities for businesses within city limits.

Same county

Cities, towns and neighboring counties

Use the city page when a record was created by a municipal police department or city office; use the county page for courts, deeds, vital records and jail custody.