Hancock County

Hancock County is located in the southwestern corner of Mississippi, forming part of the Gulf Coast region and sharing a border with Louisiana to the west and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. Hancock County seat is Bay St. Louis, a historic coastal city known for its architectural heritage and resilient community. Established in 1812, Hancock County was named after John Hancock, the first signer of the Declaration of Independence. Hancock County includes approximately 477 square miles, including significant waterfront along the Mississippi Sound and numerous bayous and wetlands. As of recent census estimates, Hancock County has a population of approximately 46,000 residents. Major landmarks include the Bay St. Louis Historic District, Buccaneer State Park, NASA's Stennis Space Center (one of the nation's premier rocket testing facilities), and the restored Bay St. Louis Old Town district. Hancock County is characterized by a blend of maritime culture, aerospace industry, tourism, and residential communities. Hancock County Chancery Clerk's office, located at 854 Highway 90, Suite B, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520, is the primary repository for land records, vital records, and court filings. Hancock County Tax Assessor's office maintains property assessment records and tax information. Hancock County has experienced significant growth and rebuilding following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which devastated much of the coastal area, demonstrating remarkable resilience and redevelopment.

The Hancock County Circuit Court serves Hancock County and is located at 854 Highway 90 in Bay St. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for the area. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Mississippi online court portal.

Hancock County Mississippi court jurisdiction is located in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The court has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic violations. The court also has jurisdiction over family law matters, such as divorce, child custody, and adoption. The court address is: Hancock County Courthouse, 854 Highway 90, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a formal public records request to the Sheriff's Department or the respective municipal police department where the arrest occurred.
• Booking photographs (mugshots) are typically maintained by the detention center and may be available through written request or online jail roster systems.
• Processing times and fees may apply for certified copies of arrest records.

Jail & Inmate Records

• The bond and bail process follows Mississippi state guidelines, and individuals can post bail through approved methods to secure the release of detainees.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

• Hancock County Justice Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings, civil matters under $3,500, evictions, and small claims.
• The Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system provides online access to some circuit and chancery court case information at ms.gov/mec, though full access may require in-person visits to the Clerk's office.
• Fees for certified copies typically range from $1.00 to $2.00 per page, with additional certification fees.
• The Circuit Clerk's office can be contacted for information on case searches, filing requirements, and record requests.

• The office provides public access to land records during regular business hours, and many records have been digitized for easier searching.
• Louis, MS 39520 (phone: 228-467-5627), maintains property assessment records, tax maps, and parcel data used for taxation purposes.
• The Tax Assessor provides an online GIS mapping system allowing the public to search property information, view parcel boundaries, check assessed values, and access ownership information at no cost.
• Certified copies of deeds and other recorded documents are available from the Chancery Clerk for a fee of $1.00 per page plus a $1.00 certification fee.
• Document recording fees are established by Mississippi statute and vary based on document type and page count.

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

• Processing time for in-person requests is typically same-day or within one business day, while mail requests may take one to two weeks.
• Marriage licenses are issued by Hancock County Circuit Clerk's office at the same Highway 90 address, with a current fee of $21.00 and no waiting period or blood test required in Mississippi.

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

• Louis and Waveland areas, provides business resources and networking opportunities and can be found at hancockchamber.org.
• Contractors working in Hancock County must be properly licensed and may need to register with both state and local authorities.