Hattiesburg Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Hattiesburg, Mississippi government websites.
About Hattiesburg City Government
Regular Meetings
Public Sessions
The governing body of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is the Hattiesburg City Council, which consists of 7 seats. Council members are elected by district to serve 4-year terms. The current council members include Mayor Toby Barker, and Council members Jeffrey George (Ward 1), Mary Dryden (Ward 2), and others representing the remaining wards. The local council holds regular meetings that are open to the public. Meeting schedules are available through the local government office.
About Hattiesburg, Mississippi
Law enforcement in Hattiesburg is primarily managed by the Hattiesburg Police Department, alongside the Forrest County Sheriff's Office, which provides full public safety services to the city and surrounding areas. The Forrest County Jail and Detention Facility is where those arrested in the Hattiesburg area are processed. For people seeking to obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, and criminal history, the process begins with the Hattiesburg Police Department's records unit, where requests can often be made in person or by phone. Those looking for records about incidents beyond city jurisdiction can reach out to the Forrest County Sheriff’s Office. For a broader perspective on criminal history, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety, through its Bureau of Investigation, maintains a state criminal repository that can be accessed for detailed reports. While many of these records are available upon request, some may also be searchable through online portals that the police department and sheriff’s office maintain, making the process more accessible for residents and interested parties. In terms of judicial proceedings, Hattiesburg falls under the jurisdiction of the Forrest County Circuit Court, which handles a variety of civil and criminal cases. For those wishing to request court records, the process can be navigated through the court's online portal, which enables users to access certain documents electronically. Alternatively, individuals can visit the courthouse in person and speak with the clerk to obtain public records. Vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates can be requested through the Forrest County Clerk-Recorder or the Mississippi State Department of Health's Vital Records Division, both of which provide mechanisms for obtaining these essential documents. Property records are similarly accessible, with resources provided by the county assessor and the recorder’s office, where residents can find information on property ownership and valuations. The Mississippi Public Records Act allows individuals to submit general public records requests, typically yielding responses within 5 to 10 business days. This framework ensures that the residents of Hattiesburg have the necessary access to vital and public information, promoting transparency and civic engagement within the community.
Hattiesburg, Mississippi Public Records & Government Resources
Hattiesburg Mississippi Inmate Search
Mississippi Department of Corrections inmate search for Hattiesburg.
Hattiesburg Mississippi USA.gov Public Records Guide
USA.gov guide to government public records and information for Hattiesburg.
Hattiesburg Mississippi US Bankruptcy Court Case Locator
PACER bankruptcy case locator - find bankruptcy filings from Hattiesburg.
Hattiesburg Mississippi Unclaimed Property Search
Search for unclaimed property and money belonging to Hattiesburg residents.
Hattiesburg Mississippi Social Security Death Records
Social Security Administration death records and survivor benefits for Hattiesburg.
Hattiesburg Mississippi National Sex Offender Registry
National Sex Offender Public Website - search sex offenders near Hattiesburg.
Hattiesburg Mississippi FBI Most Wanted Criminals
FBI national most wanted criminals - search for Hattiesburg area subjects.
Hattiesburg Mississippi Voter Registration Records
Find voter registration information and public records for Hattiesburg residents.
Hattiesburg Mississippi PACER Federal Court Records
Public Access to Court Electronic Records - search federal court cases for Hattiesburg.
Hattiesburg Mississippi Archives and Genealogy
Mississippi Department of Archives and History genealogy for Hattiesburg.
Hattiesburg Mississippi Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court Southern District of Mississippi for Hattiesburg.
Mississippi Courts – Hattiesburg Case Search
Mississippi Courts case search for Hattiesburg.
Hattiesburg Mississippi Vital Records
Mississippi Department of Health vital records for Hattiesburg.
Hattiesburg Mississippi Missing Persons
Mississippi DPS missing persons for Hattiesburg.
Hattiesburg Mississippi Sex Offender Registry
Mississippi Sex Offender Registry for Hattiesburg.
Hattiesburg Mississippi Criminal History Records
Mississippi Department of Public Safety CIC criminal history for Hattiesburg.
Hattiesburg Mississippi Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Hattiesburg.
City of Hattiesburg
Directory of Hattiesburg city records and information
Criminal History Record Checks and Depository
Post Office Box 1700 Jackson, MS 39215-1700 Tel. 601-364-1101
Hattiesburg Police Department
#1 Government Plaza Hattiesburg, MS 39403-1898 601-544-7900
Hattiesburg City Clerk
200 Forrest Street Hattiesburg, MS 39403-1898 601-545-4522
Hattiesburg City Fire Department
Fire Station #1 810 Main Street Hattiesburg, MS 39401 601-545-4691
Search Criminal Records, Divorces and Other Civil Matters
Mississippi Judiciary Clerk's Office P. O. Box 249, Jackson, Mississippi 39205 Phone: (601) 359-3694
Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information.
Lookup Inmates in Hattiesburg Mississippi
Mississippi Department of Corrections 723 N. President Street Jackson, MS 39202 (601) 359-5600
Law Enforcement
Multiple law enforcement agencies provide public safety coverage throughout Forrest County. The Forrest County Sheriff's Office oversees unincorporated areas, while municipal departments like the Hattiesburg Police Department and Petal Police Department handle enforcement within their respective city limits. These agencies work together on major crimes and public safety initiatives, creating a coordinated approach to protecting residents across the county's jurisdictions.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Forrest County Jail, also known as the Forrest County Detention Center, processes and houses individuals arrested throughout Forrest County. When someone is booked, the facility conducts fingerprinting, photographing, and records personal information as part of standard intake procedures. Family members and attorneys can access inmate lookup services through the Sheriff's Office to locate detainees. Visitation at the facility typically requires scheduling appointments in advance according to specific rules.
Arrest Records
The Forrest County Sheriff's Office and the Hattiesburg Police Department maintain arrest records for their respective jurisdictions. Residents and attorneys can request these records through formal applications, which often require a fee. The records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges filed, and booking details. Access to this information is governed by the Mississippi Public Records Act, which balances transparency with protection of sensitive information.
Court Records
Legal matters in the Hattiesburg area are handled by the Forrest County Circuit Court and Chancery Court, which oversee both civil and criminal cases. Residents and attorneys can access court records and filings through the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Forrest County cover felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as the sex offender registry. These records are maintained by the Forrest County Sheriff's Office and the Hattiesburg Police Department. Residents can conduct background checks through the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, which provides statewide criminal history information. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation offers resources for Forrest County residents seeking detailed criminal records for employment, housing, or personal purposes.
Public Records Access
A variety of public records are maintained throughout Hattiesburg, including those held by the City Clerk's office. The Hattiesburg Police Department keeps records related to criminal history and law enforcement activities within city limits. The Mississippi State Department of Health also operates a centralized depository for criminal history record checks available to residents and organizations.
Vital Records
Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, for Hattiesburg and Forrest County can be obtained through the Mississippi State Department of Health. The Hattiesburg City Clerk's office also maintains some vital records for the city.
Business & Licensing Records
The City of Hattiesburg maintains resources for businesses operating within its boundaries through the city's website. Information covers licensing and permitting requirements along with economic development initiatives supports local commerce. The Hattiesburg Area Development Partnership offers additional support and resources for businesses throughout the region.
Economy & Demographics
Hattiesburg's economy is diverse, with significant industries in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and tourism. The city is home to the University of Southern Mississippi, as well as several major healthcare providers. The Hattiesburg Area Development Partnership works to attract and support businesses in the region.
Elections & Voter Records
Voters in Hattiesburg access election services through the Forrest County Circuit Clerk's Office, Forrest County's election authority, Hattiesburg, MS 39401 (phone: 601-545-6015, website: https://www.forrestcountyms.gov). This office handles voter registration, absentee ballot applications, candidate qualifying, and election administration for all federal, state, county, and municipal elections affecting local residents.
Mississippi residents can register to vote online through the Mississippi Secretary of State's website at https://www.sos.ms.gov/elections-voting/voter-registration, or by submitting paper applications to the Circuit Clerk. Registration must be completed at least 30 days before an election. The state requires voter ID at the polls, with acceptable forms including driver's licenses, U.S. Passports, government employee IDs, tribal IDs, student IDs from Mississippi universities, and other government-issued photo identification. Those without ID may cast affidavit ballots subject to verification. Municipal elections in Hattiesburg cover races for mayor, city council members, and municipal judge. Mississippi municipal elections typically occur in odd-numbered years, with the most recent mayoral and council elections held in 2021. The next municipal elections are scheduled for 2025, when voters will elect the mayor and city council members representing the city's five wards. Candidate qualifying information, sample ballots, and local ballot measures are available through the Hattiesburg City Clerk's office at 200 Forrest Street (phone: 601-545-4500) and the Forrest County Circuit Clerk closer to election dates. Residents can find their assigned polling location through the Mississippi Secretary of State's polling place lookup tool at https://www.sos.ms.gov/elections-voting/polling-place or by contacting the Forrest County Circuit Clerk. Polling places are assigned based on residential address and precinct boundaries. Mississippi public records law makes various election records accessible to the public. Voter registration lists are available for purchase for political purposes through the Circuit Clerk's office, though individual voter information including addresses is protected from commercial use. Campaign finance reports for state and federal candidates are available through the Mississippi Secretary of State's Campaign Finance Division and the Federal Election Commission. Candidate qualifying documents and precinct-level election results are public records maintained by the Circuit Clerk and Secretary of State. Election results are published on the Secretary of State's website following certification. In the November 2024 presidential election, Forrest County reported voter turnout of approximately 55-60% of registered voters, with over 30,000 ballots cast from approximately 52,000 registered voters. The county's electorate tends to lean conservative in statewide races while maintaining competitive local elections. Looking ahead to November 3, 2026, voters in the area will decide several significant races. Mississippi does not have a U.S. Senate seat up for election in 2026, as both Senator Roger Wicker (elected 2024) and Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (elected 2024) will not face voters until later cycles. The governorship is not on the 2026 ballot, as Mississippi gubernatorial elections occur in odd-numbered years (most recently 2023). However, 2026 will feature all U.S. House of Representatives seats, with local voters participating in Mississippi's 4th Congressional District race. All 122 Mississippi House of Representatives seats and 52 Mississippi State Senate seats will be on the ballot as state legislative elections occur in even years following redistricting. Forrest County will also elect county officials including supervisors for various districts, constables, and potentially other county offices depending on term expirations. Municipal elections for city offices will occur in 2025 rather than 2026. Mississippi voters requesting absentee ballots must meet specific criteria: being away from the county on election day, having a temporary or permanent physical disability, being 65 or older, being a parent or caregiver of a dependent with a disability requiring hospitalization, being a member of the military or spouse or dependent, or being a Congressional or Executive branch employee or spouse or dependent. Absentee ballot applications are available through the Forrest County Circuit Clerk's office and must be requested in writing. The deadline to request absentee ballots is typically seven days before the election for regular absentee voting, or voters can request ballots in person at the Circuit Clerk's office up to the Saturday before Tuesday elections. Voted ballots must be postmarked by election day and received within five business days after the election to be counted.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.2/10 — Forrest County and Hattiesburg provide excellent digital access to most public records through state and county online portals, with particularly strong property, court, and business entity search capabilities, though vital records require state office processing and some municipal records require in-person visits
Frequently Asked Questions
1 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi?
Fingerprinting services for Hattiesburg, Mississippi residents are available through the local police department and authorized third-party providers in the local county. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. Contact the Hattiesburg Police Department or the local county Sheriff's Office for scheduling, fees, and required documentation. The Mississippi Department of Justice or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.
2 How do I register to vote in Hattiesburg, Mississippi?
To register to vote in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, residents can register online through the Mississippi Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Forrest County elections office. Mississippi requires voters to be U. Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Mississippi Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Hattiesburg, contact the Forrest County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
3 How do I look up property records in Hattiesburg, Mississippi?
Property records for Hattiesburg, Mississippi are maintained by the Forrest County Assessor's Office and the Forrest County Clerk and Recorder. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Forrest County, including parcels in Hattiesburg. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Forrest County Clerk and Recorder maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Mississippi counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Forrest County offices at the county courthouse. The Forrest County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
4 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Hattiesburg, Mississippi?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Hattiesburg, Mississippi residents are available through both county and state offices. The Mississippi State Department of Health, Vital Records, located in Jackson, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Mississippi. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Forrest County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Forrest County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.
5 How do I find business license records in Hattiesburg, Mississippi?
Business licensing for Hattiesburg, Mississippi operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Hattiesburg town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Hattiesburg limits. Forrest County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all Mississippi businesses must register with the Mississippi Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant Mississippi licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Hattiesburg, contact the Hattiesburg clerk's office and the Forrest County economic development office.