Vigo County Property Records
What Is Vigo County Property Records
Property records in Vigo County are official documents that establish and track the legal ownership, transfers, and encumbrances of real property within county boundaries. These records serve as the authoritative documentation of who owns what land and buildings throughout Vigo County, Indiana.
Property records fulfill several essential governmental and public functions:
- Establish legal ownership and chain of title
- Provide public notice of property interests
- Protect property rights of owners and lienholders
- Facilitate real estate transactions
- Support property tax assessment and collection
- Enable land use planning and zoning enforcement
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 36-2-11-8, the Vigo County Recorder is responsible for maintaining these vital records. The statute mandates that "the recorder shall record all instruments that are proper for recording" including deeds, mortgages, and other documents affecting real property interests.
Vigo County Recorder's Office
33 South 3rd Street, 1st Floor
Terre Haute, IN 47807
812-462-3381
Vigo County Recorder
The Vigo County Assessor works in conjunction with the Recorder to maintain property assessment records, which document the value of properties for tax purposes. Together, these offices maintain the comprehensive property record system that serves both governmental and public needs.
Are Property Records Public Information In Vigo County?
Property records in Vigo County are indeed public information, accessible to all citizens without restriction. This public access is guaranteed under both Indiana state law and county regulations. The Indiana Access to Public Records Act (Indiana Code § 5-14-3) establishes the fundamental right of citizens to inspect and copy public records maintained by governmental agencies.
The public nature of property records serves several important purposes:
- Ensures transparency in land ownership and transfers
- Provides notice to interested parties about property interests
- Facilitates real estate transactions and title research
- Supports property rights protection through public verification
- Enables citizens to monitor property tax assessments
Any member of the public may access Vigo County property records without demonstrating a specific interest in the property or providing a reason for their request. As stated in the Indiana Access to Public Records Act § 5-14-3-3(a), "Any person may inspect and copy the public records of any public agency during the regular business hours of the agency."
The Vigo County government maintains these records through several departments, with the primary repositories being the County Recorder's Office for ownership documents and the County Assessor's Office for valuation records. Both offices provide public access terminals at their physical locations and increasingly offer online access options to facilitate public information retrieval.
How To Search Property Records in Vigo County in 2026
Vigo County offers multiple methods for searching property records. Members of the public may utilize the following approaches to locate property information:
Online Search Portal:
- Visit the Vigo County property records portal
- Select the search type (address, owner name, parcel number)
- Enter the relevant search criteria
- Review the results list and select the property of interest
- Access available property record information
In-Person at County Offices:
Vigo County Recorder's Office
33 South 3rd Street, 1st Floor
Terre Haute, IN 47807
812-462-3381
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Vigo County Recorder
- Visit the Recorder's Office during business hours
- Request assistance from staff or use public access terminals
- Provide property information (address, owner name, parcel number)
- Review available records
- Request copies of relevant documents (fees may apply)
Vigo County Assessor's Office
33 South 3rd Street, 1st Floor
Terre Haute, IN 47807
812-462-3310
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Vigo County Assessor
For property assessment records:
- Visit the Assessor's Office during business hours
- Request assistance from staff or use public access terminals
- Provide property information (address, owner name, parcel number)
- Review available assessment records
- Request copies of relevant documents (fees may apply)
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate county office
- Include specific property information
- Specify the records being requested
- Provide contact information for response
- Include payment for any applicable fees
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 36-2-7-10, standard fees apply for copies of property records. Currently, the fee structure includes $1.00 per page for standard documents and additional fees for certified copies or specialized records.
How To Find Property Records in Vigo County Online?
Vigo County provides comprehensive online access to property records through several digital platforms. These online resources allow citizens to search and retrieve property information without visiting county offices in person.
The primary online resources for Vigo County property records include:
-
Vigo County GIS Portal
- Access the county's Geographic Information System
- Search by address, parcel number, or owner name
- View property boundaries, dimensions, and location
- Access basic property characteristics and assessment data
- Link to related property records
-
Vigo County Beacon Property Search
- Visit the Beacon portal for detailed property information
- Search using address, owner name, or parcel ID
- Access property assessment values
- View tax information and payment history
- Review property characteristics and improvements
- Access sales history and comparable properties
-
Vigo County Recorder's Online Search
- Access the official land records database
- Search by grantor/grantee names, document type, or date range
- View document images (subscription may be required)
- Access chain of title information
- Review mortgage and lien records
-
Vigo County Property Tax Portal
- Search property tax records by owner name or parcel number
- View current and historical tax bills
- Access payment status and history
- Review tax delinquency information
- Access tax sale listings when applicable
When using these online systems, users should note that while basic property information is freely accessible, some detailed document images or specialized reports may require payment of nominal fees or subscription to premium services. The Vigo County public records portal provides additional guidance on accessing various types of county records electronically.
How To Look Up Vigo County Property Records for Free?
Vigo County residents and other interested parties can access property records at no cost through several channels. The county provides free options for basic property information retrieval in compliance with Indiana public records laws.
Free property record access options include:
-
Public Access Terminals
- Located in the Vigo County Recorder's Office
- Available during regular business hours
- Provide access to the complete property records database
- Allow basic searches by name, address, or parcel number
- Staff assistance available for search guidance
-
Vigo County Public Library Resources
- Public computers with internet access
- Assistance from reference librarians
- Access to county online property portals
- Historical property records and maps
- Research guides for property information
Vigo County Public Library
One Library Square
Terre Haute, IN 47807
812-232-1113
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Vigo County Public Library -
Basic Online Property Search
- Free access to basic property information
- Search by address, owner name, or parcel ID
- View assessment values and property characteristics
- Access tax information and payment status
- Review property dimensions and location
-
Vigo County Area Planning Department
- Access to zoning and land use records
- Property maps and subdivision plats
- Building permit history
- Environmental and floodplain information
- Staff assistance with property research
Vigo County Area Planning Department
33 South 3rd Street, 1st Floor
Terre Haute, IN 47807
812-462-3367
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
While basic property record searches are free, fees may apply for copies of documents, certified records, or extensive research assistance. According to Indiana Code § 36-2-7-10(b), county recorders may charge "one dollar ($1) per page not larger than eight and one-half (8½) inches by fourteen (14) inches" for copies of recorded documents.
What's Included in a Vigo County Property Record?
Vigo County property records encompass a comprehensive collection of documents and data points that collectively define the legal status, physical characteristics, and fiscal obligations of real property within the county. These records are maintained across several county departments, each responsible for specific aspects of property documentation.
Property records typically include the following components:
Ownership Documents (Recorder's Office)
- Deeds (warranty, quitclaim, special)
- Property transfer affidavits
- Land contracts
- Certificates of trust
- Death certificates affecting ownership
- Court orders affecting title
- Condominium master deeds and amendments
Financial Encumbrances (Recorder's Office)
- Mortgages and mortgage assignments
- Construction liens
- Tax liens (federal, state, local)
- Judgment liens
- Mechanics liens
- Releases and satisfactions of liens
- Easements and rights-of-way
Assessment Information (Assessor's Office)
- Parcel identification number
- Legal description
- Property classification (residential, commercial, agricultural)
- Land value assessment
- Improvement value assessment
- Total assessed value
- Assessment history
- Property characteristics (square footage, rooms, features)
- Building permits and improvements
Tax Information (Treasurer's Office)
- Current tax status
- Tax payment history
- Tax delinquencies
- Special assessments
- Tax abatements or exemptions
- Tax sale status (if applicable)
Land Use Information (Area Planning Department)
- Zoning classification
- Subdivision plat information
- Survey records
- Floodplain designation
- Environmental restrictions
- Variance approvals
- Conditional use permits
Pursuant to Indiana Code § 6-1.1-4-13, property record cards must contain "the information that the department of local government finance requires," including detailed physical characteristics, ownership information, and valuation data. These comprehensive records ensure transparency in property ownership and taxation while providing essential information for real estate transactions.
How Long Does Vigo County Keep Property Records?
Vigo County maintains property records according to retention schedules established by the Indiana Commission on Public Records and local ordinances. These retention periods ensure the preservation of vital property information while allowing for the appropriate disposition of obsolete records.
Property records are generally retained according to the following schedules:
Permanent Retention Records:
- Deeds and property transfers
- Mortgage and lien documents
- Plat maps and surveys
- Annexation records
- Condemnation proceedings
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Original property assessment records
- Tax sale certificates
These records are maintained permanently due to their ongoing legal significance and historical value. According to Indiana Code § 5-15-6-2.5, county recorders must maintain permanent records in formats that ensure long-term preservation.
Long-Term Retention Records (25+ years):
- Building permits for significant structures
- Zoning variance approvals
- Special assessment records
- Property tax rolls
- Assessment appeals decisions
- Environmental impact studies
Medium-Term Retention Records (7-25 years):
- Building permits for minor structures
- Temporary easements
- Routine inspection reports
- Temporary tax exemptions
- Assessment worksheets
- Property maintenance violation records
Short-Term Retention Records (1-7 years):
- Routine correspondence
- Preliminary assessment calculations
- Temporary permits
- Working papers and drafts
- Public information requests
- Routine administrative records
The Indiana Archives and Records Administration provides oversight for county records retention through the County Records Commission, established under Indiana Code § 5-15-6-1. This commission ensures that vital property records are preserved while allowing counties to manage their records efficiently.
Vigo County has implemented digital preservation systems for many property records, allowing for more efficient storage and retrieval while ensuring long-term preservation of these essential documents. The county's digital records management system complies with state standards for electronic records established under Indiana Administrative Code Title 60, Article 2.
How To Find Liens on Property In Vigo County?
Liens on property in Vigo County can be identified through several official channels. These encumbrances represent legal claims against property that must be satisfied before title can be transferred clear of such obligations.
To locate liens on Vigo County properties, interested parties may utilize the following methods:
-
Vigo County Recorder's Office Search
- Visit the Recorder's Office in person or access online records
- Search by property owner name or property address
- Review the following lien categories:
- Mortgage liens
- Mechanics liens
- Judgment liens
- Tax liens (federal, state, local)
- Homeowners association liens
- Child support liens
- Other statutory liens
Vigo County Recorder's Office
33 South 3rd Street, 1st Floor
Terre Haute, IN 47807
812-462-3381
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Vigo County Recorder -
Vigo County Clerk's Office (for Judgment Liens)
- Search court records for judgments against property owners
- Review civil case filings that may result in property liens
- Access records of satisfied judgments and lien releases
Vigo County Clerk's Office
33 South 3rd Street, 2nd Floor
Terre Haute, IN 47807
812-462-3211
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Vigo County Clerk -
Vigo County Treasurer's Office (for Tax Liens)
- Search for delinquent property tax records
- Review special assessment liens
- Access tax sale information for properties with significant tax delinquencies
Vigo County Treasurer's Office
33 South 3rd Street, 1st Floor
Terre Haute, IN 47807
812-462-3361
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Vigo County Treasurer -
Title Company Search
- Engage a professional title company to conduct a comprehensive lien search
- Receive a detailed report of all recorded liens and encumbrances
- Obtain professional analysis of lien priority and validity
Under Indiana Code § 32-28-3-3, certain liens (such as mechanics liens) must be filed within specific time frames to remain valid. For example, mechanics liens must generally be filed within 90 days after the last labor or materials were provided. Understanding these statutory requirements is essential when researching potential property liens.
For the most comprehensive lien information, a combination of these search methods is recommended, as different types of liens may be recorded with different county offices. Professional title searches are particularly advisable before property transactions to ensure all potential encumbrances are identified.
What Is Property Owner Rule In Vigo County?
The Property Owner Rule in Vigo County encompasses the legal framework governing property ownership rights, responsibilities, and restrictions. This regulatory structure is derived from Indiana state law, county ordinances, and established legal precedents.
Key components of the Property Owner Rule include:
Ownership Rights and Restrictions
- Fee simple ownership conveys broad property rights subject to government regulations
- Property owners maintain rights to use, exclude others, and transfer ownership
- Ownership rights are limited by zoning regulations, building codes, and environmental restrictions
- Pursuant to Indiana Code § 32-21-1-13, all conveyances of land must be in writing and properly recorded to establish legal ownership
Property Tax Obligations
- All real property in Vigo County is subject to property taxation unless specifically exempted
- Property owners must pay taxes in two equal installments (May 10 and November 10)
- Tax rates are determined based on assessed value and applicable tax districts
- Failure to pay property taxes may result in tax sale proceedings after specified delinquency periods
- The Vigo County property tax system is administered according to Indiana Code § 6-1.1
Maintenance Requirements
- Property owners must maintain their properties in compliance with county health and safety codes
- Minimum maintenance standards address structural integrity, sanitation, and public safety
- Failure to maintain property may result in code enforcement actions, fines, or abatement proceedings
- Abandoned properties may be subject to special regulatory procedures
Land Use Restrictions
- Property use is governed by the Vigo County Zoning Ordinance
- The Vigo County Area Planning Department enforces zoning, subdivision, and flood control ordinances
- Property owners must obtain permits for construction, significant renovations, or changes in use
- Variances from zoning requirements require approval through established administrative procedures
Disclosure Requirements
- When transferring property, owners must disclose known material defects
- Indiana's Seller Disclosure Law (Indiana Code § 32-21-5) requires completion of a standardized disclosure form
- Failure to disclose known defects may result in legal liability
- Certain environmental conditions require specific disclosure procedures
Easements and Encroachments
- Property owners must respect established easements crossing their property
- Utility easements, access easements, and conservation easements may limit property use
- Encroachments onto neighboring properties may create legal liabilities
- Boundary disputes are resolved through established legal procedures
The Property Owner Rule in Vigo County balances individual property rights with community interests and regulatory requirements. Property owners seeking clarification on specific aspects of these rules should consult with the appropriate county department or seek legal counsel for complex matters.