How to Search Ohio Public Records

Ohio's court, criminal, vital, property, voter, and licensing records are maintained across state agencies and the 88 counties listed below. Use the tabs to filter by record type, or jump directly to any source.

  • Courts: The Supreme Court of Ohio sits at the top of the system; trial-court business is handled by the Court of Common Pleas (each county), Municipal & County Courts. Most courts publish dockets and case lookups online.
  • Criminal history: The state's criminal-history repository handles official background checks. Fees and procedures are set by the state agency — see the linked official source.
  • Vital records: Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates are issued by the Ohio Department of Health (Bureau of Vital Statistics) and may also be available locally.
  • Property & recorded documents: Maintained at the county level by the Assessor, Recorder, or Clerk's office.
  • Business filings: The Secretary of State (or equivalent) operates the official business-entity search.
Population
11,883,304
Households
4,763,600
Median Income
$66,990
Median Home Value
$191,500

Vital Records Databases

55 official Ohio vital records sources.

Vital Records

Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate
Official Free
Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate · There are two methods to obtain a certified copy of your marriage record
Clark County OH Birth Certificate, Marriage & Death Records
Official Free
The Clark County Vital Records Office provides you with birth, death, and marriage certificates. Contact details and address here.
Welcome Page - CourtView Justice Solutions
Official Free
If you see this, it means that both javascript and meta-refresh are not support by your browser configuration. Please click this link to continue to the original destination
Cuyahoga County Probate Court
Official Free
COUNSELING: Applicants under 18 years of age must have received marriage counseling before the license can be issued . ... Ohio law provides that an application for a Cuyahoga County marriage may be filed and license issued if one of the applicants is a current resident of Cuyahoga County and ...
The Cleveland Necrology File and News Index
Official Free
How To Obtain More Details: To request a digital scan of this death notice or news article, email the Center for Local & Global History at clgh@cpl.org and provide the information or complete the News Index and Necrology File form providing the citation information.
🌐 cpl.org
Darke County Genealogical Society | Genealogy Research | 205 North Broadway Street, Greenville, OH, USA
Official Free
We have over 5000 names in our family files that provide all kinds of info including obituaries and photos and other miscellaneous information. The Garst Research Library houses original estate records from Darke County’s beginning (1817) until 1893.
Darke County, Ohio, Marriages, 1817-1850
Official Free
net, Moses 23 Jun 1825 001 Alexander Smith, JP Wilson, Nancy Zeak, Henry 06 Oct 1846 003 112 Abraham Keltner, JP, Mississinawa Twp Wilson, Rebecca Briggs, Thomas 11 Feb 1824 001 Alexander Smith, JP Wilson, Robert Moyer, Mary 13 Mar 1845 003 073 John Ketchan, JP, Jackson Twp Wilson, Robert Price, Nancy 03 Jul 1828 001 Charles Sumption, JP Wilson, Samuel Kelly, Fanny 28 Mar 1826 001 Alexander Smith, JP Wilson, Samuel Myerson, Delila 24 Mar 1842 001 John McFarland, JP, Jackson Twp Wilson, Sarah Duffield, John H. 05 Apr 1839 001 Henry D. Williams, JP, Washington Twp Wilson, Sarah Fuller, George 07
History and Scope of the Ohio Obituary Index - Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums
Official Free
Started in the 1970's on cards, ... indexed death notices and some marriage notices from local newspapers. The earliest Fremont papers were from the 1830’s and have been completed for obituaries up to the current day. In 1986, a computer program was set up to handle this index and in 2000, was mounted on the web as an online database. Starting in 2001, public libraries in Ohio have become ...
Ohio Death Record Index Search | Archives & Library | Ohio History Connection
Official Free
Explore historical Ohio death certificates from 1908-1963 (statewide), 1904-1908 (City of Columbus), select burials, and related records in a searchable online index. Discover other research and genealogical resources through the Ohio History Connection’s Archives & Library.
Marriages from the Probate Court, Fairfield Co, OH Volume III 1852-1868. – FAIRFIELD COUNTY CHAPTER of the OHIO…
Official Free
It was compiled by Patsy Kishler and Georgia Flowers published by The Fairfield County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society in May of 2006. This volume has 304 pages. The procedure for a marriage license and return in the 1800s was then much as it is now here in Ohio.
Searchable Fayette Co. Indexes | Carnegie Public Library - Washington Courthouse, Ohio
Official Free
Yearbook Archives Welcome to the Community History Archives of the Carnegie Public Library of Fayette County, Ohio. Here you will find searchable, digitized yearbooks! Currently available is the Sunburst ranging from the years 1923-1959. Heritage Quest Search census records, books, serials, and other historical records to trace your genealogy. A library card from Carnegie Public Library is required to access this database. Record Herald 1911-2005 Obituary Index (Searchable) Fayette County 1867-1908 Death Index (Searchable) Fayette County 1909-1999 Births Index (Searchable) St.
Searchable Fayette Co. Indexes | Carnegie Public Library - Washington Courthouse, Ohio
Official Free
Yearbook Archives Welcome to the Community History Archives of the Carnegie Public Library of Fayette County, Ohio. Here you will find searchable, digitized yearbooks! Currently available is the Sunburst ranging from the years 1923-1959. Heritage Quest Search census records, books, serials, and other historical records to trace your genealogy. A library card from Carnegie Public Library is required to access this database. Record Herald 1911-2005 Obituary Index (Searchable) Fayette County 1867-1908 Death Index (Searchable) Fayette County 1909-1999 Births Index (Searchable) St.
Searchable Fayette Co. Indexes | Carnegie Public Library - Washington Courthouse, Ohio
Official Free
Yearbook Archives Welcome to the Community History Archives of the Carnegie Public Library of Fayette County, Ohio. Here you will find searchable, digitized yearbooks! Currently available is the Sunburst ranging from the years 1923-1959. Heritage Quest Search census records, books, serials, and other historical records to trace your genealogy. A library card from Carnegie Public Library is required to access this database. Record Herald 1911-2005 Obituary Index (Searchable) ... St. Colman Church Death Records (Searchable)
Searchable Fayette Co. Indexes | Carnegie Public Library - Washington Courthouse, Ohio
Official Free
Currently available is the Sunburst ranging from the years 1923-1959. Heritage Quest Search census records, books, serials, and other historical records to trace your genealogy. A library card from Carnegie Public Library is required to access this database. Record Herald 1911-2005 Obituary ...
Columbus News and Obituary Index - - digital collection
Official Free
To experience full interactivity, please enable Javascript in your browser
Franklin County Recorder - Veteran Grave Search
Official Free
Veteran Grave Search · Please enter the last name of the veteran in the box below
Franklin County Probate Court - Marriage License Index
Official Free
Website maintenance takes place the week of April 20 - 24, 2026. Links or pages may not be available for viewing. If you need assistance, please reach out to the Franklin County team » · All records provided through the case search are current as of the previous day's date.
Helpful Links | Geauga County Probate/Juvenile Court
Official Free
Ohio Rules of Juvenile Procedure Planning for Parenting Time – Ohio’s Guide for Parents Living Apart Ohio Bar Association – Child Support Ohio Judicial Conference – Representing Yourself in Court University of Akron – Representing Yourself in Court Geauga County Job & Family Services Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Northeast Ohio Catholic Charities Community Services Geauga County Community Preschool Geauga County Board of Developmental Disabilities Geauga County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services Geauga Family First Council NAMI Geauga County Help Me Grow Ravenwood Health Lake…
Greene County Property Search
Official Free
We cannot provide a description for this page right now
ohiocountyclerk.ky.gov
Official Free
Official Marriage Records provide information about whether a marriage is legally valid, the names of both parties to the marriage, and when the wedding took place . Marriage Records are required for certain legal processes, including name changes or applying for spousal benefits.
Genealogy at the Preble County District Library
Official Free
One of the responsibilities of the Preble County Library is to maintain community records and genealogy. Please choose any of our locally maintained resources or explore a list of valuable databases our team has carefully curated for you.
Marriage License | Montgomery County, OH - Official Website
Official Free
If either or both parties are ... for the marriage license. At least one party member must be a resident of Montgomery County . If the applicant's address on the I.D. does not reflect that they live in Montgomery County, they need to bring proof that they actually do reside in the county.
HOBITS Database | Home
Official Free
Results are given in order by date, but sorting can be reordered by changing the drop-down box at the end of the form. To obtain a copy of an obituary or death notice, please call 937.463.2665 or send a request to history@daytonmetrolibrary.org giving the complete citation found in the index.
Marriage License | Portage County OH
Official Free
The General Assembly created Portage County on June 9, 1808. Located in Northeast Ohio approximately 30 miles south of Cleveland, it covers an area of approximately 504 square miles. The County’s 2015 population of 161,419 placed it as the 15th most populated of the State’s 88 counties.
Miami Valley Genealogical Index
Official Free
This index is made possible by the Computerized Heritage Association. The original index was a FoxPro stand alone version which was distributed to libraries in the Miami Valley, Ohio area. The web version is evolving. The Preble County District Library wrote a search engine and front end to ...
Welcome to Stark County, Ohio
Official Free
Each of the applicants must supply to the court their respective address, name, age, place of birth, occupation, parent #1's name, parent #2's name (and maiden name if applicable), and the name of the person who is expected to solemnize the marriage Applicants must appear together in person and have their driver's licenses or state issued ID. If your identification does not contain your current address (the address you've listed on your marriage application), then you must provide recent proof of Stark County residency (Utility Bill, Cable Bill, Renal/Lease Agreement, Bank Statements, etc.).
The Louisville Herald Obituary Database | Louisville Public Library
Official Free
Please include an email for digital obituary requests. Most digital obituaries should arrive within 7 days of your request. A print copy of each obituary is $1, payable by check or cash. ... Local History c/o Deborah Long The Louisville Public Library 700 Lincoln Avenue Louisville, Ohio 44641
Trumbullprobate
Official Free
If you see this, it means that both javascript and meta-refresh are not support by your browser configuration. Please click this link to continue to the original destination
Description of Departmental Records Indexes
Official Free
A transcribed list of marriage records, including groom names, bride names, and marriage dates, dated 1867 through 1870 ... A collection of naturalizations recorded within Warren County, including name, date, location of origin, and age, dated 1821 through 1928. NOTE: This index includes naturalizations from the Warren County Common Pleas Court as well
Williams County Obituary Index
Official Free
You will get a list of obituaries from your search. Each result has a direct link which links directly to that individual result. You can then print the information or contact the Local History Center with a request. Williams County Public Library attn: Jared Schnee 107 E.
Marriage Records - Vital Records at the Archives & Library of the Ohio History Connection - LibGuides at Ohio…
Official Free
Probate Court ... Will record [microform], 1899-1910 State Archives Series 6269 Wood County (Ohio). Probate Court · Please contact the county probate court or local government records repository to inquire about access to these records.
History and Scope of the Ohio Obituary Index - Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums
Official Free
In the beginning, the index covered newspapers from Sandusky County, but other counties which appear include Erie, Ottawa, Seneca, Huron, and Wood counties. In October 2001, Tiffin Seneca Public Library staff started entering their obituary card catalog and completed adding over 100,000 names in 2004. Since then, many other libraries throughout the state have joined the partnership, bringing the total to over 60 libraries in 2018. See the map on the top page for all the partner libraries. Funding for some of the libraries has been provided by Northwest Ohio Library District (NORWELD) and a…
About | Worthington Memory
Official Free
Worthington Memory is here to connect you to your hometown history! We invite you to remember, explore and engage with life in Worthington, Ohio.Browse fascinating people, familiar places and favorite organizations via our online scrapbook and databases of newspaper articles and cemetery ...
Cincinnati Area, Ohio Obituaries | Local obits for Cincinnati Area, Ohio | Legacy.com
Official Free
Wilma Loretta Walter october 2, 1921 – may 19, 2026 Thompson Meeker Funeral Home is assisting with the family Obituary via Thompson Meeker Funeral Home Wilma Loretta Walter, age 104 years of Peebles, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, May 19, 2026 .
Vital Records - Ohio: Local History & Genealogy Resource Guide - Research Guides at Library of Congress
Official Free
Ohio, U.S., Death Records, 1908-1932, 1938-2022 External (Further records released annually to the public.)
Death Certificates and Reports | Clark County, OH - Official Website
Official Free
By Ohio law, reports of our findings are public records. In releasing these and other records, the Clark County Coroner’s Office follows the requirements of the Ohio Public Records Act and of Ohio Revised Code 313.10.
Digital Collections - Greene County Public Library - Digital ...
Official Free
The requested URL was rejected. Please consult with your administrator. Your support ID is: · [Go Back]
War Casualties
Official Free
Army Spec. 4 Anthony Wayne Kidd who died March 1, 1991 after stepping on a land mine somewhere in the Middle East was laid to rest in Rockport Cemetery. Sp4 Kidd was the last to die from Allen County and died 40 hours after the Gulf War's announced cease-fire.
Find a Grave - Millions of Cemetery Records
Official Free
Search or browse cemeteries and grave records for every-day and famous people from around the world. ... Please select a location with GPS coordinates indicated by a map icon() to continue. Please select a cemetery indicated by a Find a Grave icon() to continue. ... When searching in a cemetery, use the ? or * wildcards in name fields. ? replaces one letter. * represents zero to many letters. E.g. Sorens?n or Wil* Search for an exact birth/death year or select a range, before or after.
Cuyahoga Probate Court Death Records Index 1867 - 1890
Official Free
RootsWeb is funded and supported by Ancestry.com and our loyal RootsWeb community. Learn more. About Us&nbsp|&nbspContact Us&nbsp|&nbspCopyright&nbsp|&nbspReport Inappropriate Material Corporate Information&nbsp|&nbspPrivacy&nbsp|&nbspTerms and Conditions&nbsp|&nbspCCPA Notice at Collection ...
Eaton, Ohio Obituaries | Local obits for ...
Official Free
View Eaton obituaries on Legacy, the most timely and comprehensive collection of local obituaries for Eaton, Ohio, updated regularly throughout the day with submissions from newspapers, funeral homes, and direct from the community.
The Lawrence Register - Vital Records
Official Free
PLEASE NOTE: Before 1900, marriage licenses in Lawrence County, Ohio lists bride, groom, date of marriage, and who married them. After 1900, the license changed and list the ages of brides and groom, parents, birthplace, date of marriage, and who married them.
Start Time Case Number Event Description 7:17 am Portage County Ohio
Official Free
Portage County Ohio · Court Schedule Report · Hearing Date from: 3/6/2026 to 3/20/2026 · JUDGE KEVIN T. POLAND · 3/6/2026 · 6 · Monday, March 9, 2026 · 11:00 am · 2025TRC00780R STATE OF OHIO VS. KOLODZIEJ, ERIN L GPD KTP · RISE COURT STATUS HEARING ·
eMarriage License Application - CourtView Justice Solutions
Official Free
If you see this, it means that both javascript and meta-refresh are not support by your browser configuration. Please click this link to continue to the original destination
Vital Records - Ohio: Local History & Genealogy Resource Guide - Research Guides at Library of Congress
Official Free
Ohio, U.S., Death Records, 1908-1932, 1938-2022 External (Further records released annually to the public.)
Virgil E. Brown Sr., Cuyahoga County commissioner and Ohio Lottery director, dies at 93 - cleveland.com
Official Free
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — Virgil Brown, a pioneering black officeholder, died today at the Cleveland Clinic at age 93. The Republican was a Cleveland councilman, Cuyahoga County Board of Elections director, Cuyahoga County commissioner and Ohio Lottery director.
Walnut Grove Cemetery
Official Free
MARION TOWNSHIP, ALLEN COUNTY, OHIO · Contact: Tom Pittner 419-233-4001 · A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z · Map · Walnut Grove Cemetery is located between Ridge Road on the south, Defiance Trail on the east, Route 309 access road on the west, and on the north by farmland.
Death Records
Official Free
(Allen County) In an attempt to reconstruct records of Delphos West Side Cemetery, one of the sources was these death records. Finding that these records contained information helpful to researchers, we gleamed all records for this period. Earlier deaths are recorded in the Probate Court, Allen County Court House, and are open to the public.
Records Available for Research | - Automatic Data Processing
Official Free
Geauga County has many of its records stored onsite in the various department collections of records stored at other repositories. These records are directly related to Geauga County government and history and serve as a valuable resource for researchers. The links below can direct you to ...
Search Page
Official Free
Last Name: If you don't know the correct spelling, simply enter the first two or three letters of the name to access a comprehensive list of burials with last names beginning with those letters. Veteran: By changing the Veteran dropdown to "Yes" the results will show all records marked as a ...
Ohio Vital records: Birth Records, Death Records, Marriage Licenses and Divorces
Official Free
There is no statewide index to marriage records before September 7, 1949. Go to the list of county probate court marriage records held at the Ohio Historical Society. If the Ohio Historical Society does not hold a county's marriage records, please contact the county's probate court. A list of county courthouse contacts is available at Ohio County Courthouse Addresses. For Ohio Divorce ...
Fairfield County, Ohio, marriage licenses, dissolutions and ...
Official Free
The Lancaster Eagle-Gazette is the number one source for Lancaster, Fairfield County and Ohio breaking news, sports, photos and videos.
Old Movies and Links to Historic Akron, Indiana
Official Free
A very special thanks to Bob Sausaman for sharing this home video with us. This video was originally filmed by his father in and around Akron in 1943 .
Akron Public Library Board of Trustees
Official Free
Our History 100th Anniversary Celebration 35th Anniversary Celebration 50th Anniversary Celebration 75th Anniversary Celebration Akron Public Library Board of Trustees Early History Old Movies and Links to Historic Akron, Indiana Our Librarians and Staff
» Akron Carnegie Public Library
Official Free
The Akron Carnegie Public Library strives to provide the highest quality of service to the community in which it serves.

Ohio Counties

88 Ohio counties are indexed on SearchSystems.net — top 28 counties shown below. Browse the full directory or click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ohio's official criminal-history repository is operated by the state law-enforcement agency. Free public access to a complete criminal history is generally not available; an official background check typically requires fingerprints and a fee. County-level court records can be searched at no cost through individual court websites.

Ohio's court system is headed by the Supreme Court of Ohio. Trial-court business is handled by the Court of Common Pleas (each county), Municipal & County Courts. Many Ohio courts publish docket searches and case lookups online — see the Court Records tab above for direct links.

The Ohio Secretary of State (or equivalent agency) operates the official business-entity search. You can typically search corporations, LLCs, LPs, and other registered entities by name or registration number. See the Licenses or Business tab above.

The Assessor determines property values for tax purposes. The Recorder (or Clerk-Recorder) records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other property documents. Some county offices combine these roles, others keep them separate. Check the specific county page for details.

Ohio vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce certificates) are issued by the Ohio Department of Health (Bureau of Vital Statistics) and, in many cases, by local county clerks. Fees and ID requirements are set by the issuing agency.

Most county-level property and recorded-document searches are free for basic information through the Assessor or Recorder website. Certified copies of deeds typically have a per-page fee. Direct links are in the Property Records tab above.

The Ohio sex offender registry is maintained by the state law-enforcement agency under the Sex Offender Registration and Community Notification Act. The registry is searchable by name, ZIP code, or address.

Last reviewed: