Public Records

A public records request, sometimes called an open records request, is the process through which individuals or organizations can access government documents that are not considered confidential. These records are made available through Freedom of Information Acts or Sunshine Laws. In Ohio, public records are governed by the Ohio Public Records Act.

The Lucas County Records Center maintains public and private records for all Lucas County Departments. These are housed in 27,000 boxes for 38 county departments. To access these records, requests should be made with the office where the document originated.

Documents pertaining to land are managed by the County Recorder. Land records include deeds, mortgages, easements, liens, surveys, property tax assessments, and other documents. Deeds are documents that serve as evidence of ownership or interest in real estate. Land records are permanent records that are open to the public. Copies cost $2 per page, which can be paid with case, check, or an escrow account. If the requester has an escrow account, copies may be requested by email or fax. Otherwise, copies may be made in the Court Recorder’s office.

Birth and death certificates are available from the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department. This office also handles adoption records. Each certified copy costs $25, which may be paid by cash, check, credit card, or money order. Credit cards incur an additional fee. Due to state law, uncertified copies are not available. Copies may be requested in person, by phone, or by mail. If copies are requested by mail, the request form provided on the website should be completed and mailed with fee payment and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Requests may also be processed online, which allows for overnight or two-day shipping via UPS. Online requests are handled through VitalCheck, which may charge an additional $7 fee and shipping.

Various types of permits are considered public records and can be requested from different government offices. The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department provides Environmental Assessment Records, which ground a variety of permits. These can be requested from the Division of Environmental Health by phone, in person, or by mail. The department provides a request form online and copies of records cost $50 per property. The Lucas County Engineer also has a Public Records custodian that can provide copies of various building permits. This office hosts an online records request portal.

The Lucas County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies also have custodians who handle public records requests. The Sheriff’s Office provides an online portal through which the public may request accident or crime reports. The records should be described in as much detail as possible. Electronic copies of these records are free. Physical copies, which must be picked up in person, are free up to 10 pages. Each additional page costs 10 cents.