About Knox County
Knox County, Indiana, is located in the southwestern part of the state along the Wabash River, bordering Illinois to the west. Established in 1790, it is one of Indiana's oldest counties, predating statehood by 26 years. Knox County seat is Vincennes, a city rich in Revolutionary War history and home to the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park. Knox County includes approximately 516 square miles and had an estimated population of around 36,000 residents as of recent census data. Knox County is named after Revolutionary War General Henry Knox, the first United States Secretary of War. Major landmarks include the Indiana Territorial Capitol, Grouseland (William Henry Harrison's home), the Old Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis Xavier, and Vincennes University, Indiana's first college founded in 1801. Knox County's unique position at the convergence of the Wabash River and several historic trails made it a crucial settlement point in early American westward expansion. Knox County government operates through various constitutional offices including Knox County Recorder located at Knox County Government Center at 111 North 7th Street in Vincennes, Knox County Clerk's Office also at the Government Center, and Knox County Assessor at the same location. Knox County's economy has historically been tied to agriculture, manufacturing, and education, with Vincennes University acting as a major employer and cultural center. The surrounding scene features rich farmland, forested areas, and river bottomlands that support both agricultural and recreational activities.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Processing fees may apply for copies of reports and photographs.
- Indiana law requires agencies to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time, typically within 24 hours for straightforward requests.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond and bail process in Indiana allows for the release of inmates through cash bonds or bail bondsmen, with specific procedures outlined by Knox County.
Courts & Case Records
- gov portal, which provides free online access to search civil, criminal, family, probate, and other case types across Indiana counties, including Knox County.
- Certified copies of court documents can be requested through Knox County Clerk's Office for a fee of typically $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
- Knox County Small Claims Court, operating as part of the Superior Court system, handles disputes involving amounts up to $6,000 and provides an accessible forum for citizens without requiring attorney representation.
- Fees for copies and research services are established by state statute and county ordinance.
Property & Public Records
- Knox County provides a GIS parcel viewer through Beacon at beaconschneider.com, allowing users to search property information by owner name, parcel number, or address free of charge.
- Requests for recorded documents can be made in person, by mail, or in some cases online, with payment accepted by cash, check, or credit card.
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Processing time for walk-in requests is usually same-day if records are readily available, while mail-in requests may take 1-2 weeks.
- Couples must apply in person, provide valid identification, and pay the required fee, currently $18.
- Applicants must present valid photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record being requested.
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- gov, a free online portal where anyyou can search registered business entities, view formation documents, check registered agents, verify good standing status, and review annual reports.
- The Greater Vincennes Chamber of Commerce, located at 102 North 3rd Street in Vincennes, provides resources for local businesses, economic development information, and community business directories.