Crawford County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Crawford County in 2026
CrawfordCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to public records maintained by government agencies in Crawford County, Kansas. Members of the public seeking court filings, property documents, vital records, or law enforcement data may locate relevant records through official county offices, state-administered online portals, and public access terminals. The information available through these channels may include, but is not limited to, the following record categories:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and assessment records
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Business licenses and permits
- Tax and financial records
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement arrest logs and incident reports (where permitted)
- Land use and zoning records
Online Access: Members of the public may search Crawford County district court records through the Kansas Case Search portal, which allows searches by case number or party name. As Kansas courts transition to a centralized case management system, additional records are becoming available through the eCourt district court records portal. Property and assessment records are accessible through the Crawford County Appraiser's and Clerk's online tools on the official county website.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Crawford County Clerk's Office at 111 E. Forest, Girard, KS 66743. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors should present a written or verbal description of the records sought; staff will assist in locating responsive documents.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted to the Crawford County Clerk's Office at 111 E. Forest, Girard, KS 66743. Requests should include the requestor's name, contact information, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for response. Under K.S.A. § 45-218, agencies are required to respond to requests within three business days.
Phone/Email:
- Crawford County Clerk: (620) 724-6115
- Crawford County Appraiser: (620) 724-8222
What Are Public Records in Crawford County?
Public records in Crawford County are defined under the Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. § 45-215 et seq.) as any recorded information, regardless of form or format, that is made, maintained, or kept by or on behalf of a public agency and that is related to the conduct of government or the performance of any governmental function. The following record types are currently maintained by Crawford County agencies:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil, criminal, probate, family court records | Crawford County District Court |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Register of Deeds |
| Property assessments | County Appraiser |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) | Kansas Department of Health and Environment / District Court |
| Business licenses and permits | County Clerk |
| Property tax records | County Treasurer |
| Voting and election records | County Clerk / Election Office |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Clerk |
| Budget and financial documents | County Clerk / Commission |
| Arrest logs and incident reports | Crawford County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | County Planning and Zoning |
Crawford County's district court operates under the 11th Judicial District, which serves both Crawford and Cherokee counties. Court records for cases filed in Crawford County are accessible through the district court clerk's offices in Girard and Pittsburg.
Is Crawford County an Open Records County?
Crawford County operates in full compliance with the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), codified at K.S.A. § 45-215 through § 45-223. Under KORA, all public records are open for inspection by any person unless specifically exempted by law. The Kansas Attorney General's office states that "the open records act presumes that government records are open to the public," placing the burden on the agency to justify any denial of access.
The Act applies to all county offices, boards, commissions, and agencies within Crawford County. Agencies may not require a requestor to state a reason for seeking records, and denial of access must be accompanied by a written explanation citing the specific statutory exemption. The Kansas Attorney General's open government resources provide guidance on KORA compliance and the rights of requestors. Crawford County does not maintain a separate county-level open records ordinance; state law governs all public records access within the county.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Crawford County?
The fee structure for public records in Crawford County is governed by KORA and applicable county fee schedules. Inspection of records is provided at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified documents are requested.
| Fee Type | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Black-and-white paper copies | $0.25 per page (standard) |
| Certified copies (vital records, court documents) | Varies by office; court certifications typically $1.50–$3.00 per document |
| Electronic copies | Fees may apply depending on format and volume |
| Search fees | Permitted under KORA when research time is substantial |
| Register of Deeds copies | $1.00 per page |
Under KORA, agencies may charge fees that cover the actual cost of reproduction and, where applicable, the cost of staff time spent in searching and compiling records. Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order; some offices accept credit or debit cards. Fee waiver provisions are not mandated statewide, but individual agencies retain discretion to waive fees in cases of demonstrated public interest or financial hardship.
Does Crawford County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at all Crawford County government offices during regular business hours. Members of the public may review records in person without charge; fees apply only when physical or electronic copies are requested. The following resources provide free access to public records:
- Kansas Case Search portal: Members of the public may search district court case records at no cost through the Crawford County court records search tool, which covers cases filed in both Girard and Pittsburg divisions.
- Crawford County Appraiser's Office: Property assessment and ownership data are available for free inspection online and at the public counter.
- Crawford County Clerk's Office: Meeting minutes, agendas, budget documents, and election records are available for free inspection during office hours.
- KBI Sex Offender Registry: The Kansas Bureau of Investigation registered offender database provides free public access to information about persons convicted of registerable offenses in Kansas.
Free inspection differs from free copies. While the right to inspect records without charge is established under KORA, reproduction of those records is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Crawford County?
Any person may request public records from Crawford County agencies, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Under KORA, requestors are not required to identify themselves, provide proof of Kansas residency, or explain the reason for their request. This applies to individuals, organizations, businesses, and members of the media alike.
Certain record types carry additional access requirements. Sealed court records, juvenile records, and adoption records require a court order or demonstration of legal standing before access is granted. Persons requesting their own criminal history records from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation must submit a notarized request form and applicable fee. Non-residents retain the same rights as Kansas residents under KORA for the vast majority of public records. Restrictions based on identity apply only where a specific statutory exemption designates a record as accessible solely to the subject of the record or authorized parties.
What Records Are Confidential in Crawford County?
Not all government records in Crawford County are subject to public disclosure. KORA enumerates specific categories of exempt records, and additional exemptions appear throughout Kansas statutes. The following record types are currently withheld from public inspection:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not accessible without a court-issued unsealing order.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juvenile proceedings are confidential under Kansas law.
- Ongoing criminal investigation records: Law enforcement records compiled in connection with an active investigation are exempt until the investigation is closed or charges are filed.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar identifiers 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 and protective services records: Maintained as confidential by the Kansas Department for Children and Families.
- Personnel records: Employee performance evaluations and certain personnel files are exempt, with limited exceptions for disciplinary actions.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Submitted to government agencies under confidentiality agreements.
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Exempt to protect public safety.
As the Kansas Attorney General's office notes, "the burden of proof is on the public agency to establish that the record is not subject to disclosure." Agencies denying access must cite the specific statutory provision authorizing the exemption.
Crawford County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Crawford County Register of Deeds
111 E. Forest
Girard, KS 66743
(620) 724-6291
Crawford County Register of Deeds
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on federal and state holidays.
Crawford County Clerk's Office
111 E. Forest
Girard, KS 66743
(620) 724-6115
Crawford County Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Crawford County District Court – Girard Division
602 N. Locust
Girard, KS 66743
(620) 724-8258
11th Judicial District Court
Crawford County District Court – Pittsburg Division
602 N. Locust (Pittsburg Courthouse Annex)
Pittsburg, KS 66762
(620) 231-0780
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Crawford County Sheriff's Office
102 W. Elm
Girard, KS 66743
(620) 724-8274
Crawford County Sheriff
Crawford County Appraiser's Office
111 E. Forest
Girard, KS 66743
(620) 724-8222
Crawford County Appraiser
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM