About Fairfield County

Population 158,000 residents
County Seat Lancaster

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement & Arrests

  • Under Ohio Revised Code Section 149.43, the Ohio Public Records Act, arrest records are generally considered public records and may be requested from the arresting agency or the Sheriff's Office.
  • Written requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
  • Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the jail's online roster or by visiting the Sheriff's Office during business hours.
  • Processing fees may apply for copies of arrest reports and booking documentation.

Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Courts & Case Records

  • Fees for certified copies typically range from $1.00 to $2.00 per page, with certification adding $1.00-$2.00.
  • Remote access fees may apply for online searches.
  • In-person record requests can be made at the Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.
104 East Main Street, Lancaster, OH 43130

Property & Public Records

  • Certified copies cost $2.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page as established under Ohio Revised Code Section 317.32.
  • Tax records and payment status are searchable online at fairfieldcountyohio.gov/treasurer.
210 East Main Street, Room 107, Lancaster, OH 43130
210 East Main Street, Room 105, Lancaster, OH 43130

Vital Records

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

  • Box 15098, Columbus, OH 43215-0098, phone 1-877-828-3101, is the state repository for all Ohio vital records and accepts requests for Fairfield County records.
  • Their website vitalchek.com offers online ordering with expedited processing available for additional fees.
  • Both parties must appear in person with identification and Social Security numbers; the license costs $50.00 and is valid for 60 days.
1550 Sheridan Drive, Lancaster, OH 43130 • Phone: 877-828-3101

Business & Licensing

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

  • Businesses operating under an assumed name or DBA (doing business as) must register with the Ohio Secretary of State.
210 East Main Street, Lancaster, OH 43130
109 North Broad Street, Lancaster, OH 43130

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I search for someone recently arrested in Fairfield County, Ohio?
To search for someone recently arrested in Fairfield County, Ohio, you can use the inmate lookup tool provided by the Fairfield County Jail. The jail is located at 345 Lincoln Avenue, Lancaster, Ohio. You can access the inmate search online through the this jurisdiction Sheriff's Office website, which provides up-to-date information on current inmates, including booking details and charges.
Mugshots or booking photos in Fairfield County, Ohio, can be obtained from the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office. They may be available through the online inmate search tool on the Sheriff's Office website. For more detailed inquiries, you can visit the Sheriff's Office in person at 345 Lincoln Avenue, Lancaster, Ohio, or contact them directly for assistance.
To obtain a criminal background check in Fairfield County, Ohio, you can request a check through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Locally, you can visit the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office for fingerprinting services, which are required for the BCI check. The Sheriff's Office is located at 345 Lincoln Avenue, Lancaster, Ohio, and they can guide you through the process and fees involved.
You can look up sex offenders in Fairfield County, Ohio, by accessing the Ohio Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the Ohio Attorney General's Office and provides a searchable database of registered sex offenders. You can search by name, address, or proximity to a specific location to find information on offenders residing in Fairfield County.
To register to vote in Fairfield County, you can complete the process online at ohiosos.gov/elections, download and mail a registration form, or visit the Fairfield County Board of Elections at 1650 Sheridan Drive, Suite A, Lancaster, OH 43130, phone (740) 652-7015. Registration must be completed at least 30 days before an election, though Ohio allows same-day registration during the early voting period. Once registered, you can request absentee ballots online through the Board of Elections website at fairfieldcountyboe.org, and early in-person voting begins 28 days before Election Day at the Board of Elections office.
Property records in Fairfield County can be accessed through the Fairfield County Recorder's Office at fairfieldcountyohio.gov/recorder for deeds, mortgages, and liens, or through the county Auditor's Office at fairfieldcountyohio.gov/auditor for tax assessments, ownership information, and property characteristics. Both offices are located at 210 East Main Street in Lancaster, with the Recorder at Room 107, phone (740) 687-7030, and the Auditor at Room 105, phone (740) 652-7925. The county provides free online searches including an interactive GIS mapping system showing parcel boundaries, sales history, and assessed values, with many recent documents available as digital images.
Birth and death certificates for events in Fairfield County are available from the Fairfield County Health Department, Vital Statistics Division, at 1550 Sheridan Drive, Lancaster, OH 43130, phone (740) 652-2800. Birth certificates cost $27.00 for the first certified copy, while death certificates cost $25.00 for the first copy, with reduced fees for additional copies. You must provide valid photo ID and proof of eligibility, with processing taking 5-10 business days. Alternatively, you can order through the Ohio Department of Health, Office of Vital Statistics, by calling 1-877-828-3101 or ordering online at vitalchek.com with expedited options available.
Business entity records for Fairfield County are primarily maintained at the state level through the Ohio Secretary of State's office, with free searches available at businesssearch.ohiosos.gov for corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and trade names. Local business licenses may be required by individual municipalities such as Lancaster; contact Lancaster Economic Development at (740) 687-6689 or your local city hall for municipal licensing requirements. Building permits and zoning records are available through the Fairfield County Building Department at 210 East Main Street, Lancaster, phone (740) 652-7010, while professional licenses are regulated by respective Ohio state licensing boards.

Nearby Counties

Franklin County OH Licking County OH Pickaway County OH Perry County OH Hocking County OH