About Knox County

County Seat Vincennes
Established 1790
Named After Revolutionary War General
Population 36,108 residents
Area 524 square miles

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I search for someone recently arrested in Knox County, Indiana?
To search for someone recently arrested in Knox County, Indiana, you can contact the Knox County Jail, located at 2375 S Old Decker Rd, Vincennes, IN 47591. The jail provides an inmate lookup service that can be accessed by calling their main line at (812) 882-7660. You may visit the local Sheriff's Office website for online resources related to inmate searches.
Mugshots or booking photos in Knox County, Indiana, can be obtained from the Knox County Sheriff's Office. They are located at 2375 S Old Decker Rd, Vincennes, IN 47591. The Sheriff's Office may provide access to these records through their official website or by visiting the office in person. It's advisable to contact them directly to inquire about the availability of online portals for viewing mugshots.
To obtain a criminal background check in Knox County, Indiana, you can contact the Indiana State Police, which handles background checks through their Limited Criminal History Search. Locally, you may also visit the Knox County Sheriff's Office for assistance. The process typically involves submitting a request form and paying a fee, either online or in person, depending on the service used.
To look up sex offenders in Knox County, Indiana, you can use the Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the Indiana Department of Correction and provides an online search tool to locate registered offenders by name, address, or proximity to a specific location.
To register to vote in Knox County, you can complete your registration online at indianavoters.in.gov, in person at the Knox County Clerk's Office at 111 North 7th Street in Vincennes, or at any Indiana BMV location. Indiana requires voters to register at least 29 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. Once registered, you can request an absentee ballot online or vote in person at your assigned precinct polling location on Election Day.
Property records in Knox County can be searched through the Knox County Recorder's Office at 111 North 7th Street, Vincennes, or by phone at (812) 885-2503. The county offers free online access to property information through the Beacon GIS system at beaconschneider.com, where you can search by owner name, address, or parcel number to find assessed values, tax information, sales history, and property boundaries. For recorded deeds, mortgages, and liens, you can access the county's online recorder database through knoxcountyin.org or visit the office in person for historical documents.
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Knox County can be requested from the Knox County Health Department at 111 South 7th Street in Vincennes, with fees typically $12 for the first certified copy. You can also order vital records from the Indiana State Department of State Vital Records Office by calling (317) 233-2700 or ordering online through VitalChek.com. Processing time is usually same-day for walk-in requests at the county level, or 1-2 weeks for mail orders. Valid photo identification and proof of relationship to the record subject are required.
Business license records in Knox County can be found through several sources depending on the type of business. For assumed business names (DBAs) and local registrations, contact the Knox County Clerk's Office at (812) 885-2521. For corporations, LLCs, and other formal business entities, use the free INBiz.in.gov portal maintained by the Indiana Secretary of State to search registered businesses statewide. Building permits and zoning information are available through the Knox County Building Department at the Government Center, and specific professional licenses can be verified through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency.

Nearby Counties

Gibson County IN Daviess County IN Greene County IN Sullivan County IN Crawford County IL Lawrence County IL Pike County IN Wabash County IL