Bell County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Bell County in 2026
Members of the public seeking publicly available information related to government documents, property filings, court proceedings, and vital statistics may access a range of records through Bell County's official offices and online platforms. BellRecords.org serves as an additional directory resource for individuals researching available record types, though the authoritative source for all official documents remains the relevant government office. Bell County, Kentucky maintains records through several distinct agencies, each responsible for a specific category of documentation.
Records that may be accessible through official channels include:
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family)
- Marriage and divorce records
- Tax and assessment records
- Business filings and fictitious name registrations
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement incident reports (where permitted by law)
Online Access: The Bell County Clerk's office provides online access to deeds, corporate records, liens, and related documents through the eCCLIX platform. With eCCLIX, users may view or print documents filed by over 85 Kentucky county clerks without visiting a physical office. No registration is required to perform basic searches, though printing or downloading documents may require account creation. Court records are accessible through the Kentucky Court of Justice online portal, which provides a self-help interface for case lookups statewide.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may inspect records in person at the Bell County Clerk's Office, located at 101 Courthouse Square, Pineville, KY 40977. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Requestors should identify the record type and approximate date range when presenting a request at the public counter.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests may be submitted by mail to the Bell County Clerk's Office at 101 Courthouse Square, Pineville, KY 40977. Requests should include the requestor's full name, mailing address, a description of the record sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 61.880, a public agency must respond to a written open records request within five business days.
Phone/Email: The Bell County Clerk's Office may be reached by telephone at (606) 337-6143. Email inquiries may be directed through the contact form available on the Bell County Clerk's website.
What Are Public Records in Bell County?
Public records in Bell County are defined under Kentucky law as all books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, discs, diskettes, recordings, software, or other documentation regardless of physical form or characteristics, which are prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by a public agency. Under KRS § 61.870, a "public record" encompasses any documentation created or maintained by a government body in the course of its official duties.
The following record types are currently maintained by Bell County agencies:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Deeds, mortgages, liens | Bell County Clerk |
| Civil and criminal court records | Circuit Court Clerk |
| Probate and estate records | District Court / County Clerk |
| Marriage licenses and records | Bell County Clerk |
| Divorce decrees | Circuit Court Clerk |
| Property tax assessments | Bell County Tax Commissioner |
| Business licenses and fictitious names | Bell County Clerk |
| Voting and election records | Bell County Clerk |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Bell County Fiscal Court |
| Law enforcement incident reports | Bell County Sheriff |
The Bell County Clerk's records portal provides direct access to many of the property and business-related documents listed above. Court records, including civil, criminal, and family case files, are maintained by the Office of Circuit Court Clerk and may be requested through the Bell County court information page on the Kentucky Court of Justice website.
Is Bell County an Open Records County?
Bell County operates in full compliance with Kentucky's Open Records Act, which mandates public access to government documents held by state and local agencies. Under KRS § 61.871, "free and open examination of public records is in the public interest," and all public agencies are required to permit inspection of non-exempt records upon request.
The Kentucky Attorney General's Office has stated: "The Open Records Act reflects the General Assembly's recognition that government is the servant of the people and not the master of them." This principle governs how Bell County agencies respond to records requests from members of the public.
Bell County does not maintain a separate county-level open records ordinance; the state statute governs all access procedures. The Bell County departments and agencies directory identifies the offices responsible for maintaining specific record categories, which assists requestors in directing inquiries to the appropriate custodian.
Kentucky's Open Meetings Act, codified alongside the Open Records Act, further requires that meetings of public bodies be conducted in an open and transparent manner, with minutes and agendas available for public inspection.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Bell County?
The fee structure for public records in Bell County is governed by state statute and varies by record type and format. Under KRS § 61.874, a public agency may charge a reasonable fee for copies, not to exceed the actual cost of reproduction.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.10 per page (black and white) |
| Certified copies of recorded documents | $5.00 per document (first page) + $3.00 per additional page |
| Deed recording | $33.00 for first three pages + $3.00 per additional page |
| Marriage license | $35.50 |
| Electronic record copies | Actual cost of duplication |
| Inspection of records | No charge |
Accepted payment methods at the Bell County Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order. Some online transactions through the eCCLIX platform may require a credit or debit card. Fee waivers are not broadly available under Kentucky law, though agencies retain discretion to waive fees in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest.
Does Bell County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available to any member of the public under Kentucky's Open Records Act. Agencies are not permitted to charge for the act of reviewing records on-site; fees apply only when copies are requested.
The following resources provide free access to Bell County records:
- The Bell County Clerk's online records database allows users to search and view property records, deeds, and liens at no cost through the eCCLIX platform.
- The Kentucky Court of Justice provides a free online case search tool for court records statewide, including Bell County cases.
- In-person inspection at the Bell County Clerk's Office public counter is available at no charge during regular business hours.
- Delinquent tax information is accessible at no cost through the Bell County Clerk's website.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while viewing a record carries no fee, obtaining a physical or electronic copy is subject to the standard fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Bell County?
Any person may submit a public records request in Bell County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Kentucky's Open Records Act does not restrict access based on the requestor's identity or reason for the request. As the Kentucky Attorney General's Office has noted, "The purpose for which records are sought is not a relevant consideration in determining whether to grant or deny access."
Requestors are not required to:
- Be a Kentucky resident
- Provide government-issued identification for most requests
- State the purpose of the request
- Demonstrate a personal interest in the records
Certain record types carry additional access requirements. Requests for records containing personal identifying information, sealed court files, or records subject to statutory exemptions may require the requestor to demonstrate a legal basis for access or to be the subject of the record. Individuals requesting their own court records may obtain certified copies directly from the Circuit Court Clerk's Office upon presentation of valid identification.
Non-residents retain the same rights as Kentucky residents under the Open Records Act and may submit requests by mail, in person, or through available online channels.
What Records Are Confidential in Bell County?
Not all government records are subject to public disclosure. Kentucky law identifies specific categories of records that are exempt from the Open Records Act. Under KRS § 61.878, the following types of records are currently withheld from public inspection:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not accessible to the general public.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to minors involved in court proceedings are confidential under Kentucky law.
- Ongoing investigation records: Law enforcement records compiled in the course of an active criminal investigation are exempt until the investigation is closed.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar identifiers are redacted from publicly released documents.
- Medical records: Protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Adoption records: Sealed by statute and accessible only under specific legal circumstances.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Maintained as confidential by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
- Personnel records: Employee records are exempt except for name, position, compensation, and dates of employment.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Submitted to government agencies under a claim of confidentiality.
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Exempt to protect public safety.
When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the agency is required to separate and release the non-exempt portions. Requestors who believe a denial is improper may appeal to the Kentucky Attorney General's Office within 20 days of receiving the denial.
Bell County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Bell County Clerk's Office
101 Courthouse Square
Pineville, KY 40977
(606) 337-6143
Bell County Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Bell County Circuit Court Clerk
101 Courthouse Square
Pineville, KY 40977
(606) 337-6084
Bell County Court Information
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Bell County Sheriff's Office
101 Courthouse Square
Pineville, KY 40977
(606) 337-2994
Bell County Departments and Agencies
Bell County Tax Commissioner
101 Courthouse Square
Pineville, KY 40977
(606) 337-3002
Bell County Departments and Agencies