Indiana Public Records Applications and Uses

Learn about the ways that professionals use public records in Indiana

Indiana public records applications and uses are becoming more common due to their increasing accessibility through the Internet. Increased access to public records has led to the growth of the information broker industry, which uses public records to build profiles on millions of people and provides information to anyone who pays a fee. Individuals who know where to look also may be able to search public records for free. Access to public records is controlled at the federal level by the Freedom of Information Act and Indiana has its own version of this legislation.

There are a variety of professionals who may have an interest in Indiana state public records. These include the following three general categories:

1. Genealogical research on state of Indiana public records. Researchers use older vital records to locate ancestors or other people of historical interest. These records may be available from genealogical societies, public libraries and government agencies.
2. Background checks. Employers are making more frequent use of criminal records to investigate the personal history of job applicants.
3. News reports. Reporters and other people with an interest in government activity may wish to access public records on meetings and voting records.
   

 

Use an Indiana public record to research the founders of a business

Indiana vital records, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses and death certificates, frequently are helpful for getting information about the early owners of a company and researching the history of a business. Vital records in Indiana become publicly available after a specified period of time and are of genealogical, rather than personal, interest.
Try: The Monroe County Health Department offers Illinois public records, such as birth and death certificates, specifically for genealogical purposes. St. Joseph County has two locations that offer older vital records in Illinois.

Search Indiana online public records to perform background checks

Law enforcement officials, private detectives and prospective employers may use Indiana bankruptcy records and criminal records to investigate an individual's background. Access to Indiana court records tends to be more restricted than access to other types of public records, and may require the subject's permission.
Try: The Indiana State Police provides a limited criminal history search of public records in Indiana. IndyGov.Biz provides criminal history searches for a nominal fee.

Obtain Indiana access to public records for the purpose of reporting on government activity

Reporters frequently use government records in Indiana, such as voting records and meeting minutes. Access to these types of public records is controlled by Indiana's Sunshine laws. There are organizations of journalists and ordinary citizens that work to keep government records in Indiana available to the public.
Try: The Indiana Coalition for Open Government has a form for requesting government records in Indiana. IN.gov provides specific instructions for obtaining each type of government record in Indiana.

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