ohio public records guide and comparison for everyday searches

What “public” means in Ohio

Under the Ohio Public Records Act (R.C. 149.43), most documents created by state or local offices are accessible upon request. Availability can vary by agency, but the standard is prompt inspection, reasonable copies, and narrowly tailored exemptions.

Popular ways to find information

If you’re weighing options, consider speed, cost, and scope. Statewide portals offer broad snapshots, while county sites go deeper for local cases. Fees are typically for copies, not for making a request, and agencies must cite reasons for any redaction.

• Spending and payroll: Ohio Checkbook and agency budget pages summarize transactions.
• Court records: Clerk of courts portals for dockets; the Supreme Court posts opinions and filings.
• Business records: Secretary of State filings, UCC searches, and trade names.
• Property data: County auditor and recorder indexes for deeds, liens, and parcels.
• Public safety: Incident logs, calls for service, crash reports.

Tips: Be specific about dates, names, and formats; request electronic copies to reduce costs; and note that certain items-juvenile records, active investigations, security plans-are commonly exempt.