About Daviess County
Daviess County is located in southwestern Indiana, established in 1817 and named after Colonel Joseph Hamilton Daveiss, a prominent Kentucky lawyer and military officer killed in the Battle of Tippecanoe. The county seat is Washington, Indiana, which serves as the governmental and economic hub of the region. Daviess County encompasses approximately 432 square miles and had a population of approximately 33,300 residents as of the 2020 Census.
The county is characterized by rolling hills, fertile agricultural land, and significant limestone deposits that have historically supported quarrying operations. Major landmarks include the historic Washington Courthouse Square, the Daviess County Historical Society Museum, and numerous Amish communities that contribute to the county's distinctive cultural character. The county is home to several key governmental offices that maintain public records: the Daviess County Recorder's Office at 200 E.
Walnut Street, Washington, IN 47501, which handles property records and land documents; the Daviess County Clerk's Office at the same courthouse location, managing court records and vital statistics; and the Daviess County Assessor's Office, responsible for property tax assessments. The county's economy has traditionally relied on agriculture, particularly grain farming and livestock, alongside industrial manufacturing and the thriving presence of Old Order Amish craftsmen producing furniture and goods. What makes Daviess County particularly unique is its substantial Amish population, one of the largest concentrations in Indiana, which shapes the local economy, culture, and landscape with distinctive farms, businesses, and horse-and-buggy traffic alongside modern vehicles on county roads.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Daviess County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the county's unincorporated areas. This office oversees the Daviess County Security Center, where it manages the county jail operations, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The sheriff's office is also involved in community policing initiatives and offers programs such as neighborhood watch and crime prevention education. The office works closely with local police departments to ensure public safety across the county.
Police Departments
In addition to the Daviess County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is provided by municipal police departments, including the Washington Police Department and the Odon Police Department. These agencies are responsible for policing within their respective city limits, handling local crime, and traffic enforcement. They coordinate with the sheriff's office on major investigations and emergencies to ensure comprehensive law enforcement coverage throughout the county.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Daviess County, Indiana is primarily provided by the Daviess County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 901 N. Main Street, Washington, IN 47501, phone (812) 254-1060. The Sheriff's Office operates the Daviess County Security Center (jail facility) at the same location, housing both male and female inmates.
- Citizens can request arrest records by submitting a written or in-person request to the Sheriff's Office or Washington Police Department; fees for copying may apply.
- Requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Processing times for arrest record requests typically range from immediate for recent bookings to several days for archived records, depending on the complexity of the request and staff availability.
Inmate lookup services are available by calling the jail directly at (812) 254-1060 or visiting the facility during business hours; some information may be accessible through third-party inmate search databases, though the county does not currently maintain a comprehensive online inmate roster. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the Washington Police Department, serving the county seat, located at 407 E. Main Street, Washington, IN 47501.
Arrest records in Daviess County are considered public records under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code 5-14-3), which establishes that law enforcement agencies must provide access to arrest logs, booking information, and incident reports upon request, though certain investigatory records may be exempted. Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the Sheriff's Office, as they are considered part of the public booking record, though policies on dissemination may vary. The county does not have tribal police jurisdiction, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands within Daviess County.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Daviess County include felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. These records are maintained by the Daviess County Sheriff's Office and the local courts. Residents can request background checks through the Indiana State Police, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Indiana Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for accessing criminal records and conducting background checks.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Daviess County are maintained by the Daviess County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the sheriff's office, adhering to the guidelines set forth by the Indiana Access to Public Records Act. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking details.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Daviess County Security Center is the primary detention facility in the county. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, where they are fingerprinted and photographed. Inmate information can be accessed through the sheriff's office, which provides details on visitation rules and schedules. The bond and bail process in Indiana allows arrested individuals to post bail for release, pending court appearances. Information on recently arrested individuals can be found by contacting the jail directly.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Daviess County are taken and retained by the Daviess County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's office or online databases. Indiana does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of records.
Courts & Case Records
The Daviess County court system operates under the Indiana judicial framework with the Daviess Circuit Court and Daviess Superior Court serving as the primary trial courts of general jurisdiction. Both courts are located at the Daviess County Courthouse, 200 E. Walnut Street, Washington, IN 47501. The Daviess Circuit Court handles a full range of civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile matters, while the Daviess Superior Court provides concurrent jurisdiction over similar case types. Court contact information includes phone (812) 254-8664 for general inquiries.
- Indiana maintains the Mycase online portal (mycase.in.gov), a statewide system that provides free public access to court records, case filings, judgments, and docket information for Daviess County cases.
- The Clerk of Courts maintains official case files and can provide certified copies for a fee, typically $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
- In-person requests can be made at the Clerk's Office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Researchers seeking historical or archived records may need to submit requests in advance, and fees for extensive research may apply.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Daviess County, Indiana are maintained by the Daviess County Recorder's Office, located at 200 E. Walnut Street, Washington, IN 47501, phone (812) 254-8675. The Recorder's Office is responsible for recording and preserving all documents affecting real property within the county, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage releases, liens (mechanics liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, rights-of-way, and plat maps for subdivisions.
- Search fees and document printing fees apply for online access, typically structured as subscription-based or per-document charges.
- For certified copies of recorded documents, requesters must contact the Recorder's Office directly; fees are $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee.
Indiana law (IC 36-2-11) requires these records to be indexed and made available for public inspection. The county provides online access to recorded documents through a third-party vendor, with images of documents typically available from the mid-1990s forward; older records may require in-person research at the Recorder's Office. Property tax records and assessment information are maintained separately by the Daviess County Assessor's Office at 200 E.
Walnut Street, Suite 202, Washington, IN 47501, phone (812) 254-8676, and the Daviess County Treasurer's Office for tax payment records. The county offers a free online GIS mapping and property search tool through Beacon (daviess.in.publicaccessnow.com or similar platform), allowing users to search by owner name, parcel number, or address to view property characteristics, assessed values, tax amounts, and aerial imagery. This system is valuable for researching property boundaries, ownership history, and current tax status without visiting the courthouse.
Vital Records
Vital records for Daviess County, Indiana, including birth and death certificates, are maintained at both the local and state levels. For birth certificates, individuals born in Daviess County can request certified copies from the Daviess County Health Department, located at 1316 W. Main Street, Washington, IN 47501, phone (812) 254-8763. Birth certificates are available for births occurring within the county; the fee is typically $12.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Processing time for in-person requests is often same-day if records are readily available, while mail requests may take 1-2 weeks.
- Death certificates can also be obtained through the Daviess County Health Department using the same process and fee structure.
- Both parties must appear in person to apply, and the fee is approximately $18.00; there is no waiting period in Indiana.
- Certified copies of marriage records are also available from the Clerk's Office for $2.00.
- Divorce records (dissolution of marriage decrees) are maintained as court records by the Clerk and can be accessed through the court records system.
Requesters must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Indiana Code 16-37-1, which restricts access to immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a documented legal interest. Marriage licenses are issued by the Daviess County Clerk's Office at the Daviess County Courthouse, 200 E. Walnut Street, Washington, IN 47501, phone (812) 254-8664.
For vital records older than the county's retention period or for expedited service, the Indiana State Department of Health Vital Records Office in Indianapolis provides statewide access; online ordering is available through VitalChek with additional processing fees, phone (317) 233-7523.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Daviess County, Indiana are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of registration or permit. Local business name registrations, including Doing Business As (DBA) filings and fictitious business names, are filed with the Daviess County Clerk's Office at 200 E. Walnut Street, Washington, IN 47501, phone (812) 254-8664. These local filings are public records and can be inspected during regular business hours; fees for filing typically range from $15-$30.
For formal business entity registrations—corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other entities—businesses must register with the Indiana Secretary of State's Business Services Division. The Secretary of State maintains INBiz (inbiz.in.gov), a free online portal where anyone can search for registered business entities, view formation documents, registered agent information, annual report status, and business status (active, dissolved, etc.). Professional licenses, including those for healthcare providers, contractors, cosmetologists, and other regulated professions, are issued by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency and can be searched online at in.gov/pla.
Sales tax permits and employer tax registrations are handled by the Indiana Department of Revenue, not at the county level. For local business licensing, zoning permits, and building permits, applicants should contact the Daviess County Building Department and Plan Commission, located at 200 E. Walnut Street, Washington, IN 47501.
Building permits are required for new construction, additions, and significant renovations; permit records including inspections and certificates of occupancy are public and maintained by the Building Department. The Daviess County Chamber of Commerce, located in Washington, provides business resources and networking opportunities; their website (daviesscountychamber.com or similar) offers directories of local businesses and economic development information.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Daviess County, Indiana is conducted by the Daviess County Clerk and the Daviess County Election Board. The Daviess County Clerk's Office, located at 200 E. Walnut Street, Washington, IN 47501, phone (812) 254-8664, oversees voter registration, absentee voting, and election record maintenance. Indiana voters can register online through the Indiana Voter Registration Portal at indianavoters.in.gov, which is managed by the Indiana Secretary of State's office. The voter registration deadline is 29 days before any election.
- Voters can also register in person at the Clerk's Office, at Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles branches when obtaining or renewing a driver's license, or by mail using the Indiana Voter Registration Application.
- To request an absentee ballot in Daviess County, voters must complete an Absentee Ballot Application (ABS-Mail or ABS-Travel Board form) available from the Clerk's Office or downloadable from indianavoters.in.gov.
To find your polling place in Daviess County, voters can use the Indiana Voters portal (indianavoters.in.gov) by entering their name and date of birth, or contact the Clerk's Office directly. Polling locations are assigned based on precinct boundaries within the county's townships. Election records that are public under Indiana law (IC 3-7-26.4) include voter registration lists (available for purchase for lawful purposes), campaign finance reports filed with the county election board for local candidates, candidate declarations and petitions, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot application logs (though not the voted ballots themselves).
In the November 2024 general election, Daviess County reported voter turnout of approximately 68-72% of registered voters, consistent with typical Indiana county turnout in presidential election years; turnout in midterm elections is generally lower, around 45-55%. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, which will include U.S. House of Representatives races, one U.S.
Senate seat from Indiana, Indiana state legislative seats, and various county offices. Applications must be received by the Clerk by 11:59 PM the day before the election for in-person absentee voting, or by 11:59 PM 12 days before the election for a ballot to be mailed. No-excuse absentee voting is not permitted in Indiana; voters must qualify under specific reasons such as being absent from the county on election day, illness, disability, working election hours, or being 65 years or older.
Transparency in Daviess County elections is supported by public access to election results posted on the county website following each election, precinct-by-precinct breakdowns available upon request, and the ability for citizens to observe vote counting and canvassing processes by contacting the Election Board.
Economy & Demographics
Daviess County, Indiana's economy is diversified across agriculture, manufacturing, and services, with significant contributions from the county's substantial Amish community. Agriculture remains a cornerstone, with the county ranking among Indiana's top producers of corn, soybeans, wheat, and livestock including hogs and cattle. The median household income in Daviess County is approximately $62,000 (2021 estimate), slightly below the Indiana state median. Major employers include Grain Systems Inc.
- The manufacturing sector is robust, with metal fabrication, food processing, and agricultural equipment production representing key industries.
(GSI), a manufacturer of grain storage and handling equipment; Jasper Engines & Transmissions, with operations in the county; and Walmart Distribution Center, providing significant warehouse and logistics employment. Tourism contributes meaningfully to the local economy, driven by the Amish community's presence; visitors come to purchase handcrafted furniture, quilts, baked goods, and experience rural tourism including farm tours and craft shops along the Amish Country Byway. Limestone quarrying has historical significance and continues with smaller operations.
The service sector includes healthcare provided by Daviess Community Hospital in Washington, retail establishments, and hospitality businesses. Unemployment rates in Daviess County have historically tracked below the national average, typically ranging from 2.5% to 4.5% in recent years, reflecting a tight labor market and steady employment base. Economic development initiatives focus on supporting small business growth, agricultural innovation, and infrastructure improvements to attract light manufacturing.
The Daviess County Economic Development Corporation works to recruit new businesses and retain existing employers, emphasizing the county's workforce availability, transportation access via U.S. Highway 50 and State Road 57, and quality of life factors.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online (Mycase) | Property: ✅ Free GIS & Recorder Search | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail | Business: ✅ Online (INBiz) | Elections: ✅ Online (indianavoters.in.gov) | Overall Score: 7.5/10 — Daviess County provides good digital access to court, property, and business records, though jail rosters and vital records require direct contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Daviess County, Indiana?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Daviess County, Indiana?
How do I get a criminal background check in Daviess County, Indiana?
How can I look up sex offenders in Daviess County, Indiana?
How do I register to vote in Daviess County, Indiana?
How do I look up property records in Daviess County, Indiana?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Daviess County, Indiana?
How do I find business license records in Daviess County, Indiana?
Cities & Towns in Daviess County
Explore public records for 6 cities and communities in Daviess County, Indiana.
Nearby Counties
Explore public records in counties that border Daviess County.