About Mercer County
County Seat
Celina
Named After
General Hugh Mercer
- Marys, originally constructed as a feeder reservoir for the Miami and Erie Canal system in the 1840s, is Mercer County's most prominent landmark and a major recreational destination.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Under Ohio Revised Code Section 149.43, the Ohio Public Records Act, arrest records are generally public documents that can be requested from the law enforcement agency that made the arrest.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically considered public records in Ohio and may be obtained through formal public records requests to the Sheriff's Office or the specific law enforcement agency.
- Processing times for public records requests vary, and agencies may charge reasonable copying fees as permitted under Ohio law.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- Mercer County Municipal Court, located at 220 West Market Street, Celina, Ohio 45822, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, civil cases up to $15,000, and preliminary hearings for felony cases.
- Certified copies of court documents can be requested from the Clerk of Courts for a statutory fee, typically $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
- Many court records are available for public inspection free of charge, though copying fees apply for reproductions.
Property & Public Records
- Mercer County Recorder's Office provides online access to land records through a searchable database on Mercer County's website, allowing users to search by name, parcel number, or document type.
- Some basic searches may be available at no cost, while document images or certified copies may require payment.
- Mercer County provides a Geographic Information System (GIS) parcel viewer that displays property boundaries, aerial imagery, zoning information, and related spatial data.
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Ohio law requires a three-day waiting period before the marriage license becomes valid, though this may be waived by the Probate Court for an additional fee.
- Mercer County Health Department may provide assistance with vital records requests for records within their jurisdiction.
- Birth certificates typically cost $25 for the first copy and $20 for additional copies ordered simultaneously, while death certificates follow similar fee structures.
- Online ordering of Ohio vital records is available through the VitalChek service at vitalchek.com, though expedited fees apply.
- Processing times range from 2-4 weeks for mail requests to 3-5 business days for expedited online orders.
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- The Secretary of State's office processes all Articles of Incorporation, Articles of Organization for LLCs, and annual reports.
- Mercer County Chamber of Commerce, serving the greater Celina area, provides business development resources, networking opportunities, and economic information at mercercountyohio.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Mercer County, Ohio?
To search for someone recently arrested in Mercer County, Ohio, you can contact the Mercer County Jail. The facility provides an inmate lookup process that can be accessed by visiting the jail in person or calling their main line. You may check the county Sheriff's Office website for any online resources they offer for inmate searches.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Mercer County, Ohio?
Mugshots or booking photos in Mercer County, Ohio, are typically managed by the Mercer County Sheriff's Office. You can request these records directly from the Sheriff's Office or check their website for any available online portals. Keep in mind that access to these photos may be subject to Ohio's public records laws and privacy regulations.
How do I get a criminal background check in Mercer County, Ohio?
To obtain a criminal background check in Mercer County, Ohio, you can contact the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) in Ohio. Locally, you may also visit the Mercer County Sheriff's Office for assistance with fingerprinting and submitting your request to the BCI. Ensure you have the necessary identification and fees ready when making your request.
How can I look up sex offenders in Mercer County, Ohio?
To look up sex offenders in Mercer County, Ohio, you can use the Ohio Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the Ohio Attorney General's Office and provides a searchable online database. You can access it to find information about registered sex offenders residing in Mercer County.
How do I register to vote in Mercer County, Ohio?
To register to vote in Mercer County, you can complete registration online at olvr.ohiosos.gov, in person at the Mercer County Board of Elections at 1040 West Market Street in Celina, or by mailing a completed voter registration form. Ohio requires registration at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. You'll need to provide your Ohio driver's license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number, along with proof of residence. The Board of Elections can be reached at (419) 586-5722 for assistance with registration or absentee ballot requests.
How do I look up property records in Mercer County, Ohio?
Property records in Mercer County can be accessed through the Mercer County Recorder's Office at 101 North Main Street in Celina, phone (419) 586-5134, which maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, and other land documents. The Recorder's Office provides online access to searchable land records through the county website. For property tax information, assessments, and parcel data, contact the Mercer Auditor's Office at (419) 586-5211, which offers an online property search tool and GIS parcel viewer. Many basic searches are available free of charge, though certified copies require statutory fees.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Mercer County, Ohio?
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Mercer County are filed with the Ohio Department of Health, Division of Vital Statistics. You can order certified copies online through VitalChek at vitalchek.com, by mail to the state vital statistics office, or by contacting the Mercer County Health Department for local assistance. Fees are typically $25 for the first copy of a birth certificate and similar for death certificates. You must provide valid photo ID and proof of eligibility, as Ohio restricts access to immediate family members and legal representatives. Processing takes 2-4 weeks for standard requests and 3-5 business days for expedited online orders.
How do I find business license records in Mercer County, Ohio?
Business records in Mercer County can be found through multiple sources. For trade name (DBA) registrations filed at the county level, contact the Mercer County Clerk of Courts at (419) 586-6461, located at 101 North Main Street in Celina. For searches of corporations, LLCs, and other business entities, use the Ohio Secretary of State's free online Business Search at businesssearch.ohiosos.gov. Local business licenses and permits within municipalities are handled by individual city offices, while county building permits and zoning matters are managed by the Mercer County Building Department. The Mercer County Chamber of Commerce at mercercountyohio.org can provide additional business information and resources.