Hernando Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Hernando, Mississippi government websites.
About Hernando, Mississippi
Economically, Hernando has seen significant growth over the past decade, with a focus on retail and service industries. The city is home to several major employers, including the Hernando School District and various retail establishments located at the Hernando Marketplace. Historically, Hernando played a key role during the Civil War, with the Battle of Hernando occurring nearby, which has shaped its cultural heritage and community identity. The city hosts various events throughout the year, including the Hernando Water Tower Festival, celebrating local culture and community spirit.
Law Enforcement
Beyond the De Soto County Sheriff's Office based in Hernando, several municipal police departments serve cities across the county. The Southaven Police Department, Olive Branch Police Department, and Horn Lake Police Department each handle law enforcement within their respective city limits, managing everything from local crime investigations to traffic enforcement and community policing initiatives.
Jail & Inmate Records
The De Soto County Adult Detention Facility is the primary jail for De Soto County. When individuals are arrested anywhere in De Soto County, they're brought here for booking, where they undergo photographing, fingerprinting, and processing. The county maintains an online inmate lookup system that provides current information on charges, bond amounts, and upcoming court dates. Visitation at the facility follows specific protocols, typically requiring advance appointment scheduling and strict adherence to security procedures.
Arrest Records
The De Soto County Sheriff's Office maintains all arrest records for De Soto County. These files contain details including the arrested individual's name, date of arrest, charges filed, and booking information. Local residents and attorneys can request these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the Mississippi Public Records Act, arrest records are generally available to the public, though certain exceptions exist to protect ongoing investigations or safeguard sensitive information.
Court Records
The De Soto County Chancery Court and Circuit Court, both located in Hernando, maintain public records covering civil, criminal, and family law cases. Residents can access these records either by visiting the court clerk's offices in person or by searching the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system at https://courts.ms.gov/mec/mecmain.php. The county's Justice Court, which handles minor civil and criminal matters, also generates public records available upon request.
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in DeSoto County covers a range of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Sheriff's Office or the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
Public Records Access
The city maintains a public records archive that includes municipal government documents, meeting minutes, and local ordinances. Residents can access these records through the official website at https://www.hernandoms.com/public records or by contacting the City Clerk's office. The De Soto County Chancery Clerk's office houses additional public records related to real estate transactions, vital statistics, and court proceedings for the area, accessible at https://www.desotocountyms.gov/298/Chancery-Clerk.
Vital Records
Vital records for Hernando, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, are maintained by the DeSoto County Health Department. These records can be requested by visiting the department's office in Hernando or by submitting an online request through the Mississippi Department of Health's website at https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/14,0,150.html. The Hernando City Clerk's office can also provide some vital record information for the local area.
Business & Licensing Records
The City of Hernando's Economic Development Department oversees business related public records, including business licenses, permits, and zoning information. These records can be accessed by contacting the department or visiting the city's website at https://www.hernandoms.com/economic-development. The De Soto County Chamber of Commerce also maintains information on local businesses and economic data for the area, available at https://desotochamber.com/.
Economy & Demographics
Information about the economy and employment in Hernando can be found through various public records sources. The City of Hernando's Economic Development Department tracks local economic indicators and development projects, which can be accessed on the city's website at https://www.hernandoms.com/economic-development. The DeSoto County Economic Development Council also provides data and reports on the regional economy, including information specific to Hernando, at https://desotoedc.com/. The U.S. Census Bureau offers economic and demographic data for the Hernando area.
Elections & Voter Records
Voters in Hernando are served by the De Soto County Circuit Clerk's Office, which administers all county elections. The Elections Division operates from 365 Losher Street, Suite 200, Hernando, MS 38632, and can be reached at 662-469-8000 or online at www.desotocountyms.gov/circuit-clerk.
Mississippi residents can register to vote online through the Mississippi Online Voter Registration system at https://www.ms.gov/sos/voter_registration/pages/default.aspx, maintained by the Mississippi Secretary of State, or by submitting paper applications available at the Circuit Clerk's office, public libraries, and DMV offices. The voter registration deadline falls 30 days before any election, and applicants must be U.S. Citizens, Mississippi residents for 30 days, at least 18 years old by election day, and not disqualified by felony conviction - voting rights are restored upon completion of sentence including probation and parole. Acceptable voter ID includes Mississippi driver's license, photo ID card issued by a branch, department, or entity of Mississippi, U.S. Government photo ID, passport, firearms license, student photo ID from accredited Mississippi institution, U.S. Military ID, tribal photo ID, Mississippi voter photo ID card, or employee photo ID from any branch or entity of Mississippi government. The city conducts municipal elections for mayor and city aldermen, with Mississippi municipal elections held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in June in odd-numbered years. The most recent municipal elections took place in June 2021, and the next are scheduled for June 2025. The mayor and Board of Aldermen serve four-year terms. Residents can locate their assigned polling place by contacting the Circuit Clerk's Elections Division, checking their voter registration card, or using the polling place lookup tool on the Secretary of State's website at www.sos.ms.gov. Election records that are public in Mississippi include voter registration lists available for purchase for political purposes, campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State or local clerk, candidate qualifying papers, precinct-level election results, and absentee ballot statistics. Individual voter history, which elections a person voted in, but not how they voted, is also public record. In the November 2024 presidential election, De Soto County reported approximately 65-70% voter turnout with over 80,000 ballots cast from roughly 115,000 registered voters, reflecting De Soto County's engaged electorate. For the November 3, 2026 general election, voters will decide races that may include Mississippi's U.S. House sefor the 1st Congressional District, which includes De Soto County, plus potential county offices such as county supervisors, circuit clerk, chancery clerk, tax assessor, tax collector, sheriff, and coroner depending on term schedules. Mississippi's Class 2 Senate seat is not up in 2026, and the gubernatorial race occurs in 2027. All 52 state senators and 122 state representatives are elected in 2027 following redistricting, not 2026. Mississippi voters can request absentee ballots if they will be away from their county of residence on election day, are 65 or older, have a temporary or permanent disability, are a parent or caregiver of a dependent with a disability, are required to work during all polling hours, or are an elected official or poll worker assigned outside their voting precinct. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Circuit Clerk's office by mail or in person, with completed ballots returned by 7:00 PM on election day either by mail, postmarked at least one day before election, or hand-delivered.
Frequently Asked Questions
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Hernando, Desoto County, Mississippi, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Hernando, Desoto County, Mississippi including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Mississippi State Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Desoto County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
7 How do I register to vote in Hernando, Mississippi?
To register to vote in Hernando, Mississippi, residents can register online through the Mississippi Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Desoto County elections office. Mississippi requires voters to be U.S. 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 Hernando, contact the Desoto County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Hernando, Mississippi?
Property records for Hernando, Mississippi are maintained by the Desoto Tax Assessor's Office and the Desoto County Chancery Clerk. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Desoto County, including parcels in Hernando. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Desoto County Chancery Clerk 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 Desoto County offices at the county courthouse. The Desoto County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Hernando, Mississippi?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Hernando, 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 Desoto County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Desoto 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.
Hernando Public Library
370 West Commerce Street, ZIP 38632 • (662) 429-4439
Source: IMLS Public Libraries Survey FY2022
Source: IMLS Public Libraries Survey FY2022