About Wells County
Population
28,000 residents
County Seat
Bluffton
Established
1837
Named After
Captain William Wells
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement & Arrests
- Written requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest; the agency may charge reasonable copying fees as outlined in IC 5-14-3-8.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available as part of arrest records, though they may need to be requested specifically through a formal public records request to the Sheriff's Office.
- Processing time for records requests typically ranges from a few days to two weeks depending on the complexity of the request.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Courts & Case Records
- Wells County Clerk's office, serving as the clerk of courts, maintains all court records and provides public access during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- gov portal, which provides free online access to search case records from Wells County courts, including party names, case numbers, filing dates, judgments, and docket entries.
- Copies of court documents can be requested in person at the Clerk's office or by mail; the fee schedule includes $1.00 per page for copies and $6.00 for certified copies, as established by Indiana statute.
- For more detailed research or bulk record requests, researchers should contact Wells County Clerk's office directly to discuss fees and processing times.
Property & Public Records
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the Recorder's office for $6.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, as prescribed by Indiana Code 36-2-11-15.
Vital Records
Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.
- Processing time at the local health department is typically 1-3 business days for in-person requests and 1-2 weeks for mail requests.
- Death certificates follow similar procedures with the same fee structure and identification requirements.
- Divorce records are maintained as part of court records and must be requested from Wells County Clerk of Courts.
Business & Licensing
Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.
- gov, which provides free access to business entity records including registration status, registered agent information, filing history, and annual report compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Wells County, Indiana?
To search for someone recently arrested in Wells County, Indiana, you can contact the Wells County Jail located at 1615 Western Ave, Bluffton, IN 46714. The jail provides an inmate lookup service where you can inquire about recent arrests. You may visit the Wells County Sheriff's Office website for more information on their inmate search procedures.
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Wells County, Indiana?
Mugshots and booking photos in Wells County, Indiana, can be obtained from the Wells County Sheriff's Office. They are located at 1615 Western Ave, Bluffton, IN 46714. You can also check their official website for any online portal that may provide access to booking photos or contact them directly for more information.
How do I get a criminal background check in Wells County, Indiana?
To obtain a criminal background check in Wells County, Indiana, you can request it through the Indiana State Police, which manages the Limited Criminal History Search. Locally, you may also contact the Wells County Sheriff's Office for guidance on the process. Ensure you have the necessary identification and any required fees ready when making your request.
How can I look up sex offenders in Wells County, Indiana?
To look up sex offenders in Wells County, Indiana, you can use the Indiana Sex and Violent Offender Registry. This registry is managed by the Indiana Department of Correction and provides information on registered sex offenders in the area. You can search the registry online by name, address, or proximity to a specific location.
How do I register to vote in Wells County, Indiana?
To register to vote in Wells County, you can visit the Wells County Clerk's office at 102 West Market Street in Bluffton, register by mail, or use the online Indiana Voter Portal at indianavoters.in.gov. You must register at least 29 days before an election and provide proof of identity and residency. The Clerk's office at (260) 824-6471 can answer questions about registration status, polling locations, and absentee ballot requests for upcoming elections.
How do I look up property records in Wells County, Indiana?
Property records in Wells County can be searched through the Wells County Recorder's office at 102 West Market Street, Bluffton, or online at the county's website at www.wellscounty.org. The Recorder maintains deeds, mortgages, liens, and other land records, while the Wells County Assessor provides property tax assessment information and GIS mapping. Most searches are available free online, though downloading or printing documents may require payment of statutory copying fees.
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Wells County, Indiana?
Birth and death certificates for events in Wells County can be requested from the Wells County Health Department at 223 West Washington Street, Suite 1200, Bluffton, phone (260) 824-6480. Certified copies cost $28.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for additional copies ordered simultaneously; applicants must provide valid photo ID and proof of eligibility (direct relationship to the subject). Processing takes 1-3 business days in person or 1-2 weeks by mail; older records or those not found locally can be requested from the Indiana State Department of Health Vital Records office in Indianapolis or online through VitalChek.com.
How do I find business license records in Wells County, Indiana?
Business records in Wells County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the business type. Local DBA (Doing Business As) and fictitious name registrations can be searched at the Wells County Clerk's office at 102 West Market Street, Bluffton, phone (260) 824-6471. For corporations and LLCs, use the Indiana Secretary of State's free INBiz portal at www.inbiz.in.gov, which provides business entity searches including registration status and registered agent information. Local building permits and zoning compliance can be checked with the Wells County Plan Commission or municipal offices in Bluffton and Ossian.