Explore Free Johnson County Public Records: Resource

Free Johnson County Public Records Search
Access Johnson County Records: marriage, divorce, warrants, arrests, probation, criminal, court, background checks, and all public records.

Access free Johnson County public records today using the search tools, links, and databases provided throughout this streamlined resource.

Johnson County, Kansas’ government prioritizes the transparency of these records to their residents. Public records such as criminal, property, and vital records kept or maintained by agencies are made available under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) and the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), allowing citizens to obtain these for free via various sources.

Vital records such as marriage, divorce, birth, and death records are open to the public in Johnson County. Additionally, if you want to check if someone has a warrant or look up prisoner information, property records, or criminal records like arrest, court records, probation details, and background check reports, these are publicly accessible.

This article empowers you to obtain this information effectively by linking the proper tools, record custodians, and databases to help you in your search.

How To Find Recent Arrests in Johnson County Kansas for Free

As mandated by the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA), arrest records in Johnson County are open for inspection by anyone.1

There are several options you can consider if you want to check the recent arrests in Johnson County, Kansas. There are online search tools that you can explore. Having information such as name, birthday or where the arrest happened can accelerate your search.

To start your search, you can begin with the county-level search using the county’s free public records search tool where you can access information about someone in custody. Conducting a search at the county level is considered as the most comprehensive approach, as it encompasses records within the county jurisdiction. Usually, city agencies, the sheriff’s office, and local police departments provide online rosters or jail records.

There are instances that reaching the police departments can be beneficial. Example, when detailed police reports are required for legal matters or the county level search yielded no results.

If you cannot find the information that you’re looking for, you can also check the state and federal sources that can help you with your search. Some records may not be available online, so obtaining these records may require contacting or visiting the specific arresting agency.

Below, more details are provided that may help you best search for arrest records from county-level searches to state and federal resources.

Search Arrests via the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office

To obtain information about an arrest, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office provides a simplified Inmate Online Search Tool where you can access the information you need.2

This search tool is searchable by the offender’s first and last name and can show results of individuals currently incarcerated in jail and find someone’s mugshot within the county. Additionally, users can broaden their search for previous Johnson County bookings for the past 3 years. The result contains information including the inmate’s full name, date of birth (DOB), sex and race.

Screenshot of an inmate search result from Johnson County Sheriff's Office, displaying the instructions, search fields, and the list of results, including the last, first, and middle names, birthdates, sexes, races, and an option to view more details under the first column.
Source: Johnson County Sheriff’s Office2

You can click on “Details”, which will lead to a new page showing more detailed information about the offender. This includes additional details such as:

  • Criminal File Number
  • Detention Center Location
  • Booking Date
  • Charge & Bond Information
  • Court Location & Date

The page also has a link to schedule a visit to the inmates.

Screenshot from the Johnson County Sheriff's Office displays the inmate's mugshot along with his name, criminal file number, detention center location, booking date, charge and bond information, court location, and court date.
Source: Johnson County Sheriff’s Office3

If the online search doesn’t give what you are looking for, you can also contact the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Record Division by phone or in person at the below address:

Johnson County Sheriff’s Office
Records Division
Sheriff’s Operations Building
27747 W. 159th St.
New Century, KS 66031

Phone: 913.715.5460
Fax: 913.715.5475
Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 5 PM | Monday through Friday

Johnson County arrest records can also be requested via email at [email protected], or through sending a request by mail at the address provided above.

Printed reports of 5 pages or less have no fee, but it’s $0.35 per page after that. Additional fees include $5.50 for printed photographs and $22 per DVD or flash drive containing video files.

Furthermore, the sheriff’s office also maintains an Offender Search Tool that allows the public to provide and view registered offenders within the county, which is updated daily.4

Users of this site must agree with the Crime Data and Johnson County Sheriff’s Disclaimer in order to proceed with the search.

To navigate the tool, here are some tips: Click on the “+” icon beside “Search.” This gives you 3 available options to filter offenders:

  • Address Search
  • Name Search
  • City Search

Fill out the required fields to begin, then click “Go.” The location of the offender will be shown on the map, and details such as full name, address, date of birth, offense/type and mugshot will also be visible.

You can check for random individuals just by clicking on the toggle button on the map showing the locations of the registered offender. Zoom in/out and re-center the image on the map by dragging your mouse over the top.

Screenshot of the map view from the sheriff's office's offender search feature displaying the map of Johnson County with color-coded legends based on the type of offense, followed by a list of offenders' names and corresponding offenses.
Source: Johnson County Sheriff’s Office4

Note: Some offender points may be stacked (or not visible) when more than one offender is listed at a particular location. Use the switch in the upper left of the map area to toggle between the points and density layer on the map.

In Johnson County, anyone has the right to register an offender through the sheriff’s office page. However, keep in mind that the department only allows walk-ins (no appointment needed).

For assistance, you can contact the Offender Registration Help Desk at 913-715-5476.

Track Down Arrests & Obtain Reports from Local Police Departments in Johnson County Kansas

Other than the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, records of arrest and jail data can also be obtained from the Local Enforcement Agencies operated by the police departments within the county.5

Below is the contact information of local enforcement agencies in Johnson County, Kansas:

Police Department Address Contact Information
Bonner Springs Police Department  215 Cedar
Bonner Springs, KS 66012
Phone: (913)422-7800
Fax: (913)422-1395
Gardner Police Department Gardner Justice Center
16540 Moonlight Rd.
Gardner, KS 66030
(913)856-7312
Leawood Police Department Leawood Justice Center
4201 Town Center Drive
Leawood, KS 66211
(913)642-5555
Merriam Police Department 9010 W. 62nd St.
Merriam, KS 66202
(913)322-5560
Olathe Police Department 501 W. Old 56 Highway
Olathe, KS 66061
(913)971-7455
Prairie Village Police Department  7710 Mission Rd, Prairie Village, KS 66208 (913)642-6868
Shawnee Mission School Police 7235 Antioch Rd, Overland Park, KS 66204 (913)993-6452
Spring Hill Police Department  401 N Madison St, Spring Hill, KS 66083 (913)592-2700
Fairway Police Department 5252 Belinder Ave, Fairway, KS 66205 (913)262-2364
Johnson County Park Police 7900 Renner Rd, Lenexa, KS 66219 (913)438-7275
Lenexa Police Department 12350 W 87th St Pkwy, Lenexa, KS 66215 (913)477-7300
Mission Police Department 6090 Woodson Rd, Overland Park, KS 66204 (913)676-8300
Overland Park Police Department 12400 Foster St, Overland Park, KS 66213 (913)895-6000
Roeland Park Police Department 4600 W 51st St, Roeland Park, KS 66205 (913)677-3363
Shawnee Police Department 5850 Renner Rd, Shawnee, KS 66217 (913)631-2155
Westwood Police Department 4700 Rainbow Blvd, Westwood, KS 66205 (913)362-3737

For those who want to check arrest records, knowing the specific arresting agency is a good thing to start with. Some departments have an online public record request page where searchers must fill out the necessary fields to acquire the information they are looking for.

Another option is calling the agency or visiting them in person. However, it is recommended to contact the local police department beforehand to learn their process for searching police records in person.

How To Run a Johnson County Criminal Record Search

When it comes to accessing Johnson County public records, including criminal information, there are a variety of sources you can utilize. Criminal records like probation information, charges, warrants, background checks and more can be searched from various official county or state custodians.

First to consider is the Central Record Division, as it serves as the public record repository for those managed and generated by the sheriff’s office. Another option is to utilize the online public index provided by the Johnson County Kansas District Court.6 This online database provides a comprehensive way to do a free criminal record check within the county.

There are also cases where you need to go directly to the specific arresting agency to acquire records, especially for those that are not available online, such as sealed or expunged records.

Find Johnson County Criminal Records via the Sheriff’s Office

If you want to secure criminal records within Johnson County, the sheriff’s office stands as a fundamental resource.

To access criminal records, individuals may begin by reaching out to the sheriff’s office.

The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Central Record Division is responsible for providing access to these records.7

Patrons can acquire criminal records in person, by email, or by mailing them the required form. Obtaining Johnson County criminal records often involves certain fees to process the request. Checks should be payable to the “Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.”

Printed reports under 5 pages are free; however, additional pages are $0.35 each. Printed photos are $5.50 each. DVD or flash drive videos are $22 each.

In Person: To obtain criminal records in person, individuals must visit the Sheriff’s Office Central Record Division located at:

Johnson County Sheriff’s Office
Central Record Division
Fred Allenbrand Criminal Justice Complex
Sheriff’s Operations Building
27747 W. 159th St.
New Century, KS 66031

This record custodian is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM and closes on holidays. It is suggested to contact them beforehand to inquire about your request or concern by phone at (913)-715-5460 or via fax at (913)-715-5475.

Mail & Email: Police reports can also be obtained through mail or email. Individuals can send a written request by providing specific details needed for the search, such as report number, date & time, location and name of the person involved. Email the department [email protected] or send a mailed request to the address provided above.

The time it takes to process a request may take 3-5 days; the wait can vary based on the volume of requests.

See Criminal Case Details via the Johnson County District Court

If searching through the sheriff’s office fails to return the information you need, the Johnson County District Court offers a free online public database to search for and view criminal case information across the county through the Court’s Document Search.8 This tool allows anyone to look up case details conveniently.

To obtain case information, visit the website, enter case details like defendant name or case number, then select “Criminal/Juvenile/Traffic” to pull up a summary of information including:

  • Case Number
  • Offender Identity Information
  • Specific Charges
  • Judge
  • Case Disposition
Screenshot of the Johnson County Kansas District Court Public Records search tool displaying the search fields for case number, business name, or first and last names, the case type options, and the list of results, including the case number, division, name of defendant, birthday, race, and sex.
Source: Johnson County District Court8

Moreover, reaching the Johnson County Clerk’s Office Criminal Division in-person or contacting the department in the information provided below can offer further assistance and help address your inquiry regarding case records.

Johnson County Courthouse
1st Fl, 150 W. Santa Fe St,
Olathe, Kansas 66061

Phone: 913.715.3460
Fax: 913.715.3461
Email: [email protected]

Gaining access to these resources can provide a better understanding of the required information needed in your search.

How To Determine if Someone Has an Arrest Warrant in Johnson County Kansas

To determine who has a warrant in Johnson County, interested parties can visit the sheriff’s office website, as they offer a free warrant search tool.9

This useful tool allows individuals to search for active Johnson County warrants by name (first and last). Another option is searching by city, where you have to select from a dropdown box which city the offender belongs to.

Screenshot of the warrant search results from Johnson County Sheriff's Office, displaying the wanted individuals' names, races, sexes, ages, warrant types, and dates of issuance, along with the search fields provided for the first and last names, and a disclaimer about the information posted.
Source: Johnson County Sheriff’s Office9

While convenient, be aware that these online searches may not provide a complete picture. For additional information, you can also contact the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office’s Warrant Division directly. The Warrant Division can run a thorough search in their system and provide the current status of any warrants, pending charges, bond amounts and court dates.

Below is the address and contact information for visiting the office in person:

Johnson County Sheriff’s Office
Warrants Division
27747 W. 159th St.
New Century, KS 66031

Phone: 913-715-5212

You can also consider checking warrants through the court since this information originated from them. The Johnson County Courthouse can uncover any documentation or case files that a judicial arrest warrant has been issued.

Inquiries are accepted in person or via phone. The request requires certain details, such as an individual’s full name and the date of birth. Knowing more information regarding the offender or the nature of the arrest may speed up your search.

Johnson County Courthouse
150 W. Santa Fe St.
Olathe, KS 66061

Phone: 913-715-3300

Overland Park is the most populous city in the county. Residents can search arrest records, including warrant information, through the Overland Park Police Department.10 The police department provides a crime and arrest record, including various types of crime in the city. This is filed in a spreadsheet, making it easily accessible to the public.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) provides a list of the most wanted individuals in the state.11 For questions, refer to the address and contact information below:

Kansas Bureau of Investigation
1620 SW Tyler St.
Topeka, KS 66612

Phone: 785.296.8200

A screenshot from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation shows the first two individuals posted under their most wanted status, including their mugshots, names, and offense descriptions.
Source: Kansas Bureau of Investigation11

These record custodians give citizens access to Johnson County public records – including criminal data – in accordance with the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA).1

How To Execute a Probationer Search in Johnson County Kansas

Probation information is maintained for the citizens to monitor who has been placed in supervision instead of serving time in prison. Records contain a wide range of information, including offenders’ personal details and the offense for which they were convicted.

The Johnson County Court oversees probation for criminal cases in the county. In Kansas, probation records are considered confidential under State Law (Chapter 21: 6607) and are not publicly accessible without a court order.12

Members of the public can search for basic case information like felony convictions and probation sentences through the Johnson County Case Search Tool.8 This tool allows searching by defendant name or case number and shows the charges and sentence but does not provide detailed probation records.

If someone needs to obtain more in-depth probation records for a legal purpose, they may be able to request them through a court petition or subpoena. The process would involve contacting the Johnson County District Court and submitting the proper request to document the legal need for the records.

Moreover, the Johnson County Department of Corrections supervises the Adult Intensive Supervision Program (ISP).13 Engaging with this department can provide probationers with information. Direct inquiries may give details about the specific probationers. The address and contact information are listed below:

Johnson County Department of Corrections
588 E. Santa Fe St.
Olathe, KS 66061

Phone: 913.715.4700

How To Get a Background Check Done in Johnson County KS

If you want to look up someone’s criminal record or have a pending case or warrant, conducting a background check is good to consider. Before delving in with the process, it is important to know that there are two types of checks: Personal background checks and professional background checks.

A personal background check usually focuses on an individual’s private life, this includes credit history, criminal background and more. While professional checks concentrate on an individual’s work related history, a good example is for employment verification.

Background checks are typically conducted by law enforcement agencies, courts, or private background check companies on behalf of authorized entities like employers. Background checks include criminal records, court, credit history and more.

There are two available options when conducting a background check in Johnson County – level 1 (name-based) and level 2 (fingerprint-based). For level 1, individuals can visit the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Records Division, provide the required personal information and pay the required fee.7 Below, you will find the office address and contact details:

Johnson County Sheriff’s Office
Central Record Division
Fred Allenbrand Criminal Justice Complex
Sheriff’s Operations Building
27747 W. 159th St.

Phone: 913.715.5460
Fax: 913.715.5475

For level 2 check, this involves having a fingerprint based check that may be done through the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office.14 The fingerprints are then sent to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for a comprehensive criminal history search.

Individuals may also pursue inquiry through the Kansas Bureau of Investigation Criminal History Record Check.

To get started, log in with your KanAccess account. You will need to enter specific details about the individual you’re inquiring about. This includes their full name, date of birth, and security number.

It is important to have accurate and complete information to ensure the search results are correct. The request has an associated fee:

  • Name-based certified record checks – $30.00
  • Fingerprint-based certified record checks – $45.00

After submitting the request, the system will process your request. For questions, you may contact the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) using the following information:

Kansas Bureau of Investigation
Attn: Criminal History Records Section
1620 SW Tyler
Topeka, KS 66612-1837

Phone: 785.296.4038

Another option is through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which facilitates background checks drawing on national repositories at Identity History Summary Checks. This requires an $18 fee to process national-scale verification petitions beyond Kansas state lines as submitted under proper permissions by certain qualifying institutions for employment, civil processes and credential determinations.

Ensure applicant consent and awareness of disclosure(s) gathered from the federal criminal records data trove as stipulated officially.

Private background check companies are also an option for those who want to check if you or someone you know has a criminal record; however, they usually charge fees.

When conducting a background check, it is essential to use the information responsibly and ethically. For example, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) says you can’t use an arrest that didn’t lead to a conviction to deny someone a job or housing.15

Also, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), people have the right to check reports for mistakes and get them fixed if a bad report hurts their application or chances of being approved for housing, etc.16

Looking up or distributing someone’s report without their approval breaks privacy rights unless an official law says it’s allowed. Stalking, harassment, and unauthorized data use may incur penalties. More info regarding the citizens’ rights will be explained in the section below.

How To Perform a Johnson County Criminal Record Lookup Utilizing State & Federal Agencies

Another option outside the county-level search for one’s criminal record is through state and federal resources.

Residents of Kansas can access county criminal case records on the state’s eCourt website. The Online Public Access Portal offers public records statewide, including Johnson County legal issues. It has two search options, either by name or case number.

So, you could look up an arrest or court case in Johnson County regarding someone you know or a new coworker.

Through this, patrons may be able to discover information such as a person’s identity, address, age, charges filed against them, their future court schedule, if they’re out on bail or still detained, and decisions and sentences from closed cases.

However, some legal case types are kept private per the Kansas Open Record Act: Section 45.221; this includes juvenile issues, adoptions, cases judges sealed, expunged past convictions, and secret grand jury investigations before charges are filed.17

Still, for basic county criminal cases, the search tool gives free access without waiting or asking state employees for documents.

Here is a list of other helpful websites that are good to consider while performing a Johnson County criminal record search:

  • U.S. National Sex Offender Registry: An online search tool that provides you with a nationwide database to look for individuals who have been convicted of sexual offenses.
  • Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP): This is a federal resource that shows records from 1982 to present records of individuals convicted of crimes and placed in federal prisons. It has two options: finding someone by name or by their assigned BOP register number.

To widen the scope of your search, utilize the Kansas arrest and criminal record lookup resources from various state and federal sources, as outlined above.

How To Access Johnson County Court Records & Cases

Johnson County public records include cases such as criminal, civil, traffic, and probate cases that are filed in its district courts. These records can be useful for research, legal matters, due diligence, and ancestry inquiries. To obtain Johnson County judicial records, there are several avenues you can explore.

The local courthouse allows you to view or copy Johnson County court records.

Johnson County District Courts provide an online directory for record lookups available on their website, which the public can access anytime or even at home.8 Helpful search filters include party names, case numbers, and case types.

The results provide summaries of the case and basic party information. Clicking the ‘Case Number ‘ will display additional tabs such as case history, charges, accounting, calendar, and other cases.

Screenshot of a case detail from Johnson County District Court, showing the defendant's name, sex, birthday, division, judge, status, and case number, along with the available tabs such as search, charges, accounting, calendar, other cases, and, lastly, case history, which displays content.
Source: Johnson County District Court18

However, keep in mind that records may not be updated, so it’s advisable to contact the courthouse in person. Johnson County case records can also be accessed by visiting the courthouse in person or requesting them via mail.6

In-Person: The office has public computer terminals for searching records. However, you can also ask the clerks to pull specific files from the archives. Listed below are the location and contact information for an onsite visit:

Johnson County Courthouse
100 N Kansas Ave
Olathe, KS 66061

Phone: 913.715.3300
Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday through Friday

By Mail: To ask for records by mail, you can print a Record Request Form from the Johnson County Clerk of Court website and submit it by postal mail. Make sure to provide all pertinent details like a case number, case name, and type of documents needed and include a self-addressed stamped envelope for them to mail back the requested records.

Mail requests are not free, so be sure to include the fee for the request. For mail requests, here is the address:

District Court Clerk’s Office
P.O. Box 728
Olathe, KS 66051

You may also contact the Johnson District Court by email at [email protected] or via phone at 913.715.3460.

How To Acquire or View Johnson County Vital Records (Marriage, Divorce, Birth & Death)

Important documents like birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees are examples of vital records that serve as legal proof of one’s identity and provide valuable information for family history research.

For vital events occurring within its boundaries, Johnson County maintains its own records, while the state office in Kansas keeps records centrally. Vital records in the state are considered not public; only authorized individuals can access these records.

County records can sometimes allow faster access. The Johnson County District Court Clerk’s Office handles marriage and divorce records filed at the county level, while birth and death certificates can be obtained from the Kansas State of Vital Statistics.19

For county residents researching their family tree or accessing records for legal purposes, certified copies of birth, death, marriage and divorce records can be obtained by contacting the appropriate department and submitting the required application form.

Determine if Someone Is Married or Divorced in Johnson County Kansas

Vital records including marriage and divorce are not available for anyone, only authorized individuals, persons named in the records and immediate family members can request for these records.

To search for marital documents, follow the steps for finding Johnson County marital records or refer to the tutorial on accessing Johnson County divorce cases.

For marriages and divorces filed in Johnson County, Kansas, records are maintained by the District Court Clerk’s Office.6 These documents can be accessed to check if someone is married or to gain insight into details surrounding the marriage.

There are two types of Johnson County marriage records: certified and non-certified records. The non-certified marriage records include basic details like names, ages, birthplaces, and dates.

The District Court Clerk’s Office provides an Online Public Records Search Portal made accessible to the public for free.8 This allows citizens to search records by name for marriage licenses and divorce decrees filed within the court.

Interested individuals may search via case number. However, if you do not know the specific case number, a name search search is a good choice.

To search by name, it would be helpful to know the spouse’s full name. Search results show the marriage license number and spouse’s full name. Clicking the license number will show more detailed results, including their birthplace and addresses.

A screenshot of a marriage license detail from the Johnson County District Court Public Records search tool results displays the application and ceremony dates, license number, and the spouses' names, birthplaces, and residences.
Source: Johnson County District Court20

Records from the department are not considered certified copies. Certified copies of marriage and divorce certificates are only available from the Kansas Office of Vital Statistics. The filing of divorce certificates with the office began on July 1, 1951, while marriage records started being recorded here on May 1, 1913.

The Office of Vital Statistics serves as the Kansas public records repository and offers 4 available methods to obtain certified copies of a marriage certificate or a divorce certificate: these include in-person visits, online, by phone and via mobile app. For walk-in, service is available Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM and has an associated fee of $20 per copy.

Requesters should complete the Certified Copy of Marriage Records Form for marital license requests. On the other hand, a completed Application for Certified Copy of Kansas Divorce Certificate Form should be filled out for a dissolution of the marriage certificate.21

Screenshot of the application form for certified copies of divorce certificates requiring the requestor's information such as name, date of request, address, contact information, specific reason of request, relationship to the person on record, and signature; and divorce information including the names and birthdays of both parties, date of event, and location of divorce, together with a section that displays a reminder of the fees associated with the request.
Source: Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Office of Vital Statistics21

The mobile “IKAN” app allows users to order one copy at a time for a $20 dollar fee plus 5 dollar fee. It has two options – pick up or delivery.

Online and telephone ordering, done through an endorsed third-party platform called VitalChek, costs $20 per copy plus a $13.95 expedited service fee and takes 3-5 business days.

Additionally, the Johnson County Archives Indexes can also help determine anyone’s marital status.22 You can access Johnson County divorce records and marriage information for the county in the Archives Research Room by appointment. Indexes are available for:

  • Non-Certified Marriage Records (1858-1969)
  • Divorce Records (1892-1940)

To make an appointment, contact the Johnson County Archives at 913-715-0400 or [email protected].

The location to go in person is listed below:

Johnson County Archives
19310 W. 159th St, Suite 1100
Olathe, KS 66062

Records are searchable if you have details like full names and approximate years. The Archives staff can assist with searches onsite or via phone, email, or mail.

To find out if someone is married, the available indexes can help determine marital status without needing to order official certified records. Just provide names and time frame details to aid the search.

Access or Request Birth & Death Records in Johnson County via the Kansas Public Health Vital Records System

To obtain vital records such as birth and death certificates either for legal, genealogical, or personal reasons, access is provided by the Kansas Office of Vital Statistics. The office serves as the custodian of records starting from July 1, 1911, up to the present.

In order to obtain a copy of a certificate of birth or a certificate of death, searchers have to submit a request to the State’s Office of Vital Statistics portal. The available options for submitting a request are covered below.

By Mail: Searchers can send a request by mail (via UPS, FedEx, Express Mail, etc.). Fill out the required form to begin. Birth records can be requested by completing an Application for Certified Copy of Kansas Birth Certificate Form (Spanish), while the Application for Certified Copy of Death Certificate is required for records of anyone deceased.23

Screenshot of the application form for certified copies of death records displaying a reminder about the associated fees and fields for the requestor's information such as name, address, contact information, date of request, specific reason of the request, relationship to the person on record, and signature; and death information including the name on the certificate, date and place of death, race, sex, birthday or age at death, marital status at death, and name of spouse if applicable.
Source: Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Office of Vital Statistics23

The cost is $20 per copy. By state law, the initial $20 fee for a certified copy of a record is a 5-year search fee. One certified copy is issued if the record is found and if not found, the fee is retained regardless.

Payment can be a check or money order made payable to “Kansas Vital Statistics.”

Mail the request to:

Kansa Vital Statistics Office
Curtis State Office Building
1000 SW Jackson, Ste. 120
Topeka, Kansas 66612-2221

It’s important to make sure that all information provided is correct. All applications with insufficient information will be returned to the requestors.

In-Person: You may also submit a request in person to the below address. You must bring a government-issued ID along with a fee of $20 for each copy of the record requested. The office is open Monday through Friday, 9 am-4 pm.

Kansas Division of Public Health
1000 SW Jackson, Suite 540
Topeka, KS 66612

Phone: 785-296-1086

Phone: For those that are not able to go in person, another option is through having a call to the office: 877-305-8315, which is available 24 hours. Payment of the same amount ($20), plus a $13.95 expedited service fee, should be paid via credit card. You can expect to receive the requested birth certificate 3 – 5 days after the receipt is received by the office.

Citizens may also submit a request through a mobile app, IKAN (Ikan – State of Kansas). This app can be downloaded from the app store. Requests cost $20 plus a $5 processing fee.

Online: The Kansas Office of Vital Statistics partnered with a third-party site, VitalChek, for online requests. Certificates cost $20 for each certified copy, with an additional $13.95 expedited service fee, and it may take 3 – 5 days to obtain the record requested.

Death records can also be obtained from funeral homes.

For older records or events that occurred before July 1, 1911, records are kept by the Kansas Historical Society.

How To Figure Out Who Owns a Johnson County Property & if There Are Unpaid Taxes

When it comes to determining the ownership of a property in Johnson County, Kansas – and checking for unpaid taxes – there are several resources available. These resources are merged into the county’s official website, making it convenient to check public records including property information.

The Johnson County Appraiser’s Office provides access to property data through the land records search tool called the Automated Information Mapping System (AIMS) portal.24

Individuals can look up property records in two options: searching by specific property or viewing maps.

To search for a specific property, searchers are required to input the property address, reference number, KUPN (Kansas Uniform Parcel Number), or parcel number in the search bar located at the upper left of the page. A dropdown will display the possible matching record. Select the specific property to view more details.

The AIMS database compiles records such as:

  • Property’s Assigned Owner
  • Deed Information
  • Appraised & Assessed Values
  • Summary of Any Unpaid Taxes
  • Property Photos

However, you may also see property records by viewing property maps; the database displays interactive Google Maps.

Screenshot of a search result from the location service of Johnson County displaying an interactive map of the searched area and the property details including general and owner information.
Source: Johnson County, Kansas24

Click on the parcel to load the same details as mentioned above. You can also zoom and pan the visual map to explore the area.

With any concerns or questions regarding property information, you may fill-out their drop-off portal.25 The requester may also bring the completed copy of the Open Record Request Form in person or send it to the appraiser’s office by postal mail.

Screenshot of the custom upload form or drop off portal provided by the appraiser's office of Johnson County asking for the type of service needed, name of contact in the office if known, owner's name, situs address, email address, phone number, and comment, together with an option to upload document files.
Source: Johnson County Appraiser’s Office25

If you cannot find information through their online search, you may contact the Johnson County Property Appraiser at the below address:

Johnson County Property Appraiser
Sunset Office Building
11811 S. Sunset Drive, Suite 2100
Olathe, Kansas 66061-7060

Phone: 913.715.9000
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM, Monday through Friday

Another option is through the Johnson County Clerk’s Office, where you can perform more thorough ownership and tax searches in person. Clerks can look up relevant deeds, titles, liens, transfers, and unpaid tax accounts if they have the right property description.

For more information, you can visit the Johnson County Clerk’s Office at:

Johnson County Courthouse
100 N Kansas Ave
Olathe, KS 66061

Phone: 913.715.0775

You might want to check for old property records, including taxes; fortunately, the Kansas Historical Society serves as the state’s archives for records from 1854 – 1993.

These resources can be helpful for those individuals who have questions regarding property records in Johnson County, Kansas.

Using Johnson County Public Records Responsibly & Understanding Your Rights

Access to public records in Johnson County can help individuals with their personal and professional needs. However, it is important to know that there are regulations in regards to accessing these records; this is to ensure that there is proper handling of other’s information, especially with sensitive documents like criminal histories.

Personal Use: The Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) allows anyone to access public records for personal reasons, like checking if you or someone in your neighborhood has a history or bad record.1 This access to information allows the public to be aware of their surroundings for safety or even to satisfy one’s curiosity.

However, when accessing public records that contain personal information, individuals should respect others’ privacy. Records must not be used to harass, stalk, or intimidate others.

Professional Use: When using background checks for professional use – like for employment or business decisions – one should follow certain laws. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the public has the right to get notified if records are used against them and limit access to consumer data.

Alternatively, discriminatory practices based on protected classes, dismissed cases not leading to conviction, or credit histories violate Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) policies, which uphold the Civil Rights Act. It is written that companies should conduct background checks under the FCRA guidelines.

If you feel that someone’s rights were violated, citizens have the right to file a report with the EEOC or report fraud to the FTC.

Utilize Johnson County public information carefully, legally, and while protecting individual privacy wherever possible.

Knowing the laws surrounding access to Johnson County public records, you can responsibly acquire any information that you seek using this streamlined resource; apart from searching Johnson County, you can also find similar information throughout the state by searching all Kansas public records.


References

1Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission. (n.d.). Kansas Open Records Act (KORA). Retrieved March 15, 2024, from <https://www.krgc.ks.gov/index.php/public-info/kansas-open-records-act-kora>

2Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. (2024). Inmate Search. Retrieved March 15, 2024, from <https://www.jocosheriff.org/public-information/inmate-search>

3Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. (2024). Inmate Search. Retrieved May 21, 2024, from <https://jims.jocosheriff.org/is/index.aspx>

4Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. (2024). Offender Search. Retrieved March 15, 2024, from <https://jocosheriff.org/offender-search>

5Johnson County Department of Corrections. (n.d.). Law Enforcement Agencies. Retrieved March 15, 2024, from <https://www.jocogov.org/department/department-corrections/juvenile-intake-and-assessment/law-enforcement-agencies>

6Johnson County District Court. (2024). Notice. Retrieved March 15, 2024, from <https://courts.jocogov.org/dcPopupNotice.aspx>

7Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. (n.d.). Sheriff’s Records. Retrieved March 15, 2024, from <https://www.jocosheriff.org/public-information/sheriffs-records>

8Johnson County District Court. (2024). Johnson County Kansas District Court Public Records. Retrieved March 15, 2024, from <https://public.jococourts.org/>

9Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. (2024). Warrant Search. Retrieved March 15, 2024, from <https://jocosheriff.org/operations-bureau/warrant-unit/warrant-search>

10Overland Park Police Department. (2024). Crime + Arrest Data. Retrieved March 15, 2024, from <https://www.opkansas.org/city-government/departments/police-department/crime-arrest-data/>

11Kansas Bureau of Investigation. (n.d.). Kansas Most Wanted. Retrieved March 15, 2024, from <https://www.kansas.gov/kbi/mostwanted/mw.shtml>

12Kansas Legislature. (2012). 2012 Statute – Article 66. – Sentencing. Retrieved March 15, 2024, from <https://www.kslegislature.org/li_2012/b2011_12/statute/021_000_0000_chapter/021_066_0000_article/021_066_0007_section/021_066_0007_k/>

13Johnson County Department of Corrections. (n.d.). Intensive Supervision Probation. Retrieved March 15, 2024, from <https://www.jocogov.org/department/department-corrections/adult-services/intensive-supervision-probation>

14Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. (n.d.). Obtain Fingerprints. Retrieved March 15, 2024, from <https://www.jocosheriff.org/obtain-fingerprints>

15U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (n.d.). Discrimination by Type. Retrieved March 15, 2024, from <https://www.eeoc.gov/discrimination-type>

16Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.). Fair Credit Reporting Act. Retrieved March 15, 2024, from <https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/statutes/fair-credit-reporting-act>

17Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes. (n.d.). 45-221. Retrieved March 15, 2024, from <https://www.ksrevisor.org/statutes/chapters/ch45/045_002_0021.html>

18Johnson County District Court. (2024). Case History (ROA). Johnson County Kansas District Court Public Records. Retrieved March 15, 2024, from <https://public.jococourts.org/CrRoa.aspx>

19Johnson County District Court. (2024). Copies of Marriage License. Retrieved March 15, 2024, from <https://courts.jocogov.org/dc_ML_Ceremony_Copies.aspx>

20Johnson County District Court. (2024). Marriage License Inquiry Screen. Johnson County Kansas District Court Public Records. Retrieved March 15, 2024, from <https://public.jococourts.org/mrdisplay.aspx?which=12MR02020>

21Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Office of Vital Statistics. (2022, December). Application for Certified Copy of Kansas Divorce Certificate. Retrieved March 15, 2024, from <https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11007/Divorce-Application-PDF>

22Johnson County Financial Management and Administration. (n.d.). Archives and Records Management. Retrieved March 15, 2024, from <https://www.jocogov.org/department/financial-management-and-administration/archives-and-records-management>

23Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Office of Vital Statistics. (2022, December). Application for Certified Copy of Kansas Death Certificate. Retrieved March 15, 2024, from <https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/11006/Death-Application-PDF?bidId=>

24Johnson County, Kansas. (n.d.). Location Maps & Information. Retrieved March 15, 2024, from <https://ims.jocogov.org/locationservices/>

25Johnson County Appraiser’s Office. (n.d.). Custom Upload Form / Drop Off Portal. Retrieved March 15, 2024, from <https://aprwebform.jocogov.org/Upload.aspx>