About DeKalb County
DeKalb County is located in northeastern Indiana, bordered by Michigan to the north and sharing boundaries with Noble, Allen, Steuben, and LaGrange counties. DeKalb County seat is Auburn, a city of approximately 13,000 residents known as the 'Home of the Classics' due to its rich automotive heritage and the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum. DeKalb County includes approximately 363 square miles and has a total population of roughly 43,000 residents according to recent census estimates.
DeKalb County was established in 1835 and named after Baron Johann de Kalb, a German-born hero of the American Revolutionary War. Major cities and towns include Auburn, Garrett, Butler, and Waterloo. DeKalb County is characterized by rich agricultural land, with significant corn and soybean production, alongside a diverse manufacturing base.
Key landmarks include the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum, one of the premier automotive museums in the United States, and Pokagon State Park, which extends into DeKalb County. DeKalb County government operates from the courthouse at 215 East 9th Street in Auburn, where the County Recorder, County Clerk, and County Assessor maintain offices. DeKalb County Recorder manages property records and land transactions, while the County Clerk oversees court records and marriage licenses.
The Assessor's office handles property valuations and tax assessments. DeKalb County's economy balances agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, with Interstate 69 providing a major transportation corridor through DeKalb County.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order within DeKalb County, particularly in the unincorporated areas. The office oversees DeKalb County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. It also provides various community services, including crime prevention programs and public safety education.
Police Departments
DeKalb County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including DeKalb County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities such as Auburn, Garrett, and Butler. Each city department is responsible for maintaining law and order within its jurisdiction, handling local crimes, and providing community policing services. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full law enforcement coverage throughout DeKalb County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, located at 215 East 9th Street, Auburn, IN 46706, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of DeKalb County. DeKalb County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same address, provides inmate lookup services through their website and by calling.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting written requests to the Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the jail's online inmate roster or by request to the Sheriff's Office records division.
- Processing fees may apply for certified copies of arrest reports.
- Indiana law permits law enforcement agencies to charge reasonable fees for copying and research time.
Current inmate rosters typically include booking information, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates. Municipal law enforcement agencies serve the incorporated communities, including the Auburn Police Department (260-925-3311), Garrett Police Department (260-357-4114), Butler Police Department (260-868-2536), and Waterloo Police Department. Under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code 5-14-3), arrest records and booking information are generally considered public records.
No tribal police jurisdictions exist in DeKalb County, though DeKalb County does coordinate with Indiana State Police on highway enforcement and major investigations.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in DeKalb County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can run background checks through the Indiana State Police's Limited Criminal History Search. The Indiana State Police provides additional resources for accessing criminal records and making sure of public safety.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in DeKalb County are maintained by DeKalb County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records include details such as the date of arrest, charges, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the respective law enforcement agency. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act governs the availability of these records, for public access and public access while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
DeKalb County Jail, located in Auburn, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within DeKalb County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing family members and legal representatives to find information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require prior scheduling.
- The bond and bail process in Indiana allows for the release of detainees pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained through the Sheriff's Office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in DeKalb County are taken and retained by DeKalb County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a formal request. Indiana does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances if the charges are dropped or if they are found not guilty.
Courts & Case Records
DeKalb County operates two Superior Courts and one Circuit Court. The DeKalb Circuit Court and DeKalb County Superior Courts 1 and 2 are located at DeKalb County Courthouse, 215 East 9th Street, Auburn, IN 46706. The Circuit Court can be reached, while Superior Court 1 is through the office Superior Court 2 for These courts handle civil, criminal, family, probate, juvenile, and small claims matters. DeKalb County Clerk's office, which maintains court records, can be contacted for Indiana provides online access to court records through the Indiana Courts Mycase portal at mycase.
- This service is free for basic searches, though certified copies require fees.
- Fees for certified copies are typically $1.00 per page plus a $1.00 certification fee.
- The Clerk's office provides in-person access to case files during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays.
- Small claims cases with amounts under $10,000 are heard in Superior Court.
gov, where users can search DeKalb County cases by party name, case number, or attorney. Under Indiana Access to Court Records (Administrative Rule 9), most court records are presumed open to public inspection unless specifically sealed or confidential by statute or court order. Probate matters, including estates and guardianships, are handled by the Circuit Court.
Marriage records and licenses are maintained by the County Clerk. Online docket access is available through Mycase, though some sensitive records such as adoption files, mental health commitments, and certain juvenile records are restricted.
Property & Public Records
DeKalb County Recorder's Office, located at 215 East 9th Street, Auburn, IN 46706, maintains all land and property records for DeKalb County. The office can be reached through the office operates Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Recorder maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, military discharges, easements, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property. DeKalb County offers online property record searching through the mix system, accessible via DeKalb County website, which allows users to search recorded documents by name, document type, or parcel number.
- Many documents can be viewed online at no charge, though downloading or printing may require fees.
- Recording fees vary by document type, with typical deed recordings costing approximately $26.00 for the first page and $5.00 for each additional page.
- The Assessor provides property tax assessment information, parcel data, and appeals processes.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person, by mail, or through the online system with applicable fees.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in DeKalb County are maintained by both DeKalb County Health Department and the Indiana State Department of Health. DeKalb County Health Department, located at 2550 North Main Street, Auburn, IN 46706, processes requests for vital records of events occurring within DeKalb County. Birth certificates cost $12.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Death certificates cost $10.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for additional copies.
- Processing typically takes 3-5 business days for in-person requests and 2-3 weeks for mail requests.
- Eligible requesters include the registrant, parents, legal guardians, legal representatives, and others with a documented legal need.
- The Indiana State Department of Health Vital Records Office at 2 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204, maintains statewide records and can provide certified copies for a fee of $21.00 per certificate.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com with additional service fees.
- The license fee is approximately $18.00 and there is no waiting period in Indiana.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Indiana Code 16-37-1. Marriage licenses are issued by DeKalb County Clerk's Office, located at 215 East 9th Street, Auburn. Marriage license applications require both parties to appear in person with valid identification and social security numbers.
Divorce records are maintained by the Clerk's office as part of the court case file. Certified copies of vital records are acceptable for passport applications, driver's licenses, and legal proceedings.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in DeKalb County involves both county-level and state-level filings. DeKalb County Clerk's Office at 215 East 9th Street, Auburn, IN 46706, maintains assumed business name (DBA) registrations for sole proprietorships and partnerships operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. DBA filings cost approximately $30.00 and must be renewed every five years under Indiana law.
- The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at www.
- gov/sos/business, where users can search for registered business entities, view formation documents, check business name availability, and access annual reports.
- This service is free for searches, though certified copies require fees.
- DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce, located in Auburn at www.dekalbchamber.org, provides resources for businesses including networking, economic development information, and business support services.
For formal business entities including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, registration is handled by the Indiana Secretary of State's Business Services Division. Local business operating licenses may be required by individual municipalities within DeKalb County; Auburn, Garrett, Butler, and Waterloo each maintain their own business licensing requirements. DeKalb County Building Department, issues building permits and handles zoning compliance for unincorporated areas.
Sales tax permits are obtained through the Indiana Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are issued by respective state boards.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in DeKalb County, Indiana?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in DeKalb County, Indiana?
How do I get a criminal background check in DeKalb County, Indiana?
How can I look up sex offenders in DeKalb County, Indiana?
How do I register to vote in DeKalb County, Indiana?
How do I look up property records in DeKalb County, Indiana?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in DeKalb County, Indiana?
How do I find business license records in DeKalb County, Indiana?
Economy & Demographics
DeKalb County's economy is diverse, combining traditional agriculture with advanced manufacturing, automotive heritage tourism, and service industries. DeKalb County's median household income is approximately $62,000, slightly above the Indiana state average, with relatively low unemployment rates typically ranging between 3-4%. Agriculture remains a cornerstone economic sector, with over 200,000 acres dedicated to farming, primarily corn and soybeans, along with livestock operations and specialty crops.
- Retail and service sectors have grown along the Interstate 69 corridor, which provides connectivity to Fort Wayne (20 miles south) and northwest Indiana.
- Route 6 provides logistics advantages.
Manufacturing represents the largest employment sector, with major employers including Riverside Manufacturing (over 500 employees producing steel products), Trelleborg Sealing Solutions (industrial seals and components), and multiple automotive suppliers. The Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum and the annual Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival attract over 100,000 visitors annually, generating significant tourism revenue. The DeKalb Health hospital system employs over 800 people and is a major healthcare provider.
Electric Works, a massive redevelopment project in nearby Fort Wayne, is expected to create spillover economic benefits for DeKalb County. DeKalb County has invested in broadband infrastructure expansion to support rural businesses and remote work opportunities. DeKalb County's strategic location at the intersection of I-69 and U.S.
DeKalb County Economic Development Partnership actively recruits businesses through tax increment financing districts and workforce development programs. Property tax rates remain competitive compared to surrounding counties, and industrial park developments in Auburn and Garrett offer ready-to-build sites.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in DeKalb County are administered by DeKalb County Clerk's office, which serves as DeKalb County election board. The Clerk's election division is located at 215 East 9th Street, Auburn, IN 46706 Voter registration in Indiana can be completed online at indianavoters. gov, by mail using a voter registration application, or in person at the County Clerk's office, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, or designated voter registration sites. The registration deadline is 29 days before any election.
- Citizens may request copies of poll books, vote totals by precinct, and other election records under Indiana's public records law.
Indiana requires voters to present a valid government-issued photo ID at the polls, as mandated by Indiana Code 3-11-8-25.1. DeKalb County voters can find their polling place by visiting indianavoters. gov and entering their address, or by calling the County Clerk's election office.
DeKalb County operates approximately 25-30 polling locations across 15 precincts. Public election records include voter registration lists (available for purchase for legitimate purposes under Indiana Code 3-7-26.3), campaign finance reports filed with DeKalb County election board for local candidates, candidate declarations, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot statistics. S.
House races for Indiana's 3rd Congressional District, statewide offices including Secretary of State and Auditor, Indiana General Assembly seats, and local county offices. Absentee voting by mail is available to any registered voter who submits an application to the County Clerk by mail, online, or in person; applications must be received by 11:59 PM on the day before the election for in-person absentee voting, or 12 days before the election for mail ballots to be sent. Early voting is conducted at the County Clerk's office beginning 28 days before the election.
Election results are posted on election night at the courthouse and on DeKalb County website, with precinct-level detail.
Cities in Dekalb County, Indiana
Browse public records for individual cities and towns located in Dekalb County.