Delaware County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Delaware County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in Delaware County, Oklahoma, may access publicly available information through DelawareCountyRecords.us, which aggregates data related to a range of county-level records. Delaware County maintains official records across multiple government offices, and the categories of documents that may be available include court filings, property records, vital records, tax assessments, business licenses, and meeting minutes. Access to specific records depends on the nature of the document, applicable state law, and the custodial office involved.
Records in Delaware County may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.
Online Access:
- The Delaware County District Court provides access to civil and criminal case information through the Oklahoma Electronic Case Filing system, which allows members of the public to search active case documents and dockets
- The Oklahoma State Vital Records Index provides a searchable database of death records for Delaware County and other Oklahoma counties
- Property and tax records may be accessed through the Delaware County Assessor's online portal at the county's official website
- Some online tools require user registration prior to accessing case documents or certified records
In-Person Requests:
- Members of the public may visit the Delaware County Courthouse, located at 3 South 6th Street, Jay, Oklahoma 74346, to submit records requests in person
- Requestors should identify the specific record type and the approximate date range of the document sought
- Staff at the relevant office will direct requestors to the appropriate custodian
Written/Mail Requests:
- Written requests should be addressed to the specific custodial office (e.g., County Clerk, Court Clerk, or Assessor) at 3 South 6th Street, Jay, OK 74346
- Requests must include the requestor's name, contact information, a description of the record sought, and the preferred format for delivery
- Under Oklahoma Open Records Act § 51-24A.5, agencies are required to respond promptly and without unreasonable delay
Phone/Email:
- Delaware County Courthouse main line: (918) 253-4520
- Individual offices maintain separate direct lines; requestors are advised to contact the specific custodial office for the record type sought
What Are Public Records in Delaware County?
Public records in Delaware County are defined under Oklahoma law as all documents, including writings, photographs, films, recordings, and electronic data, created by or received by a public body in connection with the transaction of public business. Under Oklahoma Statutes § 51-24A.3, a "public record" encompasses any record maintained by a government entity regardless of physical form or medium.
The following categories of records are maintained by Delaware County offices:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family): maintained by the Delaware County Court Clerk
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens, and assessments): maintained by the Delaware County Clerk and Assessor
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates): birth and death certificates are issued through Oklahoma Vital Records; marriage and divorce records are held by the Court Clerk
- Business records (licenses, permits, and fictitious names): maintained by the County Clerk and the Oklahoma Secretary of State
- Tax records (property tax and assessment records): maintained by the Delaware County Treasurer and Assessor
- Voting and election records: maintained by the Delaware County Election Board
- Meeting minutes and agendas: maintained by the Delaware County Board of Commissioners
- Budget and financial documents: available through the County Clerk's office
- Law enforcement records (arrest logs and incident reports where permitted): maintained by the Delaware County Sheriff's Office
- Land use and zoning records: maintained by the County Planning and Zoning office
Is Delaware County an Open Records County?
Delaware County operates in full compliance with Oklahoma's open records framework. Under the Oklahoma Open Records Act, all records of public bodies and public officials are presumed open to any person for inspection, copying, or mechanical reproduction during regular business hours. The Act, codified at Oklahoma Statutes Title 51, § 24A.1 et seq., establishes that "the people are vested with the inherent right to know and be informed about their government."
The Oklahoma Attorney General's office has stated that "the Open Records Act reflects the policy of the State of Oklahoma that the people are vested with the inherent right to know and be informed about their government." This policy applies to all county-level offices in Delaware County, including the Court Clerk, County Clerk, Assessor, Treasurer, and Sheriff.
Delaware County does not maintain a separate county-specific open records ordinance; the state statute governs all public records requests submitted to county offices. Agencies are required to respond promptly and may not impose unreasonable conditions on access to non-exempt records.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Delaware County?
The fee structure for public records in Delaware County is governed by state law and the policies of individual custodial offices. Under Oklahoma Statutes § 51-24A.5, agencies may charge fees that do not exceed the direct cost of document search, retrieval, and copying.
| Record Type | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copies (vital records) | $15.00 per certificate |
| Court document copies | $1.00 per page (Court Clerk) |
| Electronic records | Actual cost of duplication |
| Record search (where permitted) | Actual staff time cost |
- Inspection of records at a public counter is available at no charge
- Certification fees apply when an official seal or attestation is required
- Payment methods accepted at county offices include cash, check, and money order; some offices accept credit cards
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or for requests made in the public interest, subject to agency discretion
- Fees for vital records obtained through the Delaware County Health Department may differ from those charged by the state vital records office
Does Delaware County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Delaware County government offices during regular business hours. Oklahoma law requires that members of the public be permitted to inspect non-exempt records without charge; fees apply only when copies or certified documents are requested.
The following resources provide free access to Delaware County records:
- The Oklahoma State Vital Records Index provides free online searching of death records indexed by the state
- The Delaware County Assessor's online portal allows free property record searches without registration
- The Oklahoma Electronic Case Filing system provides free public access to case docket information for active court matters
- The Delaware County Courthouse public access terminals allow on-site inspection of court and property records at no cost
- Meeting minutes, agendas, and budget documents posted to the county's official website are available for free download
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while viewing a record in person or online carries no charge, obtaining a physical or certified copy is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Delaware County?
Any person may request public records in Delaware County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Oklahoma's open records framework does not restrict access based on the requestor's identity or the reason for the request. Under Oklahoma Statutes § 51-24A.4, public bodies are not permitted to require a requestor to provide identification or to state the purpose of the request as a condition of access to non-exempt records.
Key eligibility provisions include:
- Non-residents of Oklahoma retain the same access rights as state residents
- Requestors are not required to provide a Social Security number, driver's license, or other identifying document to inspect general public records
- Certain record types, such as sealed court records, adoption files, and juvenile records, require the requestor to demonstrate a legal interest or obtain a court order
- Individuals requesting their own records (e.g., personal vital records or criminal history) may be required to provide proof of identity to verify eligibility and protect against unauthorized disclosure
- Attorneys, journalists, and researchers are subject to the same general access rules as members of the public, though some agencies maintain expedited processing procedures for media requests
What Records Are Confidential in Delaware County?
Not all government records in Delaware County are subject to public disclosure. Oklahoma law identifies specific categories of records that are exempt from the Open Records Act. The following records are currently withheld from public access:
- Sealed court records: records sealed by judicial order are not available for public inspection
- Juvenile records: records pertaining to minors involved in delinquency or child welfare proceedings are confidential under Oklahoma Statutes Title 10A
- Ongoing investigation records: law enforcement records compiled in connection with an active criminal investigation are exempt until the investigation is closed
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar identifiers are redacted from disclosed records
- Medical and health records: protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- Adoption records: sealed by statute and accessible only by court order or upon the adoptee reaching majority under specific conditions
- Child welfare and protective services records: maintained as confidential by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services
- Personnel records: employee records are exempt to the extent they contain personal information, though records of public officials' compensation and job titles remain public
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: submitted to government agencies under confidentiality agreements
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: exempt to protect public safety
Oklahoma Statutes § 51-24A.7 enumerates the specific exemptions applicable to state and county agencies. Where a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the custodial office is required to redact the exempt portions and release the remainder.
Delaware County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Delaware County Clerk
3 South 6th Street, Jay, OK 74346
(918) 253-4520
Delaware County Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Delaware County Court Clerk
3 South 6th Street, Jay, OK 74346
(918) 253-4523
Delaware County Court Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Delaware County Assessor
3 South 6th Street, Jay, OK 74346
(918) 253-4533
Delaware County Assessor
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Delaware County Treasurer
3 South 6th Street, Jay, OK 74346
(918) 253-4530
Delaware County Treasurer
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Delaware County Health Department
1310 South 9th Street, Jay, OK 74346
(918) 253-4511
Delaware County Health Department
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Northern District of Oklahoma U.S. Bankruptcy Court serves Delaware County for federal bankruptcy filings. Members of the public seeking federal bankruptcy records for Delaware County residents may access case information through the court's PACER system or by contacting the clerk's office directly.
U.S. Bankruptcy Court – Northern District of Oklahoma
224 South Boulder Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74103
(918) 699-4000
Northern District of Oklahoma Bankruptcy Court
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM