Hays Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Hays, Kansas government websites.
About Hays City Government
Government Type
City Council
The governing body of Hays, Kansas, is the Hays City Commission, which consists of five elected members. Each commissioner serves a term of four years, with elections held in odd-numbered years. The city commission is responsible for establishing policies, approving budgets, and overseeing city operations.The public is encouraged to attend and participate in discussions regarding city governance and community issues.
About Hays, Kansas
The Hays Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency serving the city and works in close conjunction with the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, which oversees the broader county jurisdiction. The county jail and detention facility, managed by the Sheriff's Office, plays a role in local law enforcement and public safety. If you need to obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or criminal history, the process begins at the Hays Police Department, where records can be requested through the records unit. Individuals may also contact the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office for information related to county-specific offenses. For more full criminal histories, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation provides a statewide repository of criminal records accessible to the public. Online lookup portals are available to streamline the process and provide instant access to certain records, ensuring that residents can easily access relevant information while maintaining transparency in law enforcement. Hays is served by the Ellis County District Court, which handles a variety of legal matters, including civil, criminal, and family cases. Those wishing to request court records can do so through the court's online portal, enabling users to search case information conveniently from home. For records that may not be available online, individuals can visit the court clerk's office in person to access files and documents. Vital records, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, are managed by the Ellis County Clerk-Recorder, ensuring that residents have access to essential documents. Alternatively, these records can also be obtained through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for a statewide request. Property records in Hays, necessary for real estate transactions and assessments, are accessible through the county assessor and recorder's offices, which also provide online access to property information. Public records requests under the Kansas Open Records Act can be made for various documents and typically see a response time of 5 to 10 business days, ensuring accountability and transparency in local government operations.
Hays, Kansas Public Records & Government Resources
Hays Kansas Archives and Genealogy
Kansas Historical Society archives and genealogy for Hays.
Hays Kansas Bankruptcy Court
US Bankruptcy Court District of Kansas for Hays.
Kansas Courts – Hays Case Search
Kansas Courts case search for Hays.
Hays Kansas Vital Records
Kansas Department of Health vital records for Hays.
Hays Kansas Inmate Search
Kansas Department of Corrections offender search for Hays.
Hays Kansas Missing Persons
Kansas Bureau of Investigation missing persons for Hays.
Hays Kansas Sex Offender Registry
Kansas Bureau of Investigation sex offender registry for Hays.
Hays Kansas Criminal History Records
Kansas Bureau of Investigation criminal history records for Hays.
Hays Kansas Census and Vital Statistics
U.S. Census Bureau quick facts, demographics, and population statistics for Hays.
City of Hays
Directory of Hays city records and information
Hays City Clerk
City legal records and files P.O. Box 490 Hays, KS 67601 Phone: (785) 628-7300 Fax: (785) 621-2005
Hays Police Department
Law enforcement and public safety 105 W 12th Hays, KS 67601 Phone: (785) 625-1030
Hays Fire Department
Fire and rescue services 1507 Main St Hays, KS 67601 Phone: (785) 628-7330
Hays Area Chamber of Commerce
Business listings directory 2700 Vine St Hays, KS 67601 Phone: (785) 628-8201 Fax: (785) 628-1471 Email: hayscc@discover
Hays Public Library
Reference materials and research assistance 1205 Main Hays, KS 67601 Phone: (785) 625-9014
The Hays Daily News
Current and archived local news and information 507 Main St Hays, KS 67601 Phone: (785) 628-1081
Hays Municipal Airport
Commercial flight information and aviation services 3950 E 8th St Hays, KS 67601 Phone: (785) 628-7370
Kansas Bureau of Investigation
Attn: Criminal History Records Section 1620 SW Tyler Topeka, KS 66612-1837 Call: 1-800-452-6727 or 785-296-6518 Hours: 8
Office of Judicial Administration
Telephone: 785.296.2256 Email: info@kscourts.org The Kansas Supreme Court 301 SW 10th Avenue Topeka Kansas 66612-1507
Center for Missing & Exploited Children
Quick search for missing children, sex offenders, Amber alerts, records and more public information
Kansas Department of Corrections
900 SW Jackson - 4th Floor Landon State Office Building Topeka, KS 66612-1284 (785) 296-3317 Toll-free Kansas & Missouri
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement in Ellis County operates through a collaborative network of agencies. The county seat is served by the Hays Police Department, which handles municipal duties within city limits, while the Ellis County Sheriff's Office maintains jurisdiction across the broader county area. The Ellis and Victoria police departments cover their respective municipalities. When major crimes or emergencies arise, these agencies work together to provide coverage throughout the region, making sure of coordinated responses across jurisdictional boundaries.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Ellis County Jail is the primary detention facility for the county, operating from its location in Hays. When someone is booked, the process includes photographing and fingerprinting, with all arrestee information entered into the facility's records system. The public can access an online inmate lookup tool to find information about current detainees. Visitation requires advance appointments and strict adherence to facility guidelines. Bond procedures follow Kansas state law, allowing for either cash bonds or surety bonds arranged through a bail bondsman.
Arrest Records
The Ellis County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for the county, documenting details of each arrest along with charges and booking information. Residents and attorneys who need access to these records can submit requests directly to the sheriff's office. Under the Kansas Open Records Act, much of this information is publicly available, though certain details may be withheld to protect ongoing investigations or address privacy concerns. Typical records include the arrestee's name, arrest date, charges filed, and bond information.
Court Records
The Ellis County District Court stands as the primary judicial authority for Hays and the surrounding areas. Located in the Ellis County seat, the court maintains jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases ranging from minor infractions to serious felonies. The court also handles probate matters, family law disputes, and administrative appeals. Those seeking court records or docket information can access them through the Kansas Judicial Branch website, which provides online search tools for case lookups and scheduling.
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Ellis County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. The Ellis County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Kansas Bureau of Investigation provides statewide background checks. Residents can request criminal records through the sheriff's office or the Kansas Bureau of Investigation's online portal. The KBI offers background checks for employment, licensing, and personal inquiries, providing a detailed criminal history For people in Ellis County.
Public Records Access
The City of Hays operates a public records portal that provides residents and interested parties with access to municipal codes, city council meeting minutes, and records from various city departments. Those seeking specific documents or information can direct their requests to the Hays City Clerk's Office, which is the primary contact point for public records inquiries. The office maintains detailed information and request procedures at https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/156/Finance-City-Clerks-Office.
Vital Records
The Hays Vital Records Office, located within the Hays City Clerk's Office, is responsible for maintaining and providing access to vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses For people residing within the city limits. Residents can obtain these records by visiting the office or accessing the online portal at https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/156/Finance-City-Clerks-Office.
Business & Licensing Records
The Hays Area Chamber of Commerce provides essential support for the local business community. Entrepreneurs and established businesses alike can tap into resources ranging from economic development initiatives to networking events builds growth and collaboration. The chamber's website at https://hayschamber.com/ offers detailed information on programs, resources, and opportunities available to business owners throughout the area.
Economy & Demographics
Hays' economy is driven by a diverse mix of industries, including healthcare, education, agriculture, and manufacturing. Major employers in the city include Fort Hays State University, Hays Medical Center, and several manufacturing and distribution companies. The Hays Fire Department, https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/232/Fire-Department, is important in supporting the city's economic development by providing emergency response and fire prevention services to local businesses and industries.
Elections & Voter Records
ELECTION HUB for Hays, Kansas voters The Ellis County Clerk's Office manages all election operations for residents of Hays. Located at 1204 Fort Street, Hays, KS 67601, the office can be reached by phone at (785) 628-9410 or through its website at https://www.ellisco.net/190/County-Clerk. Voter registration is available online through the Kansas Secretary of State's website at https://www.kdor.ks.gov/Apps/VoterReg/Default.aspx. Residents must register at least 21 days before an election and will need a Kansas driver's license or non-driver's ID to complete the process.
Municipal elections for mayor and city council typically occur during the spring of odd-numbered years. Information about candidates and polling locations appears on the city's website at https://www.haysusa.com/155/Elections. As an incorporated city, local election records remain public under Kansas law. Voters can locate their polling place using the Kansas Secretary of State's voter lookup tool at https://myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView/PollingPlaceSearch.do. Ellis County recorded a 73.5% voter turnout in the 2024 general election. Looking ahead to November 2026, key races include the Ellis County Commission and Kansas State Senate seats. Kansas provides no-excuse absentee and mail-in voting. Residents can request an absentee ballot through the Ellis County Clerk's Office website at https://www.ellisco.net/190/County-Clerk.
Public Records Transparency Score
Court Records: 4/5 | Property: 4/5 | Arrest Logs: 4/5 | Vital Records: 3/5 | Business: 4/5 | Elections: 5/5 | Overall: 4.2/10 — Hays and Ellis County, Kansas have fairly strong public records access, with election and government data available. Some vital records like birth and death certificates can be more difficult to obtain.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 What are the school district and education performance data for Hays, Ellis County, Kansas?
Public schools in Hays, Ellis County, Kansas are administered by the local school district. For information about school enrollment, academic performance, and school ratings, residents should contact the Ellis County school administration or the Kansas Department of Education. School district boundaries, student-teacher ratios, and test scores are available through the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.
2 What are the crime statistics for Hays, Ellis County, Kansas?
Crime data for Hays, Ellis County, Kansas is maintained by local law enforcement agencies. The Ellis County Sheriff's Office and local police departments report crime statistics to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime data through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local law enforcement directly. For specific crime reports or incident data, submit a public records request to the Hays police department or the Ellis County Sheriff's Office.
3 What publicly accessible records can be obtained from the Hays, Ellis County, Kansas Library?
The Hays Public Library provides access to various public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. Library patrons can access property records, court records, and genealogy resources through the library's reference section. The Ellis County library system may offer additional branches and digital resources. Contact the library directly for hours, available databases, and research assistance.
4 Where is the Hays, Ellis County, Kansas Public Library located?
The Hays Public Library serves residents of Hays and the surrounding Ellis County area in Kansas. Contact the library directly or visit the Ellis County library system website for the current address, phone number, hours of operation, and available services.
5 Where is the nearest fingerprinting office located in Hays, Ellis County, Kansas?
Fingerprinting services for Hays, Kansas residents are available through the local police department and authorized third-party providers in Ellis County. Fingerprinting is commonly required for background checks, professional licensing, employment screening, and immigration applications. Contact the Hays Police Department or the Ellis County Sheriff's Office for scheduling, fees, and required documentation. The Kansas Department of Justice or state police may also process fingerprint-based background checks.
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Hays, Ellis County, Kansas, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Hays, Ellis County, Kansas including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Ellis County Clerk's office may also process vital record requests. You will need valid photo identification and proof of eligibility. Processing times and fees vary by office and request method.
7 How do I register to vote in Hays, Kansas?
To register to vote in Hays, Kansas, residents can register online through the Kansas Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Ellis County elections office. Kansas 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 Kansas Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Hays, contact the Ellis County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Hays, Kansas?
The City of Hays maintains a full public records portal, where residents and interested parties can access a wide range of information, including municipal codes, council meeting minutes, and various departmental records. The Hays City Clerk's Office is the primary point of contact for public records requests and can be reached at https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/156/Finance-City-Clerks-Office.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Hays, Kansas?
The Hays Vital Records Office, located within the Hays City Clerk's Office, is responsible for maintaining and providing access to vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses for people residing within the city limits. Residents can obtain these records by visiting the office or accessing the online portal at https://ks-hays.civicplus.com/156/Finance-City-Clerks-Office.
10 How do I find business license records in Hays, Kansas?
The Hays Area Chamber of Commerce is a valuable resource for businesses operating within the city. The chamber's website, https://hayschamber.com/, provides information on local economic development initiatives, networking opportunities, and resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Nearby Cities in Ellis County, Kansas
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county: