How the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA) Actually Works
Indiana's public records law is codified at Ind. Code § 5-14-3 (Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA)). It gives any person — resident or not, citizen or not, journalist or not — the right to inspect and copy public records held by state and local agencies. In most cases, you do not have to explain why you want the record.
Response time: 24 hours for in-person request, 7 days for mail/email. The agency's response is not necessarily a deadline to deliver records — it tells you whether the records exist and when they'll be produced.
Fee rules: first 100 pages free for state agencies; $0.10/page after. Agencies cannot inflate charges to discourage requests.
If your request is denied or unreasonably delayed, the law typically provides a mechanism to appeal — either administratively or by filing a petition in state court. Many states award attorney's fees to requesters who prevail on a wrongfully denied request.
What You Cannot Get in Indiana (the honest answer)
Many directory sites promise things Indiana law specifically restricts. Here's what's actually true:
- Rap sheet access: Limited public search via isp database. Third-party "instant background check" sites that promise a full Indiana criminal history are typically aggregating older court data — not the official state record.
- Sealed and expunged records: records cleared under Indiana's expungement law (Ind. Code § 35-38-9 (Second Chance Law)) are removed from public criminal history reports.
- Juvenile records are generally confidential under Indiana law and not available without court order.
- Active investigation records, attorney-client privileged documents, draft notes, and personnel files are exempt under standard exceptions to the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA).
- Booking photos (mugshots) have increasingly restricted commercial use across Indiana and most states — paid "mugshot removal" sites are exposed to civil liability in many jurisdictions.
Expungement and Record Clearing in Indiana
Indiana's record-clearing law is found at Ind. Code § 35-38-9 (Second Chance Law).
Eligibility: broad sealing for arrests not resulting in conviction, misdemeanors after 5 years, many Class D/Level 6 felonies after 8 years.
The petition or application is typically filed in the court of conviction. Filing fees, waiting periods, and exclusions vary by offense type — serious violent crimes and most sexual offenses are commonly excluded. Many states are moving toward automatic ("Clean Slate") sealing for qualifying records.
If you believe your Indiana record contains an error or includes an offense that should have been cleared, you have the right to challenge it through the state criminal history repository — typically by submitting a written claim with documentation.
How to Get Your Own Indiana Criminal Record
If you need your own Indiana criminal history — for an employer, a licensing board, an immigration application, or just to know what's there — the state record is maintained by the Indiana State Police (ISP) Criminal History Records.
Walkthrough:
- Choose your method: ISP Limited Criminal History online $15 or fingerprint-based $20.
- Complete the required form (most states use a standard request form available from the Indiana State Police website).
- Submit your request along with the fee. Fingerprint-based methods provide the most complete and accurate record but take longer.
- Turnaround: online: immediate; fingerprint: 2-3 weeks.
- Review the response. If you find errors, the law at Ind. Code § 10-13-3 provides procedures for correcting or challenging inaccurate criminal history information.
Fingerprint-based criminal history checks are considered the official record. Name-based checks are faster and cheaper but can miss records or include records belonging to people with similar names — verify identity carefully.
Notable Indiana Record Laws You Should Know
- HEA 1311 (2013): Second Chance Law allowing sealing of many records.
- Ind. Code § 10-13-3: the statute governing the maintenance, dissemination, and inspection of state criminal history records in Indiana.
- Federal interaction: the FBI maintains a separate national criminal history database (the Identification, Information & Investigation Services / NGI). Some Indiana background checks include a fingerprint forward to the FBI for $13–$32 additional fee, depending on purpose.
Clearer question cards, modern spacing, and the same live statewide answers from the database.
Q
What is included in a Indiana background check?
In Indiana, background checks are governed by the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA) (Indiana Code § 5-14-3-1 through § 5-14-3-10). They may include criminal history, sex offender status, court filings, arrest records, and vital statistics. Agencies must respond within 7 calendar days for mailed, faxed, or emailed requests. The law is administered by Indiana Public Access Counselor (PAC), 150 W. Market St., Suite 613, Indianapolis, IN 46204; (317) 234-0906.
Q
Where can I find police reports in Indiana?
Police reports in Indiana are public records under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA). Submit your request to the agency that generated the report. Who may request: Any person - no residency requirement. Response deadline: 7 calendar days for mailed, faxed, or emailed requests. If access is denied, you may appeal to district or circuit court.
Q
What are the procedures to obtain Indiana vital records, and what information is included?
Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) in Indiana are maintained by the state Department of Health or Vital Statistics. Standard fees: Actual cost of reproduction; $0.10 per page for standard copies. Agencies may ch. Certified copies carry separate fee schedules. Fee waivers may be available for journalists, nonprofits, and public-interest requesters - always ask.
Q
What is the school district and performance data for Indiana?
The Indiana Department of Education provides school district and performance data for all public schools in the state. This data includes information on student enrollment, test scores, graduation rates, and other indicators of school performance. The data can be accessed through the Indiana School Performance Dashboard, which is available online. The Indiana Department of Education (www.doe.in.gov), headquartered in Indianapolis, IN, is the authoritative source for Indiana school district performance metrics. Reported metrics include proficiency rates in English language arts and mathematics, English learner progress, science achievement, and school climate indicators. Data is updated annually and can be searched by district, school, or student group on the department's data portal.
Q
What is the crime statistics for Indiana?
Indiana crime statistics are compiled by the Indiana State Police (ISP), Records and Technology Division, and published annually at in.gov/isp. The FBI UCR program also includes Indiana data. In 2022, Indiana reported a violent crime rate of approximately 330 per 100,000 residents. The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) publishes crime and safety data at cji.in.gov. Local data is available through city and county police department websites.
Q
If I get arrested in Indiana where would I go to jail and court? include address.
If arrested in Indiana, you would be taken to the local county jail. Court appearances are scheduled in the county where the arrest occurred. Under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), arrest records and booking information are generally public. Oversight: Indiana Public Access Counselor (PAC), 150 W. Market St., Suite 613, Indianapolis, IN 46204; (317) 234-0906. Appeals go to district or circuit court.
Q
Can I find Public records in Indiana State Library?
Yes. Indiana state and public libraries provide access to public records databases. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA) (Indiana Code § 5-14-3-1 through § 5-14-3-10) guarantees public access to government documents. Many libraries offer free access to LexisNexis, court records portals, and vital record indexes. Under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Ind. Code § 5-14-3-1), Indiana residents can access public records through state and local libraries. The Indiana State Library, 315 W maintains research collections including historical newspapers, land records, probate files, and legislative archives. Libraries also provide free access to LexisNexis Public Records and other subscription databases not available at home. Reference librarians are available to help navigate Indiana government records portals and submit public records requests.
Q
Where is the Indiana State Library located?
The Indiana State Library is located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The address is 140 N. Senate Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46204. In addition to its main location, the Indiana State Library coordinates resources and services for public libraries statewide. Patrons can access LexisNexis, ProQuest Historical Newspapers, and PACER court records indexes through the library. Under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Ind. Code § 5-14-3-1), government documents are available for public inspection during regular business hours. Reference librarians in Indianapolis, IN can assist with inter-library loans, records requests, and genealogical research inquiries.
Q
Indiana State fingerprinting office
The Indiana State Police provides fingerprinting services at its headquarters in Indianapolis. Fingerprinting services are also available at many local police departments and sheriff's offices throughout the state. In addition to Indiana State Police (ISP) facilities in Indianapolis, many county sheriff offices and city police departments in Indiana offer walk-in or appointment fingerprinting. LiveScan electronic fingerprinting is accepted for most Indiana licensing boards, courts, and employment agencies. The ORI (Originating Agency Identifier) number must be provided by the requesting agency. Fees typically range from $5 to $50 depending on purpose. Results are sent directly to the requester's agency, not to the applicant.