What are Delaware County Public Records?
Under the Ohio Open Records Law, Delaware County public records are kept by any public office across the county, including state, city, village, and township agencies. The law also defines public records as records that document an agency's functions, decisions, policies, procedures, operations, and other activities. Examples include all documents, devices, or items that contain Delaware public records notwithstanding physical form or characteristics.
While most records are easily accessible by the general public, Ohio law states that some records should be closed to public disclosure. Some examples of exempt records include:
- Medical records that contain a person’s medical history, prognosis, diagnosis, or medical condition, created or maintained as part of the person’s treatment. However, information on births, deaths, and the fact of admission or discharge from hospital, is public
- All adoption proceedings, including the content of an adoption file with the Ohio Department of Health
- Inmate records of young persons released to any court of record or the Ohio Department of Youth Services, from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections
- Intellectual property records created by a state university or college researchers if not yet published, patented or publicly released
- All records prohibited from public disclosure by state or federal law
- Information protected by the attorney-client privilege
- Information gathered by the organized crime taskforce
- Tax returns, unless a judicial order provides access
- Records that contain names, addresses, and usage data of commercial and residential customers of a public utility
- Certain personal identifying information, including tax identification number, social security number, driver’s license number, or other Ohio state identification number. This exemption also covers medical and financial account numbers
- Confidential investigative records compiled by a law enforcement agency. This specifically includes records related to a law enforcement matter and containing confidential investigatory techniques or sensitive information. Examples include the identities of yet-to-be-charged suspects, confidential informants, or other persons promised confidentiality.
Delaware County Crime Statistics
The Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS) provides information on statewide crime statistics. According to figures published in 2017, Delaware County reported 188 violent crimes and 2,594 property crimes totaling 2,782. The listed violent crimes include 1 murder, 73 rape cases, 44 robberies, and 70 aggravated assaults. For property crimes, the report revealed 442 burglaries, 2,039 larceny thefts, 92 motor vehicle thefts, and 21 arson incidents.
In 2016, the OCJS reported 185 violent crimes and 2,751 property crimes - a total of 2,936 offenses. These figures show that between 2016 and 2017, the Delaware County crime rate reduced by 5.2%.
Are Delaware County Criminal Records Public?
Delaware County criminal records are not considered public. These records are only available to certain employers and strictly for employment purposes. Under state law, eligible employers include schools, health care facilities, and several other related organizations. Interested parties may visit the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office to submit requests. Residents must schedule appointments as follows:
- Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Wednesdays: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
Fingerprinting services are required to obtain Delaware criminal records. Each requester must confirm the type of fingerprints required, choosing either the BCI (Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation) fingerprints or the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) fingerprints. In some cases, requesters may need both. Record seekers are charged $40 for either type or $70 for both. Ink cards cost $10 each. Information required during the process includes:
- Exact address to receive mailed records
- A valid driver’s license or other state ID
- Social Security Number (card not required)
- The appropriate BCI reason code, FBI reason code, or both
All fingerprinting takes place at the following address:
Delaware County Sheriff’s Office
Concealed Carry & Fingerprinting Office
844 US Highway 42 North
Delaware, OH 43015
How to Obtain Delaware County Police Reports and Arrest Records
The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office maintains a public records request page for incident reports. Persons seeking Delaware County arrest records and police reports may complete the online form with known details. Required information includes the following:
- Requester’s full name and email address
- Incident date and type
- A description of the desired record
Record seekers must also enter a report number. If this number is unknown, the person must provide an incident location and the name of an involved party. Upon receiving requests, the Sheriff’s Office will email the desired Delaware arrest records or police reports as soon as possible and without charge. If the report is over 25 pages, the office may charge a minimal fee and require the individual to pick up the request at the following address:
Delaware County Sheriff’s Office
149 N. Sandusky Street
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2810
Fax: (740) 833-2809
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Mondays through Fridays
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Delaware County
The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office’s website features a sex offender registry with details of sex offenders registered in the county. The registry allows all interested persons to search by name, area, or city. Using the area search, users must provide an address, city, and zip code. For the name search, a first name or last name is required.
The platform also lets users search for published offenders using their internet names, phone numbers, or email addresses. If there is a match, the user may then contact the Sheriff’s Office for more information. However, parties must note that the absence of a result via the internet name, phone number, or email search does not guarantee that the person is not a registered sex offender or that the offender has properly submitted all internet names and email addresses. Parties may also view a list of all registered non-compliant sex offenders in Delaware County.
Displayed details include an offender’s full name, address, city, zip code, and photographs. Other information includes a physical description, other known addresses, tier level, registration number, offenses, victim information, and vehicles. In addition to offender details, users may register to receive email updates on sex offenders.
How to Find Delaware County Inmate Records
The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office provides an online Current Inmate Listing containing information on persons incarcerated at the Delaware County Jail. The list displays each inmate’s last name, first name, and booking date. The page also features a last name search box for names not easily found on the list. Selecting a name on the list displays further information such as a booking photograph, the inmate’s age, date of birth, physical descriptors, arrest date, charge information, case number, and the arresting agency.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in the Delaware County Jail?
The Delaware County Sheriff’s Office welcomes family and friends at the county jail. Interested persons must schedule visits online via the jail’s third-party visitation vendor. Each visitor must provide the following details to register:
- First and last name
- Valid driver’s license number or state ID number with an expiry date
- Date of birth
- Street address
- Phone number
- Email address
Family and friends of inmates must schedule visits at least one day in advance. The jail’s visitation week runs from Sunday through Saturday.
The Delaware County Jail allows onsite and offsite visits. Each inmate may receive one onsite visit per week for free, with a 25-minute maximum duration. Onsite visitors per inmate visit should be no more than five persons, including three minors younger than 18 years old and two adults. Also, onsite visits are not available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Persons visiting the jail must check in with the Control Room Officer and submit valid photo identification. Visitors must not pass any items to inmates. Each inmate may also receive one additional and paid an off-site visit on any day of the week. The following are the jail’s visitation hours:
Onsite Visitation
- Tuesday and Thursday: 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am to 81:30 pm and 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am to 1:30 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Offsite Visitation
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 am to 1:30 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am to 1:30 pm and 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am to 1:30 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Court Records
Delaware County court cases are handled at Courts of Common Pleas, Municipal Courts, and Mayor’s Courts. The Courts of Common Pleas exercise general jurisdiction over all cases, and original jurisdiction over felonies and civil cases with more than $15,000 in dispute. The Municipal Court handles limited criminal and civil cases, such as felony preliminary hearings, traffic, and non-traffic misdemeanors, judgment collection actions, and contract cases. Mayor’s Courts also have limited jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases, and are only available in municipalities without Municipal Courts.
Locations of Courts in Delaware County
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas
Delaware County Courthouse
117 N Union Street
Level 300
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2500
Fax: (740) 833-2499
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas - Juvenile Division
145 N Union Street
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2600
Fax: (740) 833-2599
Delaware County Court of Common Pleas - Probate Division
140 N Sandusky St, 3rd Floor
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2680
Fax: (740) 833-2679
Delaware Municipal Court
Delaware Justice Center
70 N Union St
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 203-1550
Fax: (740) 203-1599
Shawnee Hills Mayor’s Court
Shawnee Hills Municipal Building
9484 Dublin Road
Shawnee Hills, OH 43065
Phone: (614) 889-2824
Fax: (614) 336-1791
Sunbury Mayor’s Court
51 E Cherry Street
2nd Floor
Sunbury, OH 43074
Phone: (740) 965-2684
Fax: (740) 965-9633
Are Delaware County Court Records Public?
Delaware County court records are public records. Rule 45 of the Ohio Supreme Court’s Rules of Superintendence states that the general public can obtain copies of court records from court clerks in the state. Although most Delaware court records are public, access to some records is restricted. The general public cannot access confidential records such as juvenile records and domestic violence risk assessments.
Can You Look up a Delaware County Court Case Online?
Residents can use the court’s public portal to find Delaware County court records online. Requesters may search by providing a party’s full name and selecting a party type. Other search options include specifying a date of birth search range, case type, and case status.
How to Obtain Delaware County Civil Court Case Records
Persons interested in civil court records may submit requests to the Delaware County Clerk of Courts. Residents may provide the Clerk’s Office with record information by submitting written requests or visiting the office. Regardless of the preferred method, all requests should provide the Clerk’s Office with enough information to locate the record. Details should include charges, names of parties, relevant dates, and the court’s judgment. The Clerk’s Office charges 10 cents per page and $2 per certified document. All persons should forward requests to the:
Delaware County Clerk of Courts
Delaware County Courthouse
117 N Union Street
Level 300
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2500
Fax: (740) 833-2499
How to Obtain Delaware County Criminal Court Records
The Clerk of Courts maintains Delaware County criminal court records and issues copies containing non-confidential information to the general public. Record seekers may provide written requests that contain names, dates, charge details, and other information about the cases. The Clerk of Courts also receives in-person requests for criminal court records. Copies cost 10 cents for each page and $2 for each certified document. Applicants may submit requests to the:
Delaware County Clerk of Courts
Delaware County Courthouse
117 N Union Street
Level 300
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2500
Fax: (740) 833-2499
What are Delaware County Vital Records?
Delaware County vital records comprise records of county life events, including divorces, marriages, births, and deaths. Vital records are obtainable from different county government entities that create and maintain these records. In Delaware County, vital records are available at the Clerk of Courts office, the Probate Court, and the Delaware Public Health District. However, according to Ohio law, some records are not open to public disclosure.
Where and How to Obtain Delaware County Divorce Records
The Delaware County Clerk of Courts maintains records of county divorces. Persons interested in copies of Delaware County divorce decrees may submit requests to the clerk, including the full names of both parties, date of divorce, and city of divorce. Record seekers may send mail requests or visit the following address in person:
Delaware County Courthouse
117 North Union Street
Level 300
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2500
Fax: (740) 833-2499
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Mondays through Fridays
The Clerk of Courts also maintains a public portal for online access to Delaware County divorce records. Users may search the database by name, case number, ticket number, or citation number. The registry provides extensive details, including party information, attorney details, event specifics, docket records, financial information, and receipt details. Users must note that case filing images for divorce records are not available online.
Where and How to Get Public Delaware County Marriage Records
The Delaware County Probate Court maintains records of county marriages. Unless otherwise stated by law, Delaware County marriage records are public records according to Ohio law. All interested persons may inspect or obtain copies of these records by submitting official requests.
For records of marriages since 1996, interested requesters may visit the Probate Court in person or submit mail applications. Each mail request for Delaware County marriage certificates must contain the names of both parties before the marriage, the marriage date, a self-addressed and stamped envelope, and a $2 per-copy fee. Record seekers requesting in person may provide the required information at the court premises and submit a check or cash for the appropriate amount. The court address is:
Delaware County Probate Court
145 N. Union Street
Third Floor
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2680
The Delaware County Probate Court does not maintain records of marriages before 1996. Interested persons may submit requests for these records to the address below:
Delaware County Records Center
2079 US 23 North
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2140
Where and How to Find Delaware County Birth Records
The Delaware Public Health District maintains records of all births in any Ohio county and issues copies to requesters. According to state law, Delaware County birth records are public records available to all interested parties. Records are requestable by mail or in person.
Mail requests for Delaware County birth certificates require completed copies of the birth record application. Required information includes the following:
- The name at birth on the certificate
- Date of birth on the certificate
- Mother’s maiden name
- Father’s name, where applicable
Each certificate costs $24, payable by a check made out to DPHD. The health district also receives cash and card payments for in-person requests. Residents should note that a credit or debit card payment incurs a minimum $2 fee. All requests should be submitted as follows:
Mail Requests:
Delaware Public Health District
P.O. Box 570
Delaware, OH 43015
In-Person Requests
Delaware Public Health District
Clinic Lobby
3 West Winter Street
Delaware, OH 43015
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday
Where and How to Find Delaware County Death Records
Death records are obtainable by the general public from the Delaware Public Health District. However, for five years after the death date, Delaware County death certificates containing the decedent’s social security number are only available to parties related to the decedent in any of the following ways:
- A spouse or lineal descendant
- The decedent’s attorney, legal agent, or executor
- A requester representing an investigative government agency
- A private investigator
- A funeral director or any person responsible for disposing of the body, if acting on behalf of the decedent's family
- A veteran’s service officer
- An accredited member of the media
Delaware death certificates cost $24 per copy. Mail requesters may pay via checks made out to DPHD. In-person requesters may use checks, debit cards, or credit cards. All card payments incur a minimum fee of $2.
A mail request requires a completed application form. Information required on the form includes the decedent’s full name, date of death, and city of death. Persons requesting records with social security numbers must indicate on their applications and may be required to submit valid driver’s licenses or other state-issued ID. All parties may submit requests to the following addresses:
Mail Requests:
Delaware Public Health District
P.O. Box 570
Delaware, OH 43015
In-Person Requests
Delaware Public Health District
Clinic Lobby
3 West Winter Street
Delaware, OH 43015
Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday
Are Property Records Open to the Public in Delaware County?
Delaware County property records are open to the public, as provided by the Ohio Public Records Law. Property records are maintained by the Delaware County Recorder, the recorder's office is located at:
Delaware County Recorder
145 N. Union St.
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2460
Fax: (740) 833-2459
Where and How to Find Property Records in Delaware County
The Delaware County Recorder of Deeds maintains an online property search portal, the recorder is also responsible for providing access to physical property records as generated within the county. Physical property records can be retrieved by contacting the Delaware County Recorder at:
Delaware County Recorder
145 N. Union St.
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2460
Fax: (740) 833-2459
The Delaware County Auditor also maintains an online search portal.
How to Look Up Delaware County Property Records
The Recorder of Deeds office maintains an online property search portal where members of the public may obtain online access to property records. Records can be searched using the following search criteria: Name search, volume/page search, instrument number search, recorded date search, parcel identification number, historical indexes, and certified dates as stated on the property records. Users may be registered or sign in as guests. The Delaware County Auditor also maintains an online search portal that can be searched by the following search categories: Owner Search, Address Search, Parcel Number Search, and GIS Property Search.
Location of Delaware County Property Assessors
DELAWARE COUNTY AUDITOR
145 N. Union St.
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 833-2900
Email: auditor@co.delaware.oh.us
