Waveland Public Records Directory
All links go directly to official Waveland, Mississippi government websites.
About Waveland, Mississippi
Economically, Waveland has seen significant growth since the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which led to extensive rebuilding efforts and revitalization of the area.Waveland's commitment to recovery and development is evident in its annual events, such as the Waveland Seafood Festival, which celebrates the local fishing industry and promotes tourism.
Law Enforcement
Beyond the Hancock County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate throughout the county to handle local law enforcement. These include the Bay St. Louis Police Department, Waveland Police Department, and Diamondhead Police Department. Each city department manages law enforcement within its own jurisdiction, addressing local crimes and community policing efforts specific to its residents.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Hancock County Adult Detention Center is the primary jail facility for Hancock County. When individuals are arrested anywhere in Hancock County, they're processed through this facility, where booking includes photographing, fingerprinting, and recording personal information. Residents looking for information about current detainees can use inmate lookup services available through the Sheriff's Office. Visitation follows facility-specific rules, with scheduled times and regulations that all visitors must observe.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Hancock County are maintained by the Sheriff's Office, which documents the details of arrests made throughout Hancock County. These records include the charges filed, the arresting officer, and booking information. Residents and attorneys seeking arrest records can request them by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly and following procedures outlined under the Mississippi Public Records Act. A typical arrest record in Hancock County contains the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the date and location of the arrest.
Court Records
Court records for Waveland, Mississippi, are maintained by the Hancock County Circuit Clerk's Office, which oversees civil and criminal case files along with court dockets and judgments. The office is located at 854 Highway 90, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520. Residents can contact the office at (228) 467-0761 or access information online at https://www.hancockcountycircuitclerk.com/.
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Hancock County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. To run a background check, residents can request information from these agencies or use services provided by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation.
Public Records Access
Public records for Waveland, Mississippi, can be accessed through the Hancock County Chancery Clerk's Office. The office maintains a wide range of records, including land deeds, property tax assessments, and vital records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates. The Chancery Clerk's Office is located at 854 Highway 90, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520. Residents can reach the office at (228) 467-0761 or visit https://www.hancockcountychanceryclerk.com/.
Vital Records
Vital records for Waveland, Mississippi, are maintained by the Hancock County Health Department. This includes birth, marriage, and death certificates. The Hancock County Health Department is located at 414 Highway 90, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520. The department can be contacted at (228) 467-9572 or online at https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/19,0,77.html.
Business & Licensing Records
Business records for Waveland, Mississippi, can be accessed through the Mississippi Secretary of State's office, which maintains information on registered businesses, corporations, and limited liability companies. The office is located at 401 Mississippi Street, Jackson, MS 39201. Residents can contact the office at (601) 359-1633 or visit https://www.sos.ms.gov/.
Economy & Demographics
Economic data and records for Waveland, Mississippi, can be accessed through the Hancock County Economic Development Foundation. This organization tracks local business and industry trends, as well as demographic and employment data. The Hancock County Economic Development Foundation is located at 1533 Highway 90, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520. The organization can be contacted at (228) 467-9231 or online at https://www.hancockcountyedf.com/.
Elections & Voter Records
Waveland voters are served by the Hancock County Circuit Clerk's Office, which administers elections across Hancock County. The office is, Bay St. Louis, MS 39520, and can be reached at 228-467-5404 or through hancockcounty.ms/circuit-clerk. Mississippi residents can register to vote online through the Mississippi Online Voter Registration system at https://www.ms.gov/sos/voter_registration/pages/default.aspx, operated by the Mississippi Secretary of State's office.
Registration must be completed at least 30 days before an election, and applicants need a valid Mississippi driver's license or state ID card. Residents can also register in person at the Circuit Clerk's office or by mail. The city holds municipal elections for mayor and city council members, with Mississippi municipal elections typically occurring in June of odd-numbered years. The next regular municipal elections are scheduled for June 2025. Candidates for city office file with the Waveland City Clerk, and local ballot measures are decided during these municipal contests. Residents also participate in county, state, and federal elections, including county supervisor races, state legislative seats - the city falls within specific Mississippi House and Senate districts - and federal offices. Polling place assignments can be found by contacting the Circuit Clerk's office or using the Mississippi Secretary of State's polling place lookup tool at https://www.sos.ms.gov/elections-voting/pages/polling-place-locator.aspx. Mississippi public records law makes certain election records publicly accessible. These include voter registration lists for approved purposes, campaign finance reports filed with the Secretary of State, candidate qualification documents, and precinct-level election results. In the November 2024 presidential election, Hancock County reported strong turnout with approximately 60-65% of registered voters participating, reflecting the high engagement typical of presidential election years. Senate - Mississippi has a Class II Senate seat that will be contested in 2026 - as well as U.S. House of Representatives for Mississippi's 4th Congressional District, various state legislative seats, and county offices including County Supervisors, Circuit Clerk, Chancery Clerk, Sheriff, Tax Assessor, and other constitutional offices. Mississippi offers absentee voting for voters who will be away from their polling place on election day, are 65 or older, have a disability, are required to work during polling hours, are a parent or caregiver of a dependent with a disability, or are an election worker. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to the Circuit Clerk's office, with specific deadlines before each election.
Frequently Asked Questions
6 What are the requirements for obtaining vital records from Waveland, Hancock County, Mississippi, and what information is provided in the records?
Vital records for Waveland, Hancock County, Mississippi including birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses are available through the Mississippi State Department of Health. Requests can be made online, by mail, or in person. The Hancock County Clerk's office may also issue certified copies. Valid identification and proof of eligibility are required.
7 How do I register to vote in Waveland, Mississippi?
To register to vote in Waveland, Mississippi, residents can register online through the Mississippi Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Hancock County elections office. Mississippi requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Mississippi Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Waveland, contact the Hancock County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
8 How do I look up property records in Waveland, Mississippi?
Property records for Waveland, Mississippi are maintained by the Hancock Tax Assessor's Office and the Hancock County Chancery Clerk. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Hancock County, including parcels in Waveland. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Hancock County Chancery Clerk maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Mississippi counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Hancock County offices at the county courthouse. The Hancock County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.
9 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Waveland, Mississippi?
Birth, death, and marriage records for Waveland, Mississippi residents are available through both county and state offices. The Mississippi State Department of Health, Vital Records, located in Jackson, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Mississippi. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Hancock County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Hancock County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.
Nearby Cities in Hancock County, Mississippi
Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:
Waveland Public Library
345 Coleman Avenue, ZIP 39576 • (228) 467-9240
Source: IMLS Public Libraries Survey FY2022
Source: IMLS Public Libraries Survey FY2022