Mississippi PUBLIC RECORDS SEARCH

Mississippi State Public Records Search Online

Mississippi public records are documents that have been used, in use, possessed, prepared, or retained in any state public body business, transaction, work, duty, or function. These materials come regardless of form or characteristics.

The Mississippi Public Records Act (MPRA) governs the state's preservation and access to public records. The act declares that public records are public property, and anyone can inspect, copy, or mechanically reproduce these records. This law also outlines the procedures for requesting and accessing public records and the applicable exemptions and denials.

Individuals and organizations can leverage these records to hold public officials accountable, inform decision-making, or pursue their interests and objectives. They can also utilize the information in these documents for various personal and professional purposes, such as research, investigation, legal proceedings, and other functions.

What Records are Public in Mississippi?

All records that government agencies in Mississippi generate and preserve are considered public. Individuals can review these documents regardless of their residential status except for records that are exempt from disclosure.

What is Considered Public Information in Mississippi?

In Mississippi, public information refers to data accessible to all individuals. Public record custodians are responsible for facilitating access to this information upon request.

Examples of public information in the state are the following:

• Vital records
• Criminal history reports
• Court documents
• Property details
• Bankruptcy filings
• Traffic records

Mississippi Public Records Laws

The Mississippi Public Records Act (MPRA) is the state law that grants the public the right to access government records unless specifically exempted. This law, along with the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), provides a framework for citizens to request and obtain public information from state and federal agencies.

What is the MPRA?

The MPRA (Mississippi Public Records Act) is a state law passed in 1983 that establishes the public's right to access government records. Its purpose is to promote a transparent and accountable government by making government records available for inspection by any person.

Under this law, public records include all books, papers, letters, accounts, maps, films, photographs, and other documentary materials used or maintained by a government body. The act applies to various entities, including state agencies, local governments, and public schools.

The law outlines procedures for requesting public records. It also mandates that agencies make public records available within one working day after a written request unless they have adopted written policies to extend compliance time. Agencies can also charge reasonable fees for searching, reviewing, and duplicating records.

While the law establishes a presumption of public access, it also recognizes certain exemptions to protect individual privacy, preserve the integrity of ongoing investigations, and safeguard sensitive commercial information. The exempt records under this act include personnel files, attorney work products, and investigative reports from law enforcement agencies.

What is the FOIA in Mississippi?

The federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows Mississippi residents to request access to federal agency records. This law complements the MPRA by enabling individuals to obtain documents not covered by state regulations.

Despite its openness, FOIA has nine exemptions. These exemptions uphold the confidentiality of sensitive data, safeguard classified information under federal jurisdiction, and balance transparency and privacy.

Who Can Access Public Records in Mississippi?

Following the MPRA (Mississippi Public Records Act), all public records in the state are open to all individuals without restrictions, even out-of-state residents. The act ensures that anyone can request, inspect, copy, or reproduce public records held by a public agency if the custodian's procedures are followed.

Note that requesters are not required to disclose the purpose of their request and are free to use the requested records for various purposes.

Mississippi Public Records Search

Accessing public records in Mississippi involves contacting the relevant state department responsible for keeping the desired documents. Each department maintains a different record type; thus, the requirements for access vary.

Typically, record seekers must submit a written request to the record custodian to access their desired public record. These requests can be submitted in person, by fax, mail, or online.

How To Find Mississippi Public Records Online

Mississippi public records can be accessed online through third-party providers or official government websites.

Third-party providers offer convenient search tools. These tools only require information about the record to give interested parties access to their desired record. However, their reliability is questionable due to their non-governmental affiliation.

On the other hand, Mississippi government agencies typically maintain online platforms or databases that allow public record access. To efficiently access these records from these official websites, individuals can follow the subsequent procedures:

• Identify the required information or record type.
• Visit the custodian agency's website and navigate it for online record access options.
• If online access is available, request the record by filling out an official form or emailing the agency. The email must include information about the desired record and the requester's contact information.
• Finalize the request by providing other documents required and paying applicable fees.

How To Find Mississippi Public Records Offline

Accessing Mississippi public records offline can be done through traditional means, including in-person visits, mailing requests, or phone inquiries.

To make requests in person, individuals must visit during regular office hours. At the office, requesters must complete a request form or provide necessary information about the desired record. They must also pay the stipulated fee to complete the request process.

For those choosing to request public records via mail, the following steps can be taken:

• Locate the custodian's mailing address on their official website.
• Complete the official form or draft a detailed request letter specifying the desired public record and the requester's contact details.
• Send the filled form or letter, along with any required documentation and payment, to the agency's address.

Another avenue to access Mississippi public records offline is through phone inquiries. To check for the viability of this method, it is advisable to directly contact the record custodian using the contact information provided on their official website.

Types of Public Records in Mississippi

There are numerous types of public records in Mississippi, and each type is critical to its designated purpose. Among the common types of public records in the state are the following:

State of Mississippi Public Court Records

Mississippi court records are a variety of documents related to criminal, civil, or traffic cases. These records contain a wealth of information, including case progress, transcripts, pleadings, and judgments.

The Clerk of the Mississippi Supreme Court oversees the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal records. County and municipal courthouses also house these documents for cases in their jurisdictions. Interested parties can access these records by visiting designated courthouses or through official online platforms.

Note that while many court records are accessible to the general public, certain restrictions apply under the MPRA (Mississippi Public Records Act). Sealed or expunged records, details about jurors, witnesses, and minors, as well as sensitive financial information, are examples of records that may require special authorization for viewing.

Mississippi Public Bankruptcy Records

Bankruptcy records, which divulge financial details of individuals seeking bankruptcy protection, are public documents available for perusal by eligible parties upon request. These records include the following:

• Petitioner's name
• Filing date
• Case number
• Trustee information
• Nature of the lawsuit or the type of bankruptcy chapter filed
• Presiding judge
• Court location
• Source and gross income
• Asset details
• List of creditors
• Debts owed

Access to Mississippi's bankruptcy records is facilitated through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system.

The PACER Case Locator tool enables individuals to search and view case files from Mississippi bankruptcy courts, with new cases appearing within 24 hours. Registration with a username and password is required, and access to case information is priced at $0.10 per page.

Moreover, the Multi-Court Voice Case Information System (MCVCIS) offers a telephone-based avenue for obtaining basic bankruptcy details. Interested parties can access the system by dialing (866) 222-8029 and following the automated prompts.

For in-person access, individuals can visit any court location for the Northern District of Mississippi Bankruptcy Court or the Southern District of Mississippi Bankruptcy Court during regular office hours to explore bankruptcy records.

County Court Records in Mississippi

County court records in Mississippi are official documents and files maintained by local county-level courts that oversee legal matters within their jurisdiction. These records cover civil cases, criminal cases, probate proceedings, and other legal issues.

Accessing county court records in Mississippi is facilitated through various channels.

The Mississippi Electronic Court (MEC) offers online access to court records from most Mississippi courts. To utilize this service, individuals must register as Public Access to Mississippi Electronic Courts (PAMEC) users. This service has an associated fee of $0.20 per page for search results.

Moreover, individuals seeking county court records can visit the clerk of the circuit court of the county where the case was initiated. To conduct in-person county court record searches, interested parties must have prior communication with the respective clerk of the circuit court. They must inquire about the process and information required.

Below are the contact details of some of the clerks of the circuit courts in Mississippi:

• Hinds County Clerk of the Circuit Court: (601) 968-6628
• DeSoto County Clerk of the Circuit Court: (662) 469-8007
• Harrison County Clerk of the Circuit Court: (228) 865-1635
• Jackson County Clerk of the Circuit Court: (228) 769-3040
• Rankin County Clerk of the Circuit Court: (601) 825-1466

Mississippi Criminal Records

Mississippi criminal records outline an individual's criminal history within the state's jurisdiction.

Key elements contained within Mississippi criminal records include the individual's details, such as full name, date of birth, nationality/ethnicity, and gender, as well as a mugshot and distinctive physical characteristics. Additionally, fingerprints, a record of criminal offenses, indictments, warrants, arrests, convictions, and case dispositions are included.

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI), within the Department of Public Safety (DPS), oversees public criminal records in Mississippi.

Individuals can visit the department to access their records. They can also request by mail through the following address:

When requesting Mississippi criminal records, individuals must provide proper identification and cover the associated fees for searches and copies.

Mississippi Public Arrest Records

Mississippi arrest records provide a detailed account of an individual's past and most recent encounters with law enforcement. Authorities compile these records following an individual's arrest. However, this document does not automatically indicate guilt, as individuals may be arrested without subsequent conviction or prosecution.

Individuals interested in accessing Mississippi arrest records can contact the sheriff's office in the county where the arrest occurred. They can also turn to the DPS (Department of Public Safety), which contains statewide arrest information accessible to the general public.

Regardless of the method chosen, record seekers must provide the name of the person they are requesting records for and the date of the arrest. They must also cover any necessary fees associated with the request.

Mississippi Vital Records

Vital records in Mississippi verify significant life events like birth, death, marriage, and divorce. These records determine eligibility for public assistance programs and confirm citizenship within the state.

There are two main types of Mississippi vital records: informational copies and certified copies.

Informational copies are typically provided for genealogy research or informational purposes and are not considered legally binding for identity verification. On the other hand, certified copies hold legal weight and can be used for official purposes such as housing applications, licensing, employment, and immigration.

Individuals can contact the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) to obtain vital records in Mississippi. To process their request, applicants must usually submit an application form, a copy of their identification document, and payment.

In addition to the official channels, third-party aggregate sites manage and distribute publicly available vital records. While these sites offer broader access to records beyond geographical limitations, they are not government-endorsed, and record availability may vary from official sources.

Mississippi Public Birth Records

Birth records in Mississippi are essential documents that capture all births within the state and provide details about individuals' births and their parents. These documents are not entirely public and are only accessible to eligible individuals such as registrants, immediate family members, legal guardians, legal representatives, and authorized state agencies.

The Vital Records Office of the MSDH (Mississippi State Department of Health) maintains birth records dating back to 1912. Interested parties can visit the office location below to request access to the state's birth records in person:

Those interested can also request through the mail by submitting a completed Application for Certified Mississippi Birth Certificate form, a copy of a valid ID, and the required fee ($17 per copy with an additional $6 for each extra copy) at the address below:

For birth records registered before 1912, individuals can contact their local county health departments. The MSDH directory of county health offices provides information on these departments' locations and contact details for assistance.

Mississippi Public Death Records

Mississippi death records are official documents issued to cover individuals' passings. These records feature details such as the deceased's full name and personal information. They also include marital status, surviving spouse's name, parents' names, date, cause, manner, location of death, burial details, and the funeral home's name.

Similar to birth records, death records in the state are closed to the general public and only accessible to eligible persons with a legitimate need for them. Such individuals include the decedent's spouse, birth parents, legal representative, or guardian.

Individuals can access death records filed between 1912 and 1943 from the statewide index offered by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

For more recent death records, interested parties can request them from the Vital Records Office of the MSDH (Mississippi State Department of Health). The office accepts walk-in applicants in its location at:

It also accepts mail requests provided that these include a completed Application for Certified Copy of Death Certificate form, the required fees, and a photo ID and are submitted to the office's address below:

Mississippi Public Marriage Records

Mississippi public marriage records serve as official documentation of the union between couples in the state. These records include details such as the full names of the individuals, the date and location of the marriage, parents' names, information about the officiating ministers, addresses, and signatures.

In Mississippi, uncertified copies of marriage records are accessible to the public. However, certified copies are restricted to specific individuals, including those listed in the records, immediate family members, legal representatives, and individuals with legal authorization.

Accessing the state's marriage records involves contacting the county court clerk's office where the marriage license was issued. These records are also accessible from the MSDH (Mississippi State Department of Health), specifically for marriages from 1942 to the present.

To request a marriage record from the department, individuals can visit in person at its office located at:

For mail requests, interested parties must complete the Application for Certified Mississippi Statistical Record of Marriage form, attach a copy of their state-issued ID and fee, and send it to the address below:

Note that mail requests take seven to ten days to process.

Mississippi Public Divorce Records

Divorce records in Mississippi are collections of legal documents presented and generated throughout a divorce proceeding. These records include the divorce decree along with all orders, motions, complaints, reports, evaluations, and transcripts stemming from the court case that culminates in the termination of a marriage.

Although public access to divorce records is available to all individuals within the state, obtaining certified copies of Mississippi divorce records is limited to those listed on the records and their legal representatives.

The MSDH (Mississippi State Department of Health) does not retain divorce records. Those seeking access to such records must contact the chancery clerk in the county where the divorce was finalized. The contact details of the relevant chancery clerk can be found in the Chancery Court Clerk Directory.

Typically, individuals requesting records will be required to furnish the full names of the divorced parties mentioned in the record, the date of the divorce, a valid photo ID, contact information, and the necessary fees for processing their inquiry.

Mississippi Property Records

Property records in Mississippi offer comprehensive details on properties and land parcels. These records contain property ownership, tax details, surveys, and property history.

Per state law, property records are open to the public. Despite this openness, sensitive details like financial accounts and security numbers are kept confidential.

The chancery court clerk of each county acts as the custodian of these records. Interested parties must physically visit their respective location and provide specific property location or owner information to retrieve these documents.

Moreover, many chancery court clerks in Mississippi provide online databases that allow remote access to property records. For example, Harrison County offers the Land Records Online platform, which enables individuals to search property records using the grantor/grantee's name, legal description, and other search criteria.

Third-party platforms also provide aggregated property record search services in Mississippi. These are ideal for extensive searches or unknown property locations.

Mississippi Inmate Records

Inmate records in Mississippi provide details about incarcerated individuals, including their personal information such as names, ages, physical characteristics, and demographic details. These records also document the nature of their offenses, dates of incarceration, current location within the correctional system, custody status, expected release dates, and parole.

The Mississippi Department of Correction (MDOC), correctional facilities, and law enforcement agencies are responsible for maintaining and updating state inmate records. Individuals interested in accessing these records need to visit the locations of these relevant facilities.

Moreover, some law enforcement agencies allow remote access to inmate records. For instance, the MDOC offers an inmate search portal that allows the public to conveniently retrieve inmate records by entering the subject's full name or identification number.

Mississippi Traffic Records

Mississippi traffic records, also known as Motor Vehicle Records (MVRs), comprehensively compile public information about an individual's driving history and road activities. These records contain the driver's license number, license renewals, legal sentences or convictions, and incidents such as license suspensions, revocations, fines, and traffic violations.

Residents have two options for accessing their Mississippi traffic records: non-certified and certified MVRs. To request a non-certified MVR, one can visit the DPS (Department of Public Safety) website and request it online.

This process requires providing personal information matching their driver's license and a $11 fee. The record is viewable for 24 hours and should be printed promptly.

Certified MVRs are obtainable by mail or in person. For mail requests, individuals must complete a Consent to Release Records Form, include a self-addressed stamped envelope, and send an $11 certified check to the DPS. In-person requests can be made at local DPS offices, requiring the same form, a copy of the driver's license, and the fee.

License Plate Lookup in Mississippi

A license plate lookup in Mississippi involves accessing public records linked to a vehicle's license plate number. This process yields details like vehicle details, registration information, ownership history, and notable incidents such as accidents or recalls.

To perform a license plate lookup in the state, one can contact the local DPS (Department of Public Safety) location directly or visit the MS DPS website, which provides an online search tool for license plate information. To use this tool, users will need the state where the vehicle is registered and the plate number.

Another method for looking up license plates in Mississippi is through the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System(NMVTIS). This platform, established through state and federal cooperation, offers users the ability to access comprehensive vehicle data. Searchers can uncover details such as registration information and historical title records for specific vehicles.

Those interested in employing this method may choose to interact directly with the NMVTIS through its online portal or opt for one of several third-party websites that interface with the system. While these external services typically require a fee, they often provide a more expansive search capability than the state's standard online resources.

What Information is Exempt from the Public Records Act in Mississippi?

While public records in Mississippi are generally accessible due to the MPRA (Mississippi Public Records Act), exemptions exist to withhold specific information. Among these exemptions are the following:

• Medical and academic records
• Trade secrets
• Jury documents
• Specific technological reports
• Archaeological records
• Registries
• Appraisal reports
• Investigative records
• Personnel documents

Custodians of exempt records must withhold exempted information entirely and provide reasons for doing so to those requesting access. In cases where only parts of a record are exempt, the public record officer may redact only those specific portions.

Other Public Records in Mississippi

The following are the other types of public records accessible in Mississippi:

• Mississippi Public Sex Offender Records: Mississippi provides public access to sex offender records compiled by local law enforcement and the state DPS (Department of Public Safety). These records are accessible through the Mississippi sex offender registry, which enables individuals to be aware of those convicted of sex-related crimes in the state.
• Mississippi Warrant Records: Warrant records are court-issued orders that allow law enforcement to take specific actions against a person suspected of criminal activity. They are generally considered public, and anyone can access them through local law enforcement agencies or courthouses.
• Mississippi Unclaimed Property Records: These records refer to financial assets that have been abandoned or forgotten by their rightful owners. These include bank accounts, uncashed paychecks, stocks, and other property types. The State Treasury of Mississippi makes these records accessible via the MS Unclaimed Property platform.
• Mississippi Zoning and Land Use Records: Zoning and land use records outline the permitted uses and regulations for specific parcels of land in the state. Local government agencies, such as city or county planning departments, maintain these records, which are accessible online and in person at respective planning departments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Individuals interested in learning more about Mississippi public records can find additional information by exploring the following frequently asked questions:

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