Portage County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Portage County?

Public records in Portage County are official documents or pieces of information that are not considered confidential and are generally accessible to citizens and organizations. These records are created, maintained, or received by government agencies in Portage County as part of their legal obligations. They include court records, property records, vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), tax records, and various other documents that document the business of governance in the county.

The Portage County Recorder's Office maintains many of these records. Portage County Recorder's Office, 449 S. Meridian Street, 4th Floor, Ravenna, OH 44266

Is Portage County an Open Records County?

Yes, Portage County is an open records county. Like all counties in Ohio, Portage County operates under Ohio's Public Records Act (Ohio Revised Code Section 149.43), which establishes the public's right to access government records. This law presumes that governmental records are open to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

The Ohio Public Records Act is administered by the Ohio Attorney General's Office. Ohio Attorney General's Office, 30 E. Broad St., 14th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215

How Do I Find Public Records in Portage County in 2025

Finding public records in Portage County in 2025 can be accomplished through several methods:

1. Online Access: Portage County offers online access to many public records through their official website. You can search for court records, property records, and more.

2. Visit in Person: You can visit the specific county department that maintains the records you're seeking.

   • For court records: Portage County Clerk of Courts, 203 W. Main Street, Ravenna, OH 44266
   • For property records: Portage County Auditor's Office, 449 S. Meridian Street, 5th Floor, Ravenna, OH 44266

3. Submit a Written Request: You can submit a written public records request to the appropriate department.

4. Use the County's Records Search Portal: Portage County maintains an online records search system that allows access to various types of records.

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

The cost to obtain public records in Portage County varies depending on the type of record and the format requested:

• Paper copies typically cost $0.05 to $0.25 per page
• Certified copies of vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) may cost between $15-$25 per copy
• Some electronic records may be provided at no cost if they can be emailed
• Records that require extensive staff time to compile may incur additional charges

The Portage County Health Department handles vital records. Portage County Health Department, 705 Oakwood Street, Ravenna, OH 44266

Does Portage County Have Free Public Records?

Portage County does offer some public records for free, particularly those that are available online through their public access portals. Records that can often be accessed for free include:

• Basic court case information through the online portal
• Property ownership information through the Auditor's website
• Meeting minutes and agendas for county commissioners and other public bodies

However, even for records available online, there may be charges for certified copies, extensive searches, or large document requests.

Who Can Request Public Records In Portage County?

In Portage County, as in all of Ohio, anyone can request public records regardless of:

• Citizenship status
• Age
• Purpose of the request
• Residency status

The requester does not need to identify themselves or explain why they want the records, although providing some information may help officials locate the specific records needed.

The Portage County Commissioners' Office can provide guidance on records requests. Portage County Commissioners' Office, 449 S. Meridian Street, 7th Floor, Ravenna, OH 44266

What Records Are Confidential In Portage County?

While Portage County operates under open records laws, certain records remain confidential by state and federal law. These include:

• Medical records
• Juvenile court records (with some exceptions)
• Adoption records
• Social Security numbers and other personal identifiers
• Certain law enforcement investigative records
• Records protected by attorney-client privilege
• Records containing trade secrets or confidential business information
• Records that would endanger life or physical safety if released

The Portage County Prosecutor's Office can provide guidance on confidentiality matters. Portage County Prosecutor's Office, 241 S. Chestnut Street, Ravenna, OH 44266

Lookup Public Records in Portage County

Portage County offers several online resources to help citizens access public records:

• Records Search | Portage County OH - Access to various public records including court, criminal, marriage, divorce, and property records.

• Court Records Search - Search for court records from the Common Pleas Court, General and Domestic Relations Divisions, Probate Court, and the Portage County Municipal Court.

These online services make it convenient to access many public records without having to visit county offices in person. For records not available online, you can contact the appropriate county department directly.