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Sedgwick County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Sedgwick County?

Public records in Sedgwick County are defined according to the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), specifically under K.S.A. § 45-217(g), which defines public records as "any recorded information, regardless of form, characteristics or location, which is made, maintained or kept by or is in the possession of any public agency." Sedgwick County maintains a comprehensive collection of public records that are accessible to citizens pursuant to state law.

The following types of public records are available in Sedgwick County:

  • Court Records: Civil, criminal, probate, and family court records are maintained by the 18th Judicial District Court serving Sedgwick County. These include case filings, judgments, and court proceedings.

  • Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments are maintained by the Sedgwick County Register of Deeds and the County Appraiser's Office. Property ownership history, transfers, and valuation information are available through these offices.

  • Vital Records: Birth and death certificates from 1911 to the present are maintained by the Sedgwick County Health Department. Marriage licenses and divorce decrees are handled by the District Court Clerk.

  • Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious name registrations (doing business as) are maintained by the County Clerk's Office and various county departments.

  • Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax payment histories are maintained by the Sedgwick County Treasurer and Appraiser's offices.

  • Voting and Election Records: Voter registration information and election results are maintained by the Sedgwick County Election Office.

  • Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of county commission meetings, board proceedings, and other governmental bodies are maintained by the Sedgwick County Clerk.

  • Budget and Financial Documents: County financial records, budgets, expenditures, and audit reports are maintained by the Sedgwick County Finance Department.

  • Law Enforcement Records: Certain police reports, arrest logs, and incident reports are maintained by the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office, subject to privacy and investigative exemptions.

  • Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning applications, and land use records are maintained by the Metropolitan Area Planning Department and Sedgwick County Planning Department.

Each record type is maintained by specific county departments, with the Sedgwick County Clerk serving as the primary custodian for many county records. Geographic information and mapping data are available through the Sedgwick County Geographic Information Systems office.

Is Sedgwick County an Open Records County?

Sedgwick County fully complies with the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), as established under K.S.A. § 45-215 et seq. This state law mandates that public records shall be open for inspection by any person unless otherwise provided by the Act, and public agencies shall not require the requester to provide a reason for accessing records.

Under K.S.A. § 45-216(a), the law explicitly states: "It is declared to be the public policy of the state that public records shall be open for inspection by any person unless otherwise provided by this act, and this act shall be liberally construed and applied to promote such policy." Sedgwick County adheres to this principle in its records management practices.

The county has established specific procedures for handling public records requests in accordance with state law. These procedures are outlined in the Sedgwick County Open Records Policy, which designates Freedom of Information Officers within each county department to process requests.

Sedgwick County also complies with the Kansas Open Meetings Act (KOMA), which ensures that the public has access to meetings where governmental decisions are made. This commitment to transparency extends to the publication of meeting agendas, minutes, and other public documents on the county's official website.

The county's records policy aligns with the state's presumption of openness, which places the burden on the government to justify why a record should be withheld rather than requiring the requester to establish a right to access. Any denial of records must cite the specific provision of law that exempts the requested records from disclosure.

How to Find Public Records in Sedgwick County in 2026

Members of the public seeking access to Sedgwick County records may follow these steps to obtain the information they need:

  1. Identify the Appropriate Department: Determine which county department maintains the records you seek. The Sedgwick County website provides a directory of departments and the types of records they maintain.

  2. Submit a Written Request: While verbal requests are accepted for some records, written requests are recommended and can be submitted using the county's Open Records Request Form. Requests should include:

    • Requester's name and contact information
    • Specific description of the records sought
    • Preferred format for receiving the records

  3. Submit Your Request to the Appropriate Office:

  4. Online Access Options: Many records are available through online portals:

  5. In-Person Inspection: Visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours to inspect records in person. Many departments maintain public terminals for this purpose.

  6. Pay Any Applicable Fees: Be prepared to pay the established fees for copies or certified documents as outlined in the county's fee schedule.

  7. Review Response Timeline: Under KORA, agencies must respond to requests within three business days. If more time is needed, the agency must provide a detailed explanation and a time estimate for when the records will be available.

For specialized records such as criminal history information, the public may access the Kansas Criminal History Record Check Portal maintained by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Sedgwick County?

Sedgwick County assesses fees for public records in accordance with K.S.A. § 45-219, which permits agencies to charge reasonable fees for providing access to or copies of public records. The current fee structure for Sedgwick County public records is as follows:

  • Standard Copies: $0.25 per page for black and white copies
  • Color Copies: $1.00 per page
  • Certified Copies: Additional $1.00 per document certification
  • Electronic Records: $25.00 per hour for staff time to convert records to electronic format, with the first hour often waived
  • Research and Compilation: $25.00 per hour for staff time required to research, redact, or compile requested records, with the first hour often waived

Specific record types have standardized fees:

  • Birth Certificates: $15.00 for the first copy, $15.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
  • Death Certificates: $15.00 for the first copy, $15.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
  • Marriage Licenses: $85.00 application fee, $15.00 for certified copies
  • Divorce Decrees: $12.00 for certified copies
  • Property Records: $8.00 for the first page, $2.00 for each additional page
  • Criminal Background Checks: $20.00 per name search

Accepted payment methods include:

  • Cash (in-person only)
  • Personal checks
  • Money orders
  • Credit/debit cards (subject to a processing fee)

The county may waive fees when doing so is in the public interest, as determined by the records custodian. This typically applies to requests from news media, non-profit organizations, or academic researchers when the information will benefit the general public.

For large or complex requests, the county may require advance payment before processing begins. All fees are subject to change based on county commission approval and state law amendments.

Does Sedgwick County Have Free Public Records?

Sedgwick County provides several options for accessing public records at no cost, in accordance with Kansas law which permits free inspection of records during regular business hours. The following free public records services are available:

  • In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may inspect most public records free of charge at the appropriate county office during regular business hours. This right is established under K.S.A. § 45-218(a), which states that "all public records shall be open for inspection by any person."

  • Online Access: Several categories of records are available at no cost through the county's online portals:

  • Public Access Terminals: Computer terminals are available at several county offices for free public use to access digital records, including:

    • The Register of Deeds Office for property records
    • The District Court Clerk's Office for court records
    • The County Clerk's Office for commission records and other county documents

  • Public Libraries: The Wichita Public Library and its branches provide free access to many county records and resources, including historical documents and genealogical information.

The Sedgwick County Geographic Information Systems office provides free basic mapping information and property data through its online portal, though specialized maps or data extractions may incur fees.

While inspection is free, fees still apply for copies, certified documents, and staff time for extensive research or compilation as outlined in the county's fee schedule.

Who Can Request Public Records in Sedgwick County?

Under the Kansas Open Records Act, specifically K.S.A. § 45-217(d), "any person" may request access to public records in Sedgwick County. This broad eligibility extends to:

  • Kansas residents
  • Non-residents of Kansas
  • U.S. citizens
  • Foreign nationals
  • Business entities
  • Media organizations
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Government agencies

The following requirements and conditions apply to public records requests in Sedgwick County:

  • Identification: While basic identification may be requested to process certain records (particularly those requiring verification of eligibility), requesters are generally not required to provide identification simply to view public records. However, specific records such as vital records or certain court documents may require proof of identity or relationship.

  • Purpose Statement: Under K.S.A. § 45-220(c)(2), requesters cannot be required to state the purpose for their request except in limited circumstances where the record custodian has reasonable cause to believe the request places an unreasonable burden on the agency.

  • Request Format: While requests can be made verbally, written requests are preferred and may be required for complex or voluminous requests. The county provides a standard request form but will accept requests in any written format.

  • Special Considerations for Specific Records:

    • Vital Records (birth/death certificates): Only the person named in the record, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a direct interest may obtain copies
    • Adoption Records: Access is restricted to parties involved and requires court approval
    • Juvenile Court Records: Access is limited by K.S.A. § 38-2309
    • Medical Records: Protected under HIPAA and state privacy laws

For requests involving one's own records, additional verification may be required to protect privacy and prevent identity theft. When requesting records about another individual, access may be limited based on privacy protections established in state and federal law.

What Records Are Confidential in Sedgwick County?

Sedgwick County maintains certain records as confidential in accordance with exemptions provided under the Kansas Open Records Act, specifically K.S.A. § 45-221, which lists more than 55 categories of records that public agencies are not required to disclose. The following records are generally considered confidential in Sedgwick County:

  • Sealed Court Records: Records sealed by judicial order, including expunged criminal records and sealed juvenile proceedings.

  • Juvenile Records: Records related to juvenile offenders are confidential under K.S.A. § 38-2309, with limited exceptions for specific agencies and individuals.

  • Law Enforcement Investigation Records: Active criminal investigation records, intelligence information, and records that would interfere with prospective law enforcement actions if disclosed.

  • Personal Identifying Information: Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, financial account information, and other personal data that could lead to identity theft if disclosed.

  • Medical and Mental Health Records: Individual medical records, including mental health information, protected under both HIPAA and state privacy laws.

  • Adoption Records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are sealed by court order and accessible only through specific legal procedures.

  • Child Welfare Records: Child in need of care records, abuse investigations, and foster care information maintained by the Department for Children and Families.

  • Personnel Records: County employee personnel records, including performance evaluations, disciplinary actions, and personal information, though certain information such as name, position, and salary is public.

  • Attorney-Client Privileged Communications: Legal advice and communications between county officials and their attorneys.

  • Trade Secrets and Proprietary Business Information: Confidential commercial information submitted to the county by private businesses.

  • Security Information: Records detailing security measures, emergency response plans, or infrastructure vulnerabilities that could pose a safety risk if disclosed.

  • Tax Records: Individual income tax information and certain business tax records protected under state and federal tax laws.

  • Library Patron Records: Information revealing the identity of library patrons or their use of library materials.

  • Preliminary Working Papers: Draft documents, recommendations, and notes that are part of the deliberative process before final agency action.

The county applies a balancing test as required by K.S.A. § 45-221(a)(30) when considering whether to release records that contain private information, weighing the public interest in disclosure against the privacy interests of individuals.

Any denial of records must cite the specific statutory exemption that applies, and the burden remains on the county to justify withholding records from public disclosure.

Sedgwick County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

Sedgwick County Register of Deeds
525 N. Main, Suite 211
Wichita, KS 67203
(316) 660-9400
Sedgwick County Register of Deeds

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Services Provided:

  • Recording of deeds, mortgages, and other property documents
  • Maintaining land records
  • Issuing certified copies of recorded documents
  • Providing public access to property records

Additional County Records Offices:

Sedgwick County Clerk's Office
525 N. Main, Suite 211
Wichita, KS 67203
(316) 660-9222
Sedgwick County Clerk

Sedgwick County District Court Clerk
525 N. Main, 1st Floor
Wichita, KS 67203
(316) 660-5900
18th Judicial District Court

Sedgwick County Health Department - Vital Statistics
1900 E. 9th Street
Wichita, KS 67214
(316) 660-7300
Sedgwick County Vital Statistics

Sedgwick County Election Office
510 N. Main, Suite 101
Wichita, KS 67203
(316) 660-7100
Sedgwick County Election Office

Sedgwick County Appraiser's Office
271 W. 3rd Street, Suite 501
Wichita, KS 67202
(316) 660-9110
Sedgwick County Appraiser

Lookup Public Records in Sedgwick County

18th Judicial District Court

Geographic Information Systems | Sedgwick County, Kansas

Divorce Certificate | KDHE, KS

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