Ouachita County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Ouachita County in 2026
Members of the public seeking publicly available information related to government activities, legal proceedings, and property transactions in Ouachita County, Arkansas may access a range of documents through official county and state channels. OuachitaRecords.us aggregates publicly available data that may assist individuals in locating relevant record categories. The types of records that may be found include court filings, property deeds, vital records, tax assessments, business licenses, election records, and law enforcement incident reports, subject to applicable exemptions under Arkansas law.
Online Access:
Members of the public may search Arkansas court records through the Arkansas Judiciary case search portal, which provides access to civil, criminal, probate, and domestic relations case information statewide, including cases filed in Ouachita County Circuit Court. The Arkansas.gov state services portal provides centralized access to multiple state agency databases. Property records and land documents maintained by the Ouachita County Clerk are accessible through the county's online land records system. No registration is required to conduct basic searches through the Arkansas Judiciary's public access terminals.
In-Person Requests:
Members of the public may inspect records in person at the Ouachita County Courthouse. The Circuit Clerk's Office maintains court records, while the County Clerk's Office maintains land records, marriage licenses, and county commission minutes. Requestors should present a written or verbal description of the records sought. Staff will assist in locating responsive documents during regular business hours.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests should be directed to the appropriate custodial office and must include the requestor's name, contact information, a specific description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under Arkansas Freedom of Information Act § 25-19-105, agencies are required to respond within three business days of receiving a written request.
Phone/Email:
- Ouachita County Clerk: (870) 837-2220
- Ouachita County Circuit Clerk: (870) 837-2240
What Are Public Records in Ouachita County?
Public records in Ouachita County are defined under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act as writings, recorded sounds, films, tapes, electronic or computer-based information, or data compilations in any medium required by law to be kept or otherwise kept that constitute a record of the performance or lack of performance of official functions. The following record types are currently maintained by Ouachita County offices:
- Court records — civil, criminal, probate, and family law cases maintained by the Circuit Clerk
- Property records — deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats maintained by the County Clerk
- Vital records — marriage licenses (County Clerk); birth and death certificates (Arkansas Department of Health)
- Business records — assumed name filings and business licenses maintained by the County Clerk and applicable municipal offices
- Tax records — property tax assessments maintained by the County Assessor and tax payments by the County Collector
- Voting and election records — maintained by the County Clerk in the capacity of Election Coordinator
- Meeting minutes and agendas — Ouachita County Quorum Court minutes maintained by the County Clerk
- Budget and financial documents — maintained by the County Judge's Office
- Law enforcement records — arrest logs and incident reports maintained by the Ouachita County Sheriff's Office, subject to applicable exemptions
- Land use and zoning records — maintained by applicable municipal planning offices
Is Ouachita County an Open Records County?
Ouachita County operates in full compliance with Arkansas's statewide open records framework. Under Arkansas Code § 25-19-103, it is declared to be the public policy of the State of Arkansas that public records shall be open to inspection and copying by any citizen of Arkansas. This policy applies to all county offices, boards, and agencies within Ouachita County.
As stated in the Arkansas Attorney General's guidance on the Freedom of Information Act: "The FOIA reflects a strong public policy in favor of disclosure of government records and meetings. Exemptions from disclosure are to be narrowly construed." County offices are required to make non-exempt records available for inspection during regular business hours without requiring requestors to state a reason for their request. Ouachita County does not maintain a separate county-level open records ordinance, as the state statute governs all public bodies within its jurisdiction.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Ouachita County?
The fee structure for public records in Ouachita County is governed by state law and the policies of each custodial office. Standard fees currently applicable are as follows:
| Fee Type | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Photocopies (black and white) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copies (vital records) | $5.00–$10.00 per document |
| Electronic records (where available) | Actual cost of reproduction |
| Inspection of records | No charge |
| Search fees | Not permitted under state law |
Under Arkansas Code § 25-19-109, fees charged for copies of public records may not exceed the actual costs of reproduction. Certification fees vary by record type and the office maintaining the document. Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order. Fee waivers are not expressly mandated by state statute for standard requests, though individual offices retain discretion to waive fees in appropriate circumstances.
Does Ouachita County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available to any person at the offices of the relevant custodian during regular business hours. Members of the public are not charged a fee to view records in person. The following resources provide free access to certain records:
- The Arkansas Judiciary public court records search provides free online access to case information for Ouachita County Circuit Court proceedings without requiring account registration.
- The Arkansas Department of Health's online vital records verification tool provides limited free access to certain vital record indexes.
- The Arkansas Sex Offender Notification System provides free public access to registered sex offender information searchable by county, city, address, or ZIP code.
- The Ouachita County Assessor's Office provides free access to property assessment data through the county's online portal.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while inspection carries no charge, physical or electronic copies are subject to the reproduction fees described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Ouachita County?
Any person may request public records in Ouachita County. Under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act, the right to inspect and copy public records extends to all citizens without restriction based on residency, organizational affiliation, or stated purpose. Requestors are not required to:
- Be a resident of Arkansas or Ouachita County
- Provide government-issued identification for standard record requests
- State the purpose of the request
Certain record types carry additional access requirements. Requests for records containing personal identifying information, sealed court documents, or restricted law enforcement files may require the requestor to demonstrate a legal basis for access or to be the subject of the record. Individuals requesting their own records — such as personal criminal history or vital records — may be required to provide proof of identity. Non-residents retain the same rights as Arkansas residents under the current statutory framework, as the FOIA does not limit access based on state of residence.
What Records Are Confidential in Ouachita County?
Not all government records in Ouachita County are subject to public disclosure. Arkansas law identifies specific categories of records that are exempt from the general right of inspection. The Arkansas Attorney General has noted that "the FOIA's exemptions must be read narrowly, and the burden is on the custodian to justify withholding records." The following categories are currently exempt from disclosure under Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(b):
- Sealed court records and expunged criminal records
- Juvenile court records and proceedings
- Records pertaining to ongoing criminal investigations
- Social Security numbers and personal financial account information
- Medical records and protected health information under HIPAA
- Adoption records and related proceedings
- Child welfare and protective services case files
- Personnel records, except for the name, position, and salary of public employees
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information submitted to government agencies
- Security plans, vulnerability assessments, and critical infrastructure details
- Attorney-client privileged communications involving government legal counsel
Custodians are required to segregate exempt information from non-exempt information and release the non-exempt portions of any responsive record. Requestors who believe a record has been improperly withheld may seek review through the Arkansas Attorney General's Office or pursue relief in circuit court.
Ouachita County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Ouachita County Clerk
145 Jefferson Street SW, Suite 1
Camden, AR 71701
(870) 837-2220
Ouachita County Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Ouachita County Circuit Clerk
145 Jefferson Street SW
Camden, AR 71701
(870) 837-2240
Ouachita County Circuit Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Ouachita County Assessor
145 Jefferson Street SW
Camden, AR 71701
(870) 837-2260
Ouachita County Assessor
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Ouachita County Tax Collector
145 Jefferson Street SW
Camden, AR 71701
(870) 837-2230
Ouachita County Tax Collector
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Ouachita County Sheriff's Office
302 North Jefferson Street
Camden, AR 71701
(870) 837-2323
Ouachita County Sheriff's Office
Arkansas Department of Health – Vital Records
4815 West Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501) 661-2336
Arkansas Department of Health Vital Records