Sequoyah County Public Records
What Is Public Records in The Sequoyah County?
Public records in Sequoyah County are official documents or pieces of information that are not considered confidential and can be accessed by citizens. These records are created, maintained, and kept by local government agencies in the course of their duties. They include property records, court records, vital records, and various other documents that document the business of government and the actions of government officials.
The Sequoyah County Clerk's Office (117 S. Oak St., Sallisaw, OK 74955) maintains many of these records, including land records, marriage licenses, and other official documents. The Sequoyah County Assessor's Office (120 S. Oak St., Sallisaw, OK 74955) maintains property assessment records, while the District Court Clerk (120 S. Oak St., Sallisaw, OK 74955) maintains court records.
Is Sequoyah County an Open Records County?
Yes, Sequoyah County is an open records county, adhering to the Oklahoma Open Records Act. This act establishes that all records of public bodies and public officials are open to any person for inspection, copying, or mechanical reproduction during regular business hours.
The Oklahoma Department of Libraries (200 NE 18th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73105) provides guidance on the Open Records Act, which applies to all counties in Oklahoma, including Sequoyah County. The act ensures transparency in government operations and allows citizens to access information about how their government functions.
How Do I Find Public Records in Sequoyah County in 2025
To find public records in Sequoyah County in 2025, you have several options:
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Visit the Sequoyah County Courthouse (120 S. Oak St., Sallisaw, OK 74955) in person to access records from various departments.
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Use the Sequoyah County Clerk's online portal for land records, marriage licenses, and other documents.
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Access the Sequoyah County Assessor's website for property information.
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Contact the District Court Clerk for court records.
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Visit the Sequoyah County Health Department (612 N. Oak St., Sallisaw, OK 74955) for vital records such as birth and death certificates.
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Check the Oklahoma State Court Network (OSCN) for court case information.
Many records are now available online, making it easier to access information without visiting government offices in person.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Sequoyah County?
The cost to obtain public records in Sequoyah County varies depending on the type of record and the format requested:
- Copies of documents typically cost $0.25 to $1.00 per page
- Certified copies may have additional fees, usually $5-$15
- Search fees may apply if extensive staff time is required
- Electronic records may have different fee structures
The Oklahoma State Archives and Records Management Division (200 NE 18th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73105) provides guidelines on reasonable fees for records requests. According to Oklahoma Statute Title 19 Section 298, county clerks are authorized to charge reasonable fees for access to records, but these fees must be related to the actual cost of providing the records.
Does Sequoyah County Have Free Public Records?
Sequoyah County does offer some free public records access:
- In-person inspection of records is generally free during regular business hours
- Some online records can be viewed without charge, though downloading or printing may incur fees
- The Sequoyah County Assessor's property search function is available online at no cost
- Basic court case information may be available for free through the Oklahoma State Courts Network
The Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (2401 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105) provides guidance on free public records access throughout the state.
Who Can Request Public Records In Sequoyah County?
Under the Oklahoma Open Records Act, any person has the right to request public records in Sequoyah County. This includes:
- Oklahoma residents
- Out-of-state residents
- Media representatives
- Businesses and organizations
- Non-citizens of the United States
No statement of purpose is generally required when requesting public records, and the requester's identity or reason for wanting the records should not affect their ability to access them. The Oklahoma Attorney General's Office (313 NE 21st St., Oklahoma City, OK 73105) provides oversight on public records access issues.
What Records Are Confidential In Sequoyah County?
While many records are public in Sequoyah County, certain records remain confidential by law:
- Personnel records that would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy
- Medical records
- Child welfare records
- Certain law enforcement investigation records
- Records protected by attorney-client privilege
- Social Security numbers and other personal identifying information
- Juvenile court records (with some exceptions)
- Records specifically exempted by state or federal law
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (2409 N. Kelley Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73111) maintains guidelines on confidential records related to social services. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (6600 N. Harvey Pl., Oklahoma City, OK 73116) provides guidance on law enforcement records that may be exempt from disclosure.
Lookup Public Records in Sequoyah County
For more information about accessing public records in Sequoyah County, please visit these official resources:
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Sequoyah County Assessor's Site - The official site for the Sequoyah County Assessor, providing access to property search, forms, and contact information.
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Sequoyah County Clerk's Office - The official page for the Sequoyah County Clerk, detailing duties, responsibilities, and access to land records.
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Oklahoma Statute Title 19 Section 298 - The official Oklahoma Legislature site providing access to statutes, including those relevant to public records.
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SB57 Amendment PDF - A PDF document detailing the amendments to the Oklahoma Statute Title 19 Section 298, relevant to public records.