johnson county kansas public records overview and access guide

What these records include

Public records in Johnson County span property deeds and plats, tax assessments, civil and criminal court dockets, marriage licenses, business registrations, and selected sheriff reports. Most are open under state transparency laws, though sensitive details may be redacted.

How to find and request them

Start by identifying the holding office: the Register of Deeds for land documents, the District Court for case files, and county departments for permits and budgets. Many searches are self-serve online, with certified copies available by request.

1. Online portals - fastest for name or parcel lookups; often free to search, with small fees to download or certify.
2. In-person counters - helpful for complex or older files; staff can clarify indexes and retrieval times.
3. Mail or email requests - good for formal, certified needs; expect processing and postage fees.

For best results, bring exact names, case numbers, or parcel IDs, and narrow by dates. If a record seems sealed, ask about alternative summaries or public indexes to verify status.