About Porter County
Population
173,000 residents
County Seat
Valparaiso
Established
1836
Named After
Commodore David Porter
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- To look up current inmates, the public can visit the Sheriff's website and access the online inmate roster, which provides booking information, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates.
- Processing fees may apply for certified copies of arrest reports.
- Indiana law requires agencies to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time, typically within seven business days.
- For older arrest records or detailed case reports, requesters may need to contact Porter County Prosecutor's Office or the specific municipal police department involved.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond and bail process in Indiana allows for the release of detainees pending trial, with specific procedures outlined by the court system.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- Court records can be searched through the Indiana Courts Online Case Search portal (mycase.
- gov), which provides free public access to case information, filing dates, parties, attorneys, judgments, and upcoming hearings.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents are established by Indiana Code 33-37-4-1 and IC 33-37-5, typically $1.00 per page for copies and an additional $1.00 for certification.
- In-person records requests can be made at the Clerk of Courts office, Room 205 at the Government Center.
- Researchers can access docket information, case summaries, and document images through the online portal or by visiting the Clerk's office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Property & Public Records
- The online database contains indexed records and many scanned document images available for free viewing, though certified copies require payment and in-person or mail requests.
- Recording fees are established by state statute, with standard document recording at $30.00 for the first page and $5.00 for each additional page.
- The GIS portal provides aerial maps, parcel boundaries, assessment values, tax amounts, sale prices, and zoning information.
- Citizens can request certified copies of recorded documents by submitting requests in person, by mail with prepayment, or through the Recorder's office during business hours.
- The office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for recording and copy fees.
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 typically same-day if the record is on file; mail requests take approximately 7-10 business days.
- Death certificates for deaths occurring in Porter County can also be obtained through Porter County Health Department at the same location and cost structure.
- The marriage license fee is $18.00 if both parties complete a premarital education program, or $60.00 without the program.
- Certified copies of marriage records cost $2.00 per document.
- Divorce records (dissolution of marriage decrees) are maintained by Porter County Clerk as court records and can be requested from the same office.
2 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- gov), provides free public access to search for registered businesses, view filing status, registered agent information, officers, and filing history.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Porter County, Indiana?
To search for someone recently arrested in Porter County, Indiana, you can contact the Porter County Jail. The facility provides an inmate lookup process through their official website, where you can search by the inmate's name. You can call the jail directly for more information about recent arrests.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Porter County, Indiana?
Mugshots or booking photos in Porter County, Indiana, can be obtained from the Porter County Sheriff's Office. They may be available through the Sheriff's Office website or by visiting the office in person. For online access, check if the Sheriff's Office provides an online portal for public records.
How do I get a criminal background check in Porter County, Indiana?
To obtain a criminal background check in Porter County, Indiana, you can request it through the Indiana State Police, which handles background checks for the state. Locally, you may also visit the Porter County Sheriff's Office for guidance on the process. Ensure you have the necessary identification and consent from the individual being checked.
How can I look up sex offenders in Porter County, Indiana?
You can look up sex offenders in Porter County, Indiana, by accessing the Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the Indiana Department of Correction and provides detailed information about registered offenders. You can search by name, address, or proximity to a specific location.
How do I register to vote in Porter County, Indiana?
To register to vote in Porter County, you can register online at indianavoters.in.gov, in person at the Porter County Voter Registration Office at 155 Indiana Avenue in Valparaiso (phone 219-465-3462), or when obtaining a driver's license at the BMV. The deadline to register is 29 days before any election. You must be a U.S. Citizen, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and have resided in the area for at least 30 days. The same portal allows you to check registration status, find your polling place, and request absentee ballots.
How do I look up property records in Porter County, Indiana?
Property records in Porter County can be searched online through the county website at www.porterco.org, which provides access to both the Recorder's land records (deeds, mortgages, liens) and the Assessor's tax records and valuations. The county's GIS mapping system offers free public access to parcel maps, ownership information, sale prices, assessment values, and tax amounts. For certified copies of recorded documents, contact the Porter County Recorder's Office at 155 Indiana Avenue, Suite 204, Valparaiso, or call (219) 465-3470. The online search is free; certified copies require statutory fees.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Porter County, Indiana?
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Porter County can be obtained from the Porter County Health Department, Vital Records Division, at 155 Lincoln Street in Valparaiso, phone (219) 465-3525. The fee is $12.00 for the first certified copy and $4.00 for each additional copy of the same record. You must provide valid photo ID and prove a direct interest in the record (such as being the person named, immediate family, or legal representative). Processing is typically same-day for walk-ins; mail requests take 7-10 business days. Alternatively, you can order through the Indiana State Department of Health or online via www.vitalchek.com with additional service fees.
How do I find business license records in Porter County, Indiana?
For DBA (Doing Business As) and fictitious name registrations in Porter County, contact the Porter County Clerk's Office at 155 Indiana Avenue, Room 205, Valparaiso, phone (219) 465-3450. For corporations, LLCs, and other registered business entities, search the Indiana Secretary of State's free online database at www.inbiz.in.gov, which provides business names, registration status, registered agents, and filing history. Building permits and local business licenses for unincorporated areas are handled by the Porter County Development Department at (219) 465-3525, while individual cities maintain their own licensing requirements. Professional licenses are managed by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency at www.in.gov/pla.