Cushing Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Cushing, Oklahoma government websites.

  About Cushing City Government
Annual Budget $5.5 million
Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The governing body of Cushing, Oklahoma, is the Cushing City Council, which consists of five elected members. Each council member is elected at-large for a term of four years. The current council members include Mayor John A. Acker, Vice Mayor D. Keith McCarty, and council members Kelli M. Smith, John A. McGowan, and John E. "Jack" Smith.

For the fiscal year 2023, the approximate annual operating budget for the City of Cushing is $5.5 million. This budget supports various city services, including public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community development initiatives.

The Cushing City Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Mondays of each month at 6:00 PM. These meetings take place at the Cushing City Hall, located at 100 East Broadway, Cushing, OK 74023. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding local governance and community issues.

  About Cushing, Oklahoma

Nestled in the picturesque heart of Oklahoma, a community of approximately 7,800 residents thrives in Cushing, a city renowned for its rich oil heritage and deep-rooted values. Founded in the late 19th century, Cushing has evolved from its humble beginnings into a vibrant hub for commerce and culture. The city is strategically located within Payne County, just a short drive from Stillwater and Oklahoma State University, which adds to its economic vitality. Cushing's landscape is marked by a blend of charming neighborhoods, including the historic district, where well-preserved homes echo the city’s past, and newer developments that meet the demands of a growing population. The local economy is primarily driven by the energy sector, particularly oil and gas, along with agriculture and small businesses that contribute to the city’s dynamic commercial landscape. Cushing's unique identity is further defined by its friendly community atmosphere, which emphasizes family values and an active lifestyle, with parks and recreational activities that foster community engagement.

The city's law enforcement is primarily served by the Cushing Police Department, which is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents. Additionally, the Payne County Sheriff's Office plays a vital role in maintaining law and order within the county, offering support and resources to the local police. For those looking to obtain criminal records, the process begins at the Cushing Police Department, where individuals can request arrest records, mugshots, and booking information. It is recommended to visit the police department in person or contact them directly for guidance on specific requests. For further inquiries, the Payne County Sheriff’s Office also provides resources that aid in the retrieval of such records. For more comprehensive criminal histories, residents can access the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) for statewide records. The OSBI offers an online portal where individuals may conduct background checks, though fees may apply. Overall, the combination of local police and county resources ensures that residents have adequate access to important public safety information.

Cushing is served by the Payne County District Court, which handles a range of civil, criminal, and family law matters. For residents seeking court records, requests can be made through the court’s official online portal, where many documents are available for direct access. Alternatively, individuals can visit the court clerk's office in person to obtain physical copies of records, a process that often requires providing specific case details. Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, are managed by the Payne County Clerk-Recorder’s office, which can be accessed both online and in person. The Oklahoma State Department of Health also maintains vital records and can be contacted for additional support. For property records, the Payne County Assessor’s and Recorder’s offices serve as essential resources, with online databases that facilitate easier searches for property-related information. Finally, under the Oklahoma Open Records Act, residents can request a variety of public records from state and local agencies, with a typical response time ranging from five to ten business days. This commitment to transparency ensures that Cushing remains a community characterized by open governance and civic involvement.

About Cushing

Cushing is a city in Payne County, Oklahoma, with a population of approximately 7,800 residents. Located about 55 miles northeast of Oklahoma City and 50 miles west of Tulsa, Cushing sits at the crossroads of U.S. Highway 33 and State Highway 18. Founded in 1891 following the Land Run, Cushing quickly grew as an oil boom town and became known as the "Pipeline Crossroads of the World." The city houses the Cushing Oil Storage and Transfer Hub, one of the largest crude oil storage facilities in the world and the pricing point for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures.
Major employers include oil and gas companies, Cimarex Energy, the Cushing Public Schools system, and various pipeline and storage operators. The city's economy remains deeply tied to the petroleum industry, with massive tank farms dominating the landscape. Public records for Cushing residents are maintained by both municipal and county agencies. The Cushing City Hall at 215 N. Steele Avenue handles city-level records including municipal court cases, business licenses, city ordinances, and planning documents. The Cushing Police Department at 100 Judy Adams Boulevard maintains law enforcement records and incident reports. For county-level records, residents access services through Payne County offices in Stillwater, the county seat located about 18 miles northeast of Cushing. The Payne County Courthouse at 606 S. Husband Street in Stillwater houses the District Court, County Clerk (vital records and marriage licenses), and County Assessor (property records). Oklahoma's Open Records Act (51 O.S. § 24A.1 et seq.) governs public access to most governmental records, with certain exceptions for sensitive law enforcement investigations and confidential personal information.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Payne County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Payne County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Stillwater Police Department is the largest city department, responsible for law enforcement within the city limits of Stillwater. Other city departments include the Cushing Police Department, Perkins Police Department, and Yale Police Department. Each department operates within its respective jurisdiction, handling local crime prevention, investigation, and community policing efforts.
These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, ensuring a coordinated response across the county. The sheriff's office often assists municipal departments with resources and expertise, particularly in complex investigations.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Payne County Jail, located in Stillwater, is the primary detention facility for the county. It handles the booking and housing of individuals arrested within Payne County. The booking process involves photographing, fingerprinting, and documenting the personal information of detainees. Inmate information, including current custody status, can be accessed through the Payne County Sheriff's Office website. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to security protocols.

Court Records

Cushing operates a Municipal Court located at Cushing City Hall, 215 N. Steele Avenue, Cushing, OK 74023 (phone: 918-225-3306), which handles city ordinance violations, traffic citations issued within city limits, and misdemeanor offenses. Court sessions are typically held on designated weekday evenings. For serious criminal matters and civil cases, Cushing residents appear before the Payne County District Court at the Payne County Courthouse, 606 S. Husband Street, Stillwater, OK 74074 (phone: 405-747-8320).
The District Court has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, divorce and family law matters, probate and estate cases, civil lawsuits exceeding small claims limits, protective orders, and juvenile matters. Small claims cases up to $10,000 are handled in the Small Claims division of District Court. Oklahoma offers statewide online access to court records through the Oklahoma District Court Records system (ODCR) at www.oscn.net, which provides free searching by name or case number for most District Court filings, dockets, judgments, and orders. The system includes both civil and criminal case information dating back many years, though very recent filings may take several days to appear online. For certified copies of court records, the Payne County Court Clerk charges $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee. Exemplified copies with the court seal cost an additional fee. Passports services are also available through the Court Clerk's office. Case filings require payment of filing fees that vary by case type: civil cases typically range from $58 to $272 depending on the amount in controversy, while criminal case fees are set by statute.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Payne County encompasses a range of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. The Payne County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Oklahoma Open Records Act. Residents can request background checks through the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports. These reports include arrest records, convictions, and other relevant information.
The sex offender registry is managed by the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, providing information on registered offenders residing in Payne County. The criminal records ecosystem ensures transparency and public safety by maintaining accurate and accessible records.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Payne County are maintained by the Payne County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records detail the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including the date, location, charges, and arresting agency. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the relevant law enforcement agency directly. The Oklahoma Open Records Act governs the accessibility of these records, ensuring public access while protecting sensitive information.

Public Records Access

Property and land records for Cushing are maintained by Payne County offices in Stillwater. The Payne County Assessor's Office, located at 315 W. 6th Avenue, Suite 102, Stillwater, OK 74074 (phone: 405-747-8370, website: paynecounty.org/assessor), maintains all property assessment records, parcel maps, and ownership information for properties within Cushing city limits and throughout the county.
The Assessor's website offers a free online property search tool where users can search by owner name, property address, or parcel number to view assessment values, property characteristics, legal descriptions, and tax information. The online system displays current and historical assessed values, exemptions, and parcel maps. For recorded land documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, oil and gas leases, and other instruments affecting real property titles, the Payne County Clerk's Office serves as the Register of Deeds at 606 S. Husband Street, Room 103, Stillwater, OK 74074 (phone: 405-747-8310). The County Clerk records and indexes all real estate documents, UCC financing statements, federal tax liens, and military discharges. Payne County provides free online access to recorded documents through a document search portal on the County Clerk's website, allowing users to search by name, date range, document type, or book and page reference. Images of recorded instruments can be viewed and printed at no charge. For certified copies of recorded documents, the County Clerk charges $1.00 per page plus a $1.00 certification fee. The Payne County GIS system at gis.paynecounty.org offers an interactive parcel viewer with aerial photography, property boundaries, ownership data, and zoning information, providing a visual complement to the Assessor's database.

Economy & Demographics

Cushing's economy is dominated by the petroleum industry, particularly crude oil storage and pipeline operations. The Cushing Tank Farm, established in the early 1900s during Oklahoma's oil boom, has evolved into the largest oil storage hub in North America with capacity exceeding 90 million barrels across hundreds of storage tanks operated by companies including Enbridge, Plains All American Pipeline, Magellan Midstream Partners, and SemGroup.
As the designated delivery point for NYMEX West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures contracts, Cushing plays a critical role in global oil pricing and trading. This concentration of energy infrastructure supports hundreds of jobs in pipeline operations, tank maintenance, logistics, and related services. Beyond petroleum, major employers include Cushing Public Schools (the largest public sector employer), Cushing Regional Hospital (a 99-bed acute care facility), Walmart, and various retail and service businesses along Main Street. The median household income in Cushing is approximately $44,000, below both Payne County and state averages, reflecting the working-class character of this industrial city. Recent economic development has focused on diversifying beyond oil and gas, though the city's fortunes remain closely tied to commodity prices and pipeline throughput. Cushing's economy operates somewhat independently from the rest of Payne County, which is dominated by Oklahoma State University in Stillwater. While Stillwater has a college-town economy with higher education, research, and professional services, Cushing maintains its blue-collar, energy-focused economic base. The city has experienced population stability rather than growth in recent decades, with boom-and-bust cycles following oil market fluctuations.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

The Cushing Police Department, located at 100 Judy Adams Boulevard, Cushing, OK 74023 (phone: 918-225-1212), serves as the primary law enforcement agency within city limits. The department provides police reports and incident records to the public upon request. Citizens can visit the police department in person during business hours to request copies of accident reports, incident reports, and non-confidential investigative records. While the Cushing PD does not currently offer an online records portal, requests can be made by phone or in person. The Payne County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 221 S. Husband Street, Stillwater, OK 74074 (phone: 405-372-4121, website: paynecounty.org/sheriff), maintains jurisdiction over unincorporated areas of Payne County and provides countywide services including civil process, courthouse security, and detention operations. The Payne County Jail operates an online inmate roster accessible through the Sheriff's Office website, displaying current bookings with information including mugshots, full names, booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates. Arrest records and jail booking logs are public records under Oklahoma's Open Records Act, Title 51 O.S. § 24A.1-24A.30. To request copies of arrest reports, booking records, or incident reports under this statute, citizens must submit a written request identifying the specific records sought. Agencies may charge reasonable copying fees not to exceed 25 cents per page for standard paper copies. Law enforcement agencies may withhold certain records if disclosure would interfere with ongoing investigations, endanger confidential informants, or violate privacy rights of victims, but most arrest and booking information is publicly accessible within 24-48 hours of occurrence.

Vital Records

Birth and death certificates for Cushing residents are issued by the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Vital Records Service, 123 Robert S. Kerr Avenue, Suite 1002, Oklahoma City, OK 73102 (phone: 405-271-4040, website: oklahoma.gov/health/birth-and-death-certificates.html). Birth certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $10.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously; death certificates cost $15.00 each. Certified copies can be ordered online through VitalChek (additional service fees apply), by mail with a completed application form, or in person at the State Health Department.
Oklahoma birth records are available from October 1908 forward, though some earlier records exist. Only eligible persons may request vital records: the registrant (if of legal age), parents, legal guardians, children, grandchildren, siblings, or legal representatives with proper authorization. Valid photo identification is required for all requests. Processing time is typically 6-8 weeks for mail requests and 2-3 weeks for online orders; same-day service is available for in-person requests at the Oklahoma City office. Marriage licenses for Cushing residents are issued by the Payne County Court Clerk at the Payne County Courthouse, 606 S. Husband Street, Stillwater, OK 74074 (phone: 405-747-8310). The marriage license fee is $50.00 if couples complete premarital counseling, or $75.00 without counseling. Licenses are valid for 10 days after issuance and ceremony must occur within Oklahoma. Marriage records are public and searchable at the County Clerk's office dating back to county formation. Divorce records are maintained as court records through the Payne County District Court and are accessible through the court records system at www.oscn.net, showing case parties, filing dates, and decree information, though detailed settlement terms may be sealed by court order.

Business & Licensing Records

The City of Cushing requires businesses operating within city limits to obtain a municipal business license through Cushing City Hall, 215 N. Steele Avenue, Cushing, OK 74023 (phone: 918-225-3306). License fees vary based on business type and gross receipts, with annual renewal required. Applications are processed through the City Clerk's office and typically require proof of Oklahoma Sales Tax Permit and liability insurance for certain business types. The city maintains a registry of licensed businesses available for public inspection at City Hall.
For fictitious business names (DBAs - "Doing Business As"), sole proprietors and partnerships must file with the Payne County Clerk at 606 S. Husband Street, Room 103, Stillwater, OK 74074 (phone: 405-747-8310). DBA registration costs $25.00 and is valid until the business closes or ownership changes. The County Clerk maintains an alphabetical index of trade names searchable by the public. Corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other formal business entities must register with the Oklahoma Secretary of State, Business Filing Department (website: sos.ok.gov/business). The Secretary of State website offers a free business entity search tool where users can look up registered corporations and LLCs by business name, filing number, or registered agent, viewing entity status, formation date, registered office address, and officers or members of record. UCC financing statements (liens on personal property and business assets) are filed with and searchable through the Oklahoma County Clerk where the debtor is located; for Cushing businesses, this is the Payne County Clerk. Commercial property owners can search property tax assessments through the Payne County Assessor's online database at paynecounty.org/assessor, which includes commercial parcels with improvement values, land values, and effective tax rates based on millage levies.

Elections & Voter Records

Cushing voters are served by the Payne County Election Board, located at 315 W. 6th Avenue, Stillwater, OK 74074 (phone: 405-747-8390, website: elections.paynecounty.org). Oklahoma residents can register to vote online through the Oklahoma Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp, which requires an Oklahoma driver license or state-issued ID. Voter registration must be completed at least 24 days before any election to be eligible to vote in that election. New residents can register upon establishing residency in Oklahoma. Cushing conducts municipal elections for mayor and city council seats, typically held in April of odd-numbered years. The City of Cushing operates under a council-manager government with a mayor and four ward council members serving staggered terms. The next municipal elections in 2025 and 2027 will determine city leadership, with candidate filing periods opening approximately 90 days before election day. Information about Cushing municipal candidates and local ballot measures is available through the Payne County Election Board and Cushing City Hall. Cushing residents can locate their assigned polling place by visiting the Oklahoma Voter Portal at oklahoma.gov/elections/ovp and entering their address, or by calling the Payne County Election Board. Polling places are typically schools, community centers, or public buildings within each precinct. Under Oklahoma law (26 O.S. § 14-101 et seq.), certain election records are public including voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted), campaign contribution and expenditure reports filed with the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, candidate declarations of candidacy, precinct-level election results, and ballot question language. The Payne County Election Board website publishes unofficial election results by precinct on election night, with certified results posted after the county canvass. In the November 2024 general election, Payne County reported approximately 62% voter turnout among registered voters, with presidential, congressional, and state legislative races on the ballot. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, Cushing and Payne County voters will decide several major races: all Oklahoma U.S. House seats (Cushing is in Oklahoma's 3rd Congressional District), statewide offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, State Treasurer, and other constitutional offices, all 101 Oklahoma State House seats, approximately half of Oklahoma State Senate seats, and various Payne County offices including County Commissioner districts, County Assessor, County Clerk, County Sheriff, County Treasurer, and District Court judges. Any Cushing municipal special elections would appear on the same ballot if scheduled for that date. Oklahoma voters may request absentee ballots by submitting an Absentee Ballot Application to the Payne County Election Board no later than 5:00 PM the Wednesday before election day. Absentee voting is available for any reason in Oklahoma, and applications are available on the Election Board website. Voters can also vote early in person at the Payne County Election Board office beginning the Thursday before election day and continuing through the Saturday before election day.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Free Online Statewide Portal (OSCN) | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ✅ Online Ordering Available | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 9.2/10 — Payne County and Oklahoma provide exceptional public records access with free online searching for court records, property documents, inmate rosters, and business entities, plus online voter registration and vital records ordering, making most records accessible without visiting government offices

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Cushing, Payne County, Oklahoma to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in Cushing, Oklahoma, you will be transported to the Payne County Detention Center for booking and processing. During booking, officers record personal information, take fingerprints, and photograph the arrestee. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment, or released on bail. The Payne County Inmate Search portal allows online lookup of current inmates. Contact the Payne County Clerk of Courts for case information.
The Cushing area is served by public school districts in Payne County, Oklahoma. School performance data, enrollment statistics, and district boundaries are available through the Oklahoma Department of Education website. School report cards, test scores, and demographic data are published annually for all public schools.
Crime statistics for Cushing, Oklahoma are reported annually to the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting program. Local crime data including incident reports, arrest statistics, and calls for service are typically published by the Cushing Police Department on their official website. The Oklahoma Attorney General also publishes annual crime statistics by jurisdiction.
The Cushing Public Library provides residents with access to public records research tools. Library cardholders can access online genealogy databases, historical newspaper archives, and Oklahoma government document repositories. Reference librarians can assist with records requests, ancestry searches, and government document navigation.
The Cushing Public Library main branch is located in Cushing, Oklahoma. Check the Cushing city website or library system portal for branch addresses, hours of operation, and available services.
Fingerprinting services in Cushing, Oklahoma are available through the Cushing Police Department and authorized IdentoGO or Fieldprint enrollment centers. Fingerprinting is required for employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, real estate), concealed carry permits, and adoption applications. Contact the Payne County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement for walk-in fingerprinting options.
To obtain vital records in Cushing, Oklahoma, contact the Oklahoma Vital Statistics Unit. Birth and death certificates can be ordered online, by mail, or in person. Marriage licenses are issued by the Payne County Clerk's office. Certified copies require valid government-issued photo ID and a processing fee. Online ordering is available through VitalCheck or the state health department portal.
Police reports from Cushing, Oklahoma can be obtained from the Cushing Police Department or the Payne County Sheriff's Office. Submit a request in person, by mail, or online with the incident report number, date, and your identification. Under the Oklahoma Open Records Act, most incident reports are public records. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days. Traffic accident reports may also be available through the Oklahoma DMV.
A background check in Cushing, Payne County, Oklahoma typically includes a review of criminal history records, arrest records, court judgments, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently request background checks. You can request a Oklahoma criminal history report through the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. Federal background checks are available through the FBI Identity History Summary program.
  Nearby Cities in Payne County, Oklahoma

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Glencoe Perkins Ripley Stillwater Yale