Lorain County Public Records
What Are Public Records in Lorain County?
Public records in Lorain County are defined according to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, which states that a "public record" means records kept by any public office, including state, county, city, village, township, and school district units. These records document the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of public offices.
The following types of records are maintained by various Lorain County offices:
- Court records - Civil, criminal, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile court records are maintained by the Lorain County Clerk of Courts
- Property records - Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and property transfers are filed with the Lorain County Recorder's Office
- Vital records - Birth and death certificates from 1908 to present are available through the Lorain County Health Department
- Business records - Vendor licenses, permits, and fictitious name registrations
- Tax records - Property tax information, assessment records, and tax maps are maintained by the Lorain County Auditor
- Voting and election records - Voter registration data and election results are available from the Lorain County Board of Elections
- Meeting minutes and agendas - County commission meetings, board proceedings, and other public body records
- Budget and financial documents - County expenditures, financial reports, and budgetary information
- Law enforcement records - Arrest logs, incident reports (with certain restrictions), and jail records
- Land use and zoning records - Planning commission documents, zoning maps, and building permits
The Lorain County Records Retention Center ensures that county records are preserved and legally disposed of pursuant to Ohio's records laws. This centralized facility maintains many historical and inactive records from various county departments.
Is Lorain County an Open Records County?
Lorain County fully complies with Ohio's Public Records Law, commonly known as the "Sunshine Laws." Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, all records kept by any public office are public records unless they fall under specific exemptions defined by state law.
The statute specifically states: "Upon request and subject to division (B)(8) of this section, all public records responsive to the request shall be promptly prepared and made available for inspection to any person at all reasonable times during regular business hours."
Lorain County adheres to these provisions by maintaining accessible records and providing reasonable facilities for making copies or reproductions. The county's commitment to transparency is further demonstrated through its implementation of the Ohio Auditor of State's Open Government directives, which support citizens' right to broad access to government records and meetings.
County offices maintain specific policies regarding record requests, but all follow the state mandate that records must be provided promptly and within a reasonable period. Pursuant to state law, Lorain County offices are required to organize and maintain public records in a manner that facilitates prompt access.
The county's Records Commission, established under Ohio Revised Code § 149.38, oversees records retention schedules and ensures compliance with state regulations regarding the maintenance, preservation, and appropriate disposal of public records.
How to Find Public Records in Lorain County in 2026
Members of the public seeking records in Lorain County may utilize several methods to access information. The county maintains a centralized Records Center that serves as a hub for many record types. The following procedures apply for obtaining various records:
For court records:
- Visit the Lorain County Clerk of Courts website to search available online records
- Submit a written request to the appropriate division (Civil, Criminal, Domestic Relations, or Appeals)
- Visit the Clerk's office in person during regular business hours
- For certified copies, complete the required form and submit payment
For property records:
- Access the Lorain County Recorder's online search portal
- Search by name, property address, or parcel number
- Visit the Recorder's office for assistance with complex searches
- Request certified copies by completing the appropriate form
For vital records:
- Submit a request to the Lorain County Health Department
- Provide required identification and relationship documentation
- Complete the application form with accurate information
- Submit payment for certified copies
For general county records:
- Identify the department that maintains the desired records
- Submit a written request specifying the records sought
- Provide contact information for response
- Allow reasonable time for processing
Many records are now available through online portals, reducing the need for in-person visits. The county continues to expand digital access to public records while maintaining appropriate security measures for sensitive information.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Lorain County?
Lorain County offices charge fees for copies of public records in accordance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), which permits public offices to charge "the actual cost of making copies." Current standard fees for common record types include:
- Paper copies: $0.05 per page for standard letter/legal size (8.5" x 11" or 8.5" x 14")
- Certified copies: Additional $1.00-$2.00 per document
- Large format copies (maps, plats): $3.00-$5.00 per sheet
- Electronic records provided on CD/DVD: $1.00 per disc
- Electronic records sent via email: No charge for transmission (copying fees may apply)
Specific fees by department include:
- Clerk of Courts: $1.00 per page for certified copies of court documents
- Recorder's Office: $2.00 per page for recorded documents; $4.00 for certified copies
- Health Department: $25.00 for certified birth or death certificates
- Sheriff's Office: $5.00 for accident reports; $3.00 per page for other reports
Accepted payment methods vary by office but generally include:
- Cash (in-person only)
- Check or money order
- Credit/debit cards (subject to processing fees)
- Online payment for certain record types
The county cannot charge for the time spent gathering records or for redaction of exempt information. Additionally, requestors have the right to make their own copies of records using personal equipment, subject to reasonable restrictions to protect documents.
Pursuant to state law, fees may be reduced or waived if the request is deemed to primarily benefit the general public. Such determinations are made on a case-by-case basis by the records custodian.
Does Lorain County Have Free Public Records?
Lorain County provides free inspection of public records in compliance with Ohio's Public Records Law. Under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, all persons have the right to inspect public records during regular business hours at no cost. Only when copies are requested may fees be assessed.
The following free record access options are available:
- In-person inspection at the appropriate county office
- Online access to certain digital records through county websites
- Public access terminals at county facilities
- Viewing of meeting minutes and agendas on the county website
Specific free online resources include:
- Lorain County Recorder's property records search
- Clerk of Courts case information portal
- County Commissioner meeting minutes and agendas
- County budget documents and financial reports
- Voter registration verification through the Board of Elections
The Lorain County Public Library system also provides free public access computers where residents can access online county records without charge. Additionally, the Records Retention Center maintains historical records that may be viewed by appointment at no cost.
While inspection is free, requestors should note that fees apply for copies, certified documents, and specialized searches requiring extensive staff time or resources.
Who Can Request Public Records in Lorain County?
Under Ohio's Public Records Law, any person, regardless of residency status, may request public records from Lorain County offices. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(1), records must be promptly prepared and made available "to any person" who requests them.
Key eligibility considerations include:
- Requestors are not required to identify themselves
- No statement of purpose is required for most record requests
- Identification may be required for certain restricted records (e.g., vital records)
- Non-residents have the same rights as Ohio residents
- Corporations, organizations, and media outlets may request records
- Incarcerated persons have limited rights under § 149.43(B)(8)
For specific record types, additional requirements may apply:
- Vital records (birth/death certificates) - Requestors must demonstrate direct relationship or legal interest
- Adoption records - Access is restricted to parties involved, subject to court orders
- Juvenile court records - Limited access based on relationship to the case
- Medical records - Subject to HIPAA regulations and patient authorization
When requesting records about oneself, identification may be required to verify identity and prevent unauthorized disclosure of personal information. For records about others, access may be limited based on privacy considerations and statutory exemptions.
Commercial use of public records is permitted, though bulk requests may be subject to special procedures to prevent disruption of office operations. The county may ask about intended use to assist in fulfilling requests but cannot deny access based on the purpose (except in limited circumstances defined by statute).
What Records Are Confidential in Lorain County?
Certain records maintained by Lorain County offices are exempt from public disclosure under Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(A)(1), which enumerates specific categories of protected information. These exemptions reflect legislative determinations balancing transparency with privacy and security concerns.
Records that are confidential or restricted include:
- Medical records - Protected health information under HIPAA
- Juvenile court records - Sealed by default with limited exceptions
- Adoption records - Confidential by statute with restricted access
- Child abuse and neglect investigations - Protected under § 2151.421
- Social Security numbers and financial account information
- Peace officer residential and familial information
- Infrastructure records that could pose security risks
- Attorney-client privileged communications
- Records subject to grand jury secrecy
- Confidential law enforcement investigatory records
- Trial preparation records
- Intellectual property records
- Donor profile records of public institutions
- Records whose release is prohibited by state or federal law
When a record contains both public and exempt information, the county will redact the exempt portions and provide the remainder. The county must cite the specific legal authority for any denial or redaction.
The Ohio Public Records Act requires a balancing test for certain exemptions, weighing the public interest in disclosure against potential harm. This analysis is conducted on a case-by-case basis, with the presumption favoring disclosure unless a clear exemption applies.
Sealed court records require a court order for access, and expunged criminal records are removed from public view pursuant to court order under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2953.
Lorain County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Lorain County Recorder's Office
226 Middle Avenue, 4th Floor
Elyria, OH 44035
(440) 329-5148
Lorain County Recorder
Public Counter Hours: Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
The Recorder's Office maintains and provides access to property records including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and plats. The office is responsible for recording, indexing, and preserving these documents in accordance with Ohio law.
Lorain County Clerk of Courts
225 Court Street
Elyria, OH 44035
(440) 329-5500
Lorain County Clerk of Courts
Public Counter Hours: Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays
Lorain County Records Retention Center
226 Middle Avenue, 5th Floor
Elyria, OH 44035
(440) 329-5206
Records Retention Center
Public Access Hours: Monday through Friday: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Research appointments recommended
Lookup Public Records in Lorain County
Clerk of Courts records and case information
Records Center quick links and resources
Property records search through the Recorder's Office
Records Retention Center for historical documents