Deschutes County Public Records

What Is Public Records in The Deschutes County?

Public records in Deschutes County are documents or pieces of information that are not considered confidential and can be accessed by citizens. These records are created, maintained, and stored by local government agencies in Deschutes County, Oregon. They include vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), property records, court records, criminal records, and various other official documents. These records are maintained to ensure transparency in government operations and to provide citizens with access to important information.

The Deschutes County Clerk's Office is primarily responsible for maintaining many of these public records. 1300 NW Wall Street, 2nd Floor, Bend, OR 97703

Is Deschutes County an Open Records County?

Yes, Deschutes County is an open records county. Like the rest of Oregon, Deschutes County operates under Oregon's Public Records Law (ORS 192.311 to 192.478), which establishes the public's right to access government records. This law presumes that all government records are open to the public unless specifically exempted by law.

The Deschutes County government is committed to transparency and provides various methods for citizens to request and access public records. However, certain records may be exempt from disclosure to protect personal privacy, ongoing investigations, or other sensitive information.

How Do I Find Public Records in Deschutes County in 2025

Finding public records in Deschutes County in 2025 can be accomplished through several methods:

Online Access: Many records are available through the Deschutes County website. The county has continued to expand its digital archives, making more records accessible online.
- Visit the Deschutes County Records Search portal: https://weblink.deschutes.org/Public/Welcome.aspx
- Property records can be found through the Assessor's Office online database: https://dial.deschutes.org/Real/PropertySearch
In-Person Requests: You can visit the appropriate county department in person:
- Deschutes County Clerk's Office for marriage licenses, land records, and other documents. 1300 NW Wall Street, 2nd Floor, Bend, OR 97703
- Deschutes County Circuit Court for court records. 1100 NW Bond Street, Bend, OR 97703
- Deschutes County Sheriff's Office for certain criminal records. 63333 W Highway 20, Bend, OR 97703
Written Requests: Submit a written public records request to the specific department that maintains the records you seek. Many departments now accept requests via email or through online forms.
Third-Party Services: Various online services aggregate public records from multiple sources, though these may charge fees and may not have the most current information.

How Much Does It Cost To Get Public Records In Deschutes County?

The cost to obtain public records in Deschutes County varies depending on the type of record and the format requested:

Standard Fees: Most departments charge for copies (typically $0.25 per page for standard black and white copies).
Search and Retrieval Fees: If your request requires significant staff time to locate and compile records, you may be charged for labor costs, typically after the first 30 minutes of staff time.
Special Format Fees: Records requested in special formats (like certified copies, large maps, or electronic media) may have additional fees.
Fee Waivers: Fee waivers or reductions may be available if the request is determined to be in the public interest.

Before submitting a request, it's advisable to contact the specific department to inquire about potential costs. The county is required to provide an estimate if fees will exceed $25.

Does Deschutes County Have Free Public Records?

Deschutes County does offer some public records for free:

Online Access: Many records available through the county's online portals can be viewed at no cost, though downloading or printing may incur fees.
In-Person Inspection: You generally have the right to inspect public records in person without charge during normal business hours, though appointments may be required.
Limited Free Copies: Some departments may provide a small number of copies for free before charging fees.
Public Interest Exemptions: Fee waivers may be granted if the request is determined to primarily benefit the general public rather than the requester.

However, most requests that require copies, extensive searches, or special processing will incur some fees to cover the costs of providing the records.

Who Can Request Public Records In Deschutes County?

In Deschutes County, as throughout Oregon, public records are generally available to:

Any person, regardless of citizenship or residency status
Organizations, businesses, and associations
Media representatives
Government agencies
Attorneys and legal representatives

The requester does not need to provide identification in most cases, nor do they need to explain why they want the records. However, for certain records that have restricted access (such as some vital records or juvenile records), the requester may need to demonstrate a legitimate interest or legal right to access the information.

What Records Are Confidential In Deschutes County?

While Deschutes County operates under Oregon's open records laws, certain records are confidential and exempt from public disclosure:

Personal Privacy Information: Social Security numbers, medical records, personal financial information
Juvenile Records: Most juvenile court and law enforcement records
Ongoing Investigations: Records that could interfere with law enforcement proceedings or deprive someone of a fair trial
Attorney-Client Privileged Communications: Legal advice and communications between county attorneys and officials
Personnel Records: Certain employee information, including home addresses, social security numbers, and disciplinary actions (though some personnel information is public)
Sealed Court Records: Records that have been sealed by court order
Certain Vital Records: Birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 50 years old may have restricted access
Executive Sessions: Records of discussions held in properly convened executive sessions
Security Information: Records that would jeopardize public safety or security systems

These exemptions are designed to balance the public's right to information with individual privacy rights and government operational needs.