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How to Find Public Records in Mercer County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents may access publicly available information related to public records through official county offices, state court systems, and online portals. MercerCountyRecords.org aggregates publicly available data to assist individuals in locating relevant records. Mercer County, Kentucky maintains a range of official documents that may be accessible to the public, subject to applicable state law and individual record classifications.
Records that may be available through official channels include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family court)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Vital records (marriage licenses, divorce decrees)
- Business filings and fictitious name registrations
- Tax and property assessment records
- Voting and election records
- County fiscal court minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement incident reports (where permitted)
- Land use and zoning documents
Online Access:
The Mercer County Clerk's records portal provides online access to certain property and land records. Members of the public may search recorded documents, deeds, and related instruments through this portal without registration. The Kentucky Court of Justice also maintains an online case information system through which court records may be searched by party name or case number.
In-Person Requests:
Members of the public may visit the Mercer County Clerk's Office or the Circuit Court Clerk's Office to inspect records in person. Staff at each office can assist with locating documents and processing copy requests. Requestors should bring a valid photo identification and, where applicable, the case number or document reference number to expedite the search.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests must include the requestor's full name, mailing address, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 61.880, agencies are required to respond to open records requests within five business days of receipt.
Phone/Email:
- Mercer County Clerk: (859) 734-6310
- Mercer County Circuit Court Clerk: (859) 734-4211
What Are Public Records in Mercer County?
Public records in Mercer County are defined under Kentucky law as all books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, discs, diskettes, recordings, software, or other documentation regardless of physical form or characteristics, which are prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public agency. The following record types are currently maintained by county offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Circuit Court Clerk |
| Property deeds and mortgages | County Clerk |
| Marriage licenses | County Clerk |
| Divorce decrees | Circuit Court Clerk |
| Business filings | County Clerk |
| Property tax records | County Property Valuation Administrator |
| Fiscal court minutes | Fiscal Court Clerk |
| Voting records | County Clerk |
| Zoning and land use records | County Planning Commission |
The Mercer County Clerk serves as the primary custodian of land records, vital records, and business filings. The Circuit Court Clerk is responsible for maintaining records of the circuit court, including divorces, civil litigation, and criminal case files. The Fiscal Court Clerk maintains official records of county government proceedings.
Is Mercer County an Open Records County?
Mercer County operates in full compliance with the Kentucky Open Records Act. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 61.870 through § 61.884, all public agencies in the Commonwealth are required to make public records available for inspection and copying upon request. This framework applies to all county offices, including the County Clerk, Circuit Court Clerk, and Fiscal Court.
As stated by the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General, "The Open Records Act reflects the General Assembly's recognition that a free society is maintained when government is responsive and responsible to its citizens and that the boundaries of such responsiveness and responsibility are defined by the public's right to know the activities of government."
The Kentucky Open Records Act establishes a presumption of openness, meaning that all records are presumed to be public unless a specific statutory exemption applies. County agencies are required to provide a written explanation citing the applicable exemption when denying access to any record. The Kentucky Attorney General's office provides guidance and adjudicates disputes arising from open records requests throughout the Commonwealth.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Mercer County?
The current fee structure for public records in Mercer County is governed by state law and individual office schedules. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 61.874, agencies may charge a fee for copies that does not exceed the actual cost of reproduction.
| Fee Type | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (per page) | $0.10 – $0.25 |
| Certified copies (deeds, vital records) | $5.00 – $10.00 per document |
| Electronic copies | Actual cost of duplication |
| Record inspection | No charge |
| Search fees | Not permitted under state law |
Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order. Some offices may accept credit or debit cards; requestors are advised to confirm accepted payment methods prior to visiting. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest, subject to agency discretion.
Does Mercer County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at county offices during regular business hours. Members of the public may inspect records without charge; fees apply only when copies are requested. The Kentucky Open Records Act affirms the right of any person to inspect public records at no cost.
The following resources provide free access to certain records:
- The Mercer County Clerk's online records portal provides free searchable access to land records and recorded instruments
- The Kentucky Court of Justice offers free case information searches through its online system at kycourts.gov
- Public access terminals are available at the County Clerk's Office for in-person record searches at no charge
Marriage licenses and certain property records may be inspected at no cost through the County Clerk's office. Certified copies of vital records carry a standard fee as noted above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Mercer County?
Any person may submit a public records request in Mercer County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Under the Kentucky Open Records Act, requestors are not required to be Kentucky residents, provide identification, or explain the reason for their request in order to access non-exempt public records.
Specific provisions apply to certain record categories:
- Court records: Any person may request copies of court records through the Circuit Court Clerk's office; sealed records require a court order for access
- Vital records: Certified copies of birth and death certificates are restricted to the subject, immediate family members, or authorized representatives under Kentucky law
- Law enforcement records: Arrest logs and incident reports are accessible to the public; investigative records related to ongoing cases may be withheld
- Personnel records: Certain employee information is exempt from disclosure; however, names, positions, and salaries of public employees are public record
Non-residents retain the same rights as residents under the Kentucky Open Records Act. Requestors seeking their own records may be required to provide identification to verify identity before access is granted.
What Records Are Confidential in Mercer County?
Certain records maintained by Mercer County offices are exempt from public disclosure under state and federal law. The Kentucky Open Records Act enumerates specific categories of exempt records, and agencies are required to cite the applicable exemption when withholding documents.
Records that are currently exempt from public disclosure include:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not accessible without a court-issued unsealing order
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to minors in dependency, neglect, abuse, or delinquency proceedings are confidential
- Ongoing investigation records: Law enforcement records compiled in the course of an active criminal investigation are exempt until the investigation is closed
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are redacted from disclosed records
- Medical records: Protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- Adoption records: Sealed by statute and accessible only through court order
- Child welfare records: Records of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services relating to child protective services are confidential
- Personnel records: Internal personnel files are exempt, with the exception of names, titles, and compensation of public employees
- Trade secrets: Proprietary business information submitted to government agencies in confidence is exempt
- Security and infrastructure plans: Documents detailing security systems or critical infrastructure are withheld in the interest of public safety
As noted by the Kentucky Attorney General's office, "The exemptions provided in the Open Records Act are to be strictly construed, with the burden on the agency to justify the withholding of any record."
Mercer County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Mercer County Clerk
207 W Lexington St, Harrodsburg, KY 40330
(859) 734-6310
Mercer County Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Mercer County Circuit Court Clerk
207 W Lexington St, Harrodsburg, KY 40330
(859) 734-4211
Circuit Court Clerk – Mercer County
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Mercer County Fiscal Court Clerk
207 W Lexington St, Harrodsburg, KY 40330
(859) 734-4395
Fiscal Court Clerk – Mercer County
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
The Circuit Court Clerk's office serves as the starting point for requesting copies of court records from cases filed in Mercer County. As noted by the Kentucky Court of Justice, "The Office of Circuit Court Clerk in each county is the starting point for requesting copies of court records from cases in that county."