About Ross County
Population
77,000 residents
County Seat
Chillicothe
2 North Paint Street, Chillicothe, OH 45601
1 South Paint Street, Chillicothe, OH 45601
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Under Ohio Revised Code Section 149.43, the Ohio Public Records Act, arrest records are generally considered public information and can be requested from the arresting agency.
- Written requests for arrest records, booking reports, and incident reports should be submitted to the specific law enforcement agency that made the arrest.
- Response times for records requests typically range from immediate access for simple requests to several days for more complex searches requiring review of archived materials.
28 North Plaza Boulevard, Chillicothe, OH 45601
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Jail & Inmate Records
- The bond and bail process in Ohio allows for the release of inmates under certain conditions, and information on posting bail can be obtained through the jail's administrative office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- Online case searches are available through the Ohio Courts Network at www.courtsofohio.gov, though some detailed records may require in-person or written requests.
- The Clerk of Courts charges fees for certified copies typically ranging from $1.00 per page plus $1.00 for certification.
2 North Paint Street, Chillicothe, OH 45601 • Phone: 740-775-8750
26 South Paint Street, Chillicothe, OH 45601
Property & Public Records
- Ross County offers an online property record search through the Laredo system at recorder.co.ross.oh.us, allowing users to search by name, parcel number, or document type.
- While basic searches are free, certified copies require payment and can be requested in person or by mail with appropriate fees (typically $2.00 for the first page and $0.25 for each additional page).
- Property tax information is maintained separately by Ross County Auditor at 1 South Paint Street, Chillicothe, OH 45601 (phone: 740-702-3080).
- For official certified copies of recorded documents, requests must be submitted to the Recorder's Office with specific document information including book and page numbers or document numbers.
- Ross County's full online access to both recorded documents and tax records provides substantial transparency for property research, title searches, and due diligence investigations.
1 South Paint Street, Chillicothe, OH 45601 • Phone: 740-702-3080
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- The current fee for certified copies is $27.00 for each birth certificate and $27.00 for each death certificate, with additional copies of the same record ordered simultaneously costing $9.00 each.
- Processing time typically ranges from 2-4 weeks for mail requests, though in-person requests at the Health District may be processed same-day if records are readily available.
- The marriage license fee is approximately $50.00.
- Certified copies of marriage records are available from the Probate Court for $2.00 per page.
- Online ordering for Ohio vital records is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com with additional service fees.
475 Western Avenue, Chillicothe, OH 45601 • Phone: 740-702-3020
2 North Paint Street, Chillicothe, OH 45601 • Phone: 740-702-3080
Business & Licensing
35 South Paint Street, Chillicothe, OH 45601 • Phone: 740-774-5970
45 East Main Street, Chillicothe, OH 45601 • Phone: 740-702-3069
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Ross County, Ohio?
To search for someone recently arrested in Ross County, Ohio, you can contact the Ross County Jail, located at 28 North Paint Street, Chillicothe, Ohio. The jail provides an inmate lookup process through their official website, where you can search by the individual's name. You can call the jail directly at (740) 773-1187 for assistance with locating an inmate.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Ross County, Ohio?
Mugshots and booking photos in Ross County, Ohio, are typically managed by the Ross County Sheriff's Office. You can visit their office at 28 North Paint Street, Chillicothe, Ohio, or access their online portal for recent bookings. For more detailed inquiries, you can contact the Sheriff's Office at (740) 773-1185.
How do I get a criminal background check in Ross County, Ohio?
To obtain a criminal background check in Ross County, Ohio, you can request a check through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Locally, you can visit the Ross County Sheriff's Office for fingerprinting services required for the background check process. It's important to bring valid identification and any necessary forms when visiting the office.
How can I look up sex offenders in Ross County, Ohio?
To look up sex offenders in Ross County, Ohio, you can use the Ohio Sex Offender Registry, which is maintained by the Ohio Attorney General's Office. The registry provides a searchable online database where you can search for offenders by name, address, or proximity to a specific location. This tool helps residents stay informed about registered sex offenders in their area.
How do I register to vote in Ross County, Ohio?
Voter registration in Ross County is handled by the Ross County Board of Elections at 51 North Paint Street, Chillicothe, OH 45601 (phone: 740-702-3220). You can register online at olvr.ohiosos.gov, in person at the Board of Elections office, at any Ohio BMV location, or by mailing a completed voter registration form. Ohio requires registration at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote. Once registered, you can request an absentee ballot through the Board of Elections for any election without providing a reason.
How do I look up property records in Ross County, Ohio?
Property records in Ross County are maintained by two offices: the Ross County Recorder at 45 West Main Street (740-702-3080) handles deeds, mortgages, and liens with online searches available at recorder.co.ross.oh.us, while the Auditor at 1 South Paint Street maintains property tax records, assessments, and GIS maps at www.rossauditor.com. Both offices offer free online searching for basic information, though certified copies require payment and must be requested directly from the respective office. The Auditor's website provides parcel maps, ownership history, and current tax amounts.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Ross County, Ohio?
Birth and death certificates for Ross County can be obtained through the Ross County Health District at 475 Western Avenue, Chillicothe (740-702-3020) or the Ohio Department of Health Office of Vital Statistics in Columbus. The fee is $27.00 for the first certified copy and $9.00 for additional copies of the same record ordered simultaneously. Processing takes 2-4 weeks by mail, though same-day service may be available for in-person requests at the Health District. Applicants must provide valid photo ID and demonstrate they are the registrant, immediate family member, or have legal authority to access the record. Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com with additional service fees.
How do I find business license records in Ross County, Ohio?
Business records in Ross County depend on the type of business and registration. For state-registered entities like corporations and LLCs, search the Ohio Secretary of State's free database at businesssearch.ohiosos.gov. Local business licenses in Chillicothe are handled by the City Income Tax Division at 35 South Paint Street (740-774-5970). For fictitious name (DBA) registrations, contact the municipality where the business operates. Building permits and zoning records for unincorporated Ross County are maintained by the Ross County Building Department at 475 Western Avenue, Suite E (740-702-3069).