Tippecanoe County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Tippecanoe County?

Public records in Tippecanoe County encompass a wide range of official documents maintained by various county departments and agencies pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-3, also known as the Indiana Public Records Act. These records document government activities, property ownership, legal proceedings, and other matters of public interest. The following categories of public records are maintained by Tippecanoe County:

Property Records - Assessment records, deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax information maintained by the County Assessor and County Recorder
Court Records - Civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims case files accessible through the Tippecanoe County Courts
Vital Records - Birth and death certificates (limited access), marriage licenses, and divorce decrees
Tax Records - Property tax statements, payment records, and delinquency information available through the County Treasurer
Election Records - Voter registration information, election results, and campaign finance reports
Business Records - Business licenses, permits, and registrations
Government Records - County commission minutes, ordinances, resolutions, budgets, and financial reports
Public Health Records - Restaurant inspections, septic permits, and other environmental health records from the Health Department
Land Use Records - Zoning maps, building permits, and planning documents

Is Tippecanoe County an Open Records County?

Tippecanoe County is an open records county in accordance with the Indiana Public Records Act (IC 5-14-3). This statute establishes the presumption that all records of public agencies are accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. According to IC 5-14-3-1, the fundamental philosophy of the Indiana government is that "all persons are entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public officials and employees."

The Tippecanoe County Government adheres to this principle by:

Maintaining public access to records during regular business hours
Providing both physical and electronic access to many records
Establishing procedures for requesting and obtaining copies of public records
Designating public access officers in various departments to assist with record requests
Publishing many records online through the county's official website

The county's commitment to transparency is further demonstrated through its online portal systems that provide access to court records, property information, and other public documents. However, certain records may be exempt from disclosure as specified under IC 5-14-3-4, which outlines exceptions to protect privacy, confidentiality, and security interests.

How Do I Find Public Records in Tippecanoe County in 2025

Members of the public seeking access to Tippecanoe County records in 2025 have multiple methods available to them. The county has implemented a hybrid system that combines traditional in-person services with enhanced digital access options. To locate public records, individuals may utilize the following approaches:

Online Access - Many records are available through the Tippecanoe County official website, which provides dedicated portals for different record types. The court records portal offers access to case information through the Odyssey case management system.
In-Person Requests - Visitors may appear at the appropriate county office during regular business hours to request records. The Tippecanoe County Courthouse and administrative offices are located at:

Tippecanoe County Courthouse
301 Main Street
Lafayette, IN 47901
(765) 423-9215
Tippecanoe County Government

Written Requests - Formal written requests may be submitted by mail or email to the relevant department. Requests should include specific information about the records sought, including names, dates, and document types when applicable.
Department-Specific Access - Different types of records are maintained by specific departments:
- Property records: County Assessor or County Recorder
- Court records: Clerk of Courts through the court records portal
- Tax information: County Treasurer
- Health records: County Health Department
Legal Research Assistance - The Tippecanoe County Law Library provides resources for individuals conducting legal research or seeking self-help materials.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Tippecanoe County?

Tippecanoe County assesses fees for public records in accordance with Indiana Code § 5-14-3-8, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for copying and certification. The fee structure for obtaining public records in Tippecanoe County is as follows:

Standard Document Copies
- Black and white copies: $0.10 per page (letter/legal size)
- Color copies: $0.25 per page (letter/legal size)
- Large format documents (maps, plats): $5.00 - $25.00 depending on size
Certified Copies
- Court records certification: $1.00 per document plus copy fees
- Vital records certification: $5.00 - $15.00 depending on record type
- Recorded documents certification: $5.00 per document
Electronic Records
- Records provided via email (when available): No charge for transmission
- Records provided on CD/DVD: $5.00 per disc plus staff time
- Online access to certain databases: Free for basic searches; subscription fees may apply for advanced features
Specialized Records
- Marriage licenses: $18.00
- Birth certificates: $10.00 for first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy
- Death certificates: $8.00 for first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy
- Property record cards: $1.00 per parcel
- Recorded documents (deeds, mortgages): $1.00 per page
Research and Staff Time
- First 15 minutes: No charge
- Additional time: $20.00 per hour, billed in 15-minute increments

Payment may be made by cash, check, or credit card (subject to a processing fee) at most county offices. Some departments may require payment in advance for extensive requests.

Does Tippecanoe County Have Free Public Records?

Tippecanoe County provides certain public records at no cost to requesters, particularly through online access channels. While Indiana law permits charging reasonable fees for copies, the county has implemented several free access options:

Online Records Portal - The Tippecanoe County website offers free access to numerous public records databases, including:
- Basic property information through the Assessor's database
- Court case summaries through the Odyssey case management system
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Budget documents and financial reports
- Election results and voter information
Public Access Terminals - Free on-site computer terminals are available at several county offices for public use, including:
- Recorder's Office for property records
- Clerk's Office for court records
- Assessor's Office for property assessment data
- County Law Library for legal research materials
Inspection Without Copies - Pursuant to IC 5-14-3-8(c), individuals may inspect public records without charge during regular business hours. This allows citizens to view documents without incurring copy fees.
Fee Waivers - The county may waive fees in certain circumstances:
- For indigent individuals in court proceedings
- For requests from nonprofit organizations serving the public interest
- For small requests (fewer than 10 pages) at the discretion of department heads
Public Libraries - The Tippecanoe County Public Library system provides free access to many county records and databases through their public computers.

Who Can Request Public Records In Tippecanoe County?

Under the Indiana Public Records Act (IC 5-14-3), any person may request access to public records maintained by Tippecanoe County. The law defines broad eligibility criteria with minimal restrictions on who may submit requests:

Indiana Residents - All Indiana residents have full rights to access public records under state law.
Non-Residents - Individuals who are not Indiana residents may also request public records, as Tippecanoe County does not impose residency requirements for basic record access.
Business Entities - Corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and other business entities may request public records through authorized representatives.
Media Organizations - Journalists and news outlets have the same access rights as other requesters, though they may receive priority processing for time-sensitive matters.
Government Agencies - Other governmental bodies may request records through official channels, often with expedited processing.
Legal Representatives - Attorneys may request records on behalf of clients with proper authorization.
Minors - Individuals under 18 years of age may have limited ability to request certain records without parental consent.

Requesters are not required to provide identification for most record requests, though certain sensitive records (such as vital records) may require proof of identity or legal interest. The county may ask requesters to provide contact information for processing purposes, but requesters are not obligated to state the purpose of their request except in limited circumstances involving commercial use of certain records.

What Records Are Confidential In Tippecanoe County?

Tippecanoe County maintains certain records as confidential in accordance with exemptions specified in the Indiana Public Records Act (IC 5-14-3-4) and other applicable state and federal laws. These confidential records are not available for public inspection or copying. The following categories of records are generally considered confidential:

Personal Information
- Social Security numbers
- Driver's license numbers
- Financial account information
- Medical records and protected health information under HIPAA
- Personnel records containing private employee information
Juvenile Records
- Juvenile court proceedings and records
- Child welfare case files
- Records of minors in the juvenile justice system
Law Enforcement Records
- Active criminal investigations
- Intelligence gathering information
- Records that would jeopardize ongoing investigations
- Certain law enforcement techniques and procedures
Court Records
- Records sealed by court order
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Certain family court matters involving children
Vital Records
- Birth certificates less than 75 years old (except to eligible individuals)
- Confidential portions of death, marriage, and divorce records
Government Operations
- Records concerning security measures and emergency response plans
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Deliberative materials prior to final decision-making
- Trade secrets or confidential financial information submitted to the county
Other Protected Records
- Library patron records
- Certain economic development negotiations
- Academic records protected under FERPA
- Voter information designated as confidential

Individuals seeking access to confidential records may need to obtain a court order or demonstrate legal authorization. In some cases, redacted versions of records may be provided with confidential information removed.

Tippecanoe County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

The Tippecanoe County Recorder's Office serves as the official custodian of land records and other important documents for the county. The office is responsible for recording, maintaining, and providing access to various legal instruments affecting real property and other official records.

Tippecanoe County Recorder's Office
20 North 3rd Street
Lafayette, IN 47901
(765) 423-9388
County Recorder's Office

Public Counter Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

The Recorder's Office maintains and provides access to the following types of documents:

Deeds, mortgages, and releases
Liens and satisfactions
Military discharge papers (DD-214)
Subdivision plats and surveys
Powers of attorney
Business name registrations (d/b/a)
Mechanic's liens
Tax liens and releases
Easements and right-of-way agreements

Individuals seeking to record documents must ensure they meet all statutory requirements for recording, including proper formatting, signatures, and notarization where required. The office accepts documents in person, by mail, and through electronic recording for authorized submitters.