About Putnam County
Area
484 square miles
County Seat
Ottawa
Established
1820
Named After
General Israel the
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal police department.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records in Ohio and may be requested through the agency that made the arrest.
- Processing times and any associated fees vary by agency.
1445 East Third Street, Ottawa, OH 45875
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond and bail process in Ohio allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on posting bail can be obtained from the jail administration.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- Putnam County does not have a separate Municipal Court; instead, Putnam County Court serves both common pleas and county court functions, handling misdemeanor criminal cases and civil matters under $15,000.
- Fees for copies typically include $1.00 per page for standard documents and higher fees for certified copies.
- The court provides public access terminals in the courthouse for those who wish to search records in person.
- Interested parties should contact the Clerk of Courts for specific information about accessing particular case types and associated fees.
245 East Main Street, Ottawa, OH 45875
Property & Public Records
- The office provides public access to records during regular business hours, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- An online records search system may be available through Putnam County website at putnamcountyohio.gov, allowing users to search by grantor, grantee, document type, or parcel number.
- Fees for copies are established by Ohio Revised Code Section 317.32 and typically include $2.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page.
- Certified copies require an additional fee for the Recorder's seal and signature.
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate if the record is found; mail requests may take 2-4 weeks.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $50.00.
1130 West Third Street, Ottawa, OH 45875
245 East Main Street, Ottawa, OH 45875
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- The Ohio Business Central portal at businessexpress.ohio.gov provides free online searching of registered business entities, including status, registered agent information, filing history, and annual reports.
- New businesses can register online through the same portal.
- Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, serving the greater Ottawa area, provides resources for local businesses and can be found online.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Putnam County, Ohio?
To search for someone recently arrested in Putnam County, Ohio, you can contact the Putnam County Jail. The jail provides an inmate lookup service where you can inquire about recent arrests. You can visit the jail in person at 1035 Heritage Trail, Ottawa, Ohio, or call them at (419) 523-3208 for more information on the inmate search process.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Putnam County, Ohio?
Mugshots or booking photos in Putnam County, Ohio, can be obtained from the Putnam County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office may provide access to these records through their official website or upon request at their office located at 1035 Heritage Trail, Ottawa, Ohio. It's advisable to contact them at (419) 523-3208 to inquire about the availability of an online portal or any specific procedures for obtaining these photos.
How do I get a criminal background check in Putnam County, Ohio?
To obtain a criminal background check in Putnam County, Ohio, you can request it through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Locally, you can visit the Putnam County Sheriff's Office for fingerprinting services, which are required for the BCI check. The Sheriff's Office can provide guidance on the process and necessary forms, and they are located at 1035 Heritage Trail, Ottawa, Ohio.
How can I look up sex offenders in Putnam County, Ohio?
You can look up sex offenders in Putnam County, Ohio, by accessing the Ohio Attorney General's eSORN (Electronic Sex Offender Registration and Notification) system. This registry provides detailed information about registered sex offenders in the area.
How do I register to vote in Putnam County, Ohio?
To register to vote in Putnam County, you can complete the process online at olvr.ohiosos.gov, by mail, or in person at the Putnam County Board of Elections at 245 East Main Street, Suite 109, Ottawa, OH 45875, phone (419) 523-5908. You must register at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. Once registered, you can request an absentee ballot for any election without providing an excuse, and early in-person voting is available at the Board of Elections beginning four weeks before Election Day.
How do I look up property records in Putnam County, Ohio?
Property records in Putnam County can be accessed through the Putnam County Recorder's Office at 245 East Main Street, Suite 102, Ottawa, OH 45875, phone (419) 523-6686, which maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats. The county Auditor's Office at (419) 523-6498 maintains property tax assessments, ownership information, and parcel data. Many property records are available through free online search systems on the county website at putnamcountyohio.gov, including GIS mapping and parcel information. Certified copies can be obtained from the Recorder's Office for statutory fees.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Putnam County, Ohio?
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Putnam County can be obtained from the Putnam County Health Department at 1130 West Third Street, Ottawa, OH 45875, phone (419) 523-5608. Certified copies cost approximately $25.00 each, and applicants must provide valid photo ID and demonstrate eligibility under Ohio Revised Code Section 3705.24. In-person requests can typically be processed immediately if the record is found, while mail requests take 2-4 weeks. You can also order Ohio vital records through the state Office of Vital Statistics or online via VitalChek at vitalchek.com.
How do I find business license records in Putnam County, Ohio?
Business entity registrations including corporations and LLCs are maintained by the Ohio Secretary of State and can be searched for free at businessexpress.ohio.gov. Fictitious name (DBA) filings are recorded with the Putnam County Clerk of Courts at 245 East Main Street, Ottawa. Local business licenses, if required, are issued by individual municipalities such as Ottawa, Leipsic, or Columbus Grove, and you should contact the specific village clerk's office for local licensing requirements. Professional licenses are issued by respective Ohio state licensing boards, not at the county level.