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Hancock County, Mississippi Public Records

Find the right office in Hancock 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.

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About public records in Hancock County

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County profile

Hancock County at a glance

State
Mississippi
County seat
Bay St. Louis
Population
46,500
Area
553 sq mi
Founded
1812
Cities and towns
7

Hancock County offices and records

Sheriff & Law Enforcement. Hancock County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement services in the unincorporated areas of Hancock County.

Police Departments. In addition to Hancock County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Hancock County, including the Bay St. Louis Police Department, Waveland Police Department, and Diamondhead Police Department.

Law Enforcement & Arrests. Hancock County Sheriff's Department, led by the elected Sheriff, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Hancock County. The Sheriff's office is, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Inmate lookup and jail roster information can be accessed through the Sheriff's Department website or by contacting the detention center directly during business hours. Arrest records in Hancock County are considered public records under Mississippi's Public Records Act, codified in Mississippi Code Section 25-61-1 et seq.

Arrest Records. Arrest records in Hancock County are maintained by Hancock County Sheriff's Office. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the procedures outlined under the Mississippi Public Records Act.

Jail & Inmate Records. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing residents to find information about current detainees.

Mugshots & Booking Photos. Mugshots in Hancock County are taken and retained by Hancock County Sheriff's Office during the booking process at the detention center. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office.

Louis, MS 39520 (phone: 228-467-5627), maintains property assessment records, tax maps, and parcel data used for taxation purposes.

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Hancock County public-records FAQs

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Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Hancock County, Mississippi?

Mugshots or booking photos in Hancock County, Mississippi, can be obtained from the Hancock County Sheriff's Office. They may provide access to these images through their official website or by request at their office. It's important to note that availability and access to these records can be subject to privacy laws and regulations.

How do I get a criminal background check in Hancock County, Mississippi?

To obtain a criminal background check in Hancock County, Mississippi, you should contact the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. They handle statewide background checks, which can be requested online or by mail. Locally, you may also visit the Hancock County Sheriff's Office for guidance on accessing specific county records.

How can I look up sex offenders in Hancock County, Mississippi?

You can look up sex offenders in Hancock County, Mississippi, by accessing the Mississippi Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety and provides a searchable database online. You can search by name, address, or proximity to a specific location to find registered offenders in the area.

How do I register to vote in Hancock County, Mississippi?

To register to vote in Hancock County, you must submit your voter registration application to the Hancock County Circuit Clerk's office at least 30 days before an election. Mississippi offers convenient online voter registration at yallvote.sos.ms.gov where you can register, update your information, or check your registration status. You can also register in person at the Circuit Clerk's office at 854 Highway 90, Bay St. Louis, or download a mail-in application. Absentee voting is available for qualified voters who meet specific criteria, with applications available through the Circuit Clerk at (228) 467-5404.

How do I look up property records in Hancock County, Mississippi?

Property records in Hancock County can be searched through the Hancock County Tax Assessor's online GIS mapping system, which provides free access to parcel maps, ownership information, and assessed values. For official recorded documents such as deeds, mortgages, and liens, contact the Hancock Chancery Clerk's office at 854 Highway 90, Suite B, Bay St. Louis, at (228) 467-5404. The Chancery Clerk maintains all land records and can provide certified copies for a fee of $1.00 per page plus certification charges. Many records have been digitized for easier public access.

How do I get a birth or death certificate in Hancock County, Mississippi?

Birth and death certificates for events in Hancock County can be requested from the Hancock County Chancery Clerk's office at 854 Highway 90, Suite B, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520, phone (228) 467-5404. The fee is typically $15.00 for the first certified copy and $7.00 for additional copies ordered simultaneously. You must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate direct interest in the record as required by Mississippi Code Section 41-57-1. Alternatively, you can order statewide records through the Mississippi State Department of Health Vital Records office online via VitalChek or by contacting them at (601) 576-7960, with processing times of one to two weeks for mail requests.

How do I find business license records in Hancock County, Mississippi?

Business records in Hancock County can be found through multiple sources depending on the business type. For DBA (fictitious name) registrations, contact the Hancock County Chancery Clerk at (228) 467-5404 or visit their office at 854 Highway 90, Suite B, Bay St. Louis. For formal business entities like corporations and LLCs, search the free online database maintained by the Mississippi Secretary of State at sos.ms.gov/Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula. Local business licenses for Bay St. Louis, Waveland, and Pass Christian are issued by the respective city clerk offices, and you should contact the appropriate municipality for licensing information.

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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.