Miller County Public Records

What Are Public Records in Miller County?

Public records in Miller County, Arkansas, are defined under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act as writings, recorded sounds, films, tapes, electronic or computer-based information, or data compilations in any medium required by law to be kept or otherwise kept that constitute a record of the performance or lack of performance of official functions. Members of the public may inspect a broad range of documents maintained by county offices, courts, and administrative agencies operating within Miller County.

The following categories of public records are currently available through various Miller County offices:

Court records — Civil, criminal, probate, and family court case files are maintained by the Miller County Circuit Clerk's Office
Property records — Deeds, mortgages, liens, and property assessments are recorded and maintained by the Miller County Assessor and Circuit Clerk
Vital records — Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates are filed with the Arkansas Department of Health and the Circuit Clerk's Office
Business records — Business licenses, permits, and fictitious name registrations are maintained by the Miller County Clerk and the Arkansas Secretary of State
Tax records — Property tax records and assessment data are maintained by the Miller County Assessor and the Miller County Collector
Voting and election records — Voter registration data and election results are maintained by the Miller County Clerk
Meeting minutes and agendas — Records of the Miller County Quorum Court and other boards are maintained by the County Clerk's Office
Budget and financial documents — County financial records are available through the Miller County Judge's Office
Law enforcement records — Arrest logs and incident reports, where permitted by law, are maintained by the Miller County Sheriff's Office
Land use and zoning records — Zoning maps and land use permits are maintained by the Miller County Planning Office

Is Miller County an Open Records County?

Miller County fully complies with Arkansas's statewide open records framework, which applies uniformly to all counties, municipalities, and public agencies throughout the state. Under Arkansas Code § 25-19-105, all public records are open to inspection and copying by any citizen of the State of Arkansas during the regular business hours of the custodian of the records. This provision establishes a strong presumption in favor of public access, placing the burden on the government agency to justify any denial of access.

Key provisions of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act currently in effect include:

Public agencies must respond to records requests within three business days of receipt
Agencies must provide a written explanation if any portion of a requested record is withheld
The law applies to all county offices, elected officials, and entities supported substantially by public funds

Miller County does not maintain a separate county-specific public records ordinance; all access rights and procedures are governed by state law. The county's compliance with Arkansas sunshine laws ensures that Quorum Court meetings, committee sessions, and other deliberative bodies are open to the public unless a specific statutory exemption applies.

How to Find Public Records in Miller County in 2026

Members of the public may obtain public records in Miller County through several official channels. The process varies depending on the type of record sought and the office that maintains it.

In-person requests are accepted at the relevant county office during regular business hours. Requestors should identify the specific record type and the approximate date range to assist staff in locating documents efficiently.

Written requests may be submitted by mail or email to the appropriate custodian. Requests should include the requestor's name, contact information, a description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery.

Online access is available for certain record types. Members of the public may search Arkansas court records through the Arkansas judiciary case search portal, which provides access to civil and criminal case information statewide, including Miller County Circuit Court records.

Steps to request records:

Identify the record type and the office responsible for maintaining it
Determine whether the record is available online through a county or state portal
Submit an in-person, written, or electronic request to the appropriate custodian
Specify the preferred format (paper copies, electronic files, or in-person inspection)
Pay any applicable fees upon receipt of the records

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Miller County?

Current fees for public records in Miller County are governed by Arkansas Code § 25-19-109, which authorizes agencies to charge reasonable fees for copying and certifying records. Standard fees currently applicable in Miller County include:

Paper copies: Typically $0.25 per page for standard letter or legal-size documents
Certified copies: Fees vary by record type; certified vital records copies are generally $12.00 per certificate through the Arkansas Department of Health
Electronic records: Fees for electronic copies may be assessed based on the actual cost of reproduction
Research fees: Some offices may charge for staff time when a request requires extensive research, consistent with state guidelines

Accepted payment methods at most Miller County offices include cash, check, and money order made payable to the relevant county office. Individual offices may also accept credit or debit card payments; requestors should confirm accepted methods with the specific office prior to submitting payment.

Fee waiver provisions are available under state law for indigent requestors or when the disclosure is determined to be in the public interest. Requestors seeking a fee waiver must submit a written request explaining the basis for the waiver to the records custodian.

Does Miller County Have Free Public Records?

Free inspection of public records is available in Miller County, consistent with the requirements of Arkansas law. Members of the public are entitled to inspect original records at no charge during regular business hours at the office of the custodian. Fees apply only when copies are requested.

The following free public records resources are currently available through official government sources:

Arkansas court records — Members of the public may search and view court case information at no cost through the Arkansas judiciary online case search
Property assessment data — The Miller County Assessor's Office provides free online access to property assessment records through the county's official website
Voter registration and election results — The Miller County Clerk's Office makes current voter registration and election result information available for public inspection at no charge
Meeting minutes and agendas — Quorum Court minutes and agendas are available for free inspection at the County Clerk's Office and may be posted on the county's official website

Who Can Request Public Records in Miller County?

Any person may request public records in Miller County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Arkansas law does not require requestors to be residents of the state or of Miller County, nor does it require requestors to provide identification or explain the reason for their request as a condition of access to non-restricted records.

Specific eligibility considerations include:

Residency: Not required; non-residents have the same access rights as Arkansas residents
Identification: Not required for general public records requests, though some offices may request contact information for follow-up purposes
Purpose: Requestors are not required to state a purpose for most records requests under current Arkansas law
Restrictions by record type: Certain records, such as sealed court files, juvenile records, and adoption records, are restricted regardless of the requestor's identity or purpose
Requesting your own records: Individuals requesting their own records, such as personal criminal history or vital records, may be required to provide proof of identity to ensure the accuracy of the records released

Non-residents retain full rights to inspect and copy public records maintained by Miller County offices. Restrictions apply uniformly based on the nature of the record, not the identity of the requestor.

What Records Are Confidential in Miller County?

Certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure in Miller County pursuant to Arkansas law. The Arkansas Freedom of Information Act and related statutes identify specific exemptions that protect sensitive personal, governmental, and investigative information from release.

Records currently exempt from public disclosure include:

Sealed court records — Records sealed by court order are not available for public inspection
Juvenile records — Records pertaining to juvenile proceedings are confidential under Arkansas law
Ongoing investigation records — Law enforcement records related to active criminal investigations are exempt to the extent that disclosure would compromise the investigation
Personal identifying information — Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar identifiers are redacted from publicly released documents
Medical records — Protected health information is exempt under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
Adoption records — Adoption files are sealed and accessible only under specific statutory conditions
Child welfare records — Records of the Division of Children and Family Services are confidential
Personnel records — Employee evaluation and disciplinary records are exempt, with limited exceptions for final disciplinary actions
Trade secrets — Proprietary business information submitted to government agencies in confidence is protected from disclosure
Security plans — Infrastructure protection plans and security assessments for public facilities are exempt from disclosure

Arkansas Code § 25-19-105(b) enumerates the specific categories of records exempt from the general right of public access. When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the custodian is required to redact the exempt portions and release the remainder of the document.

Miller County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

The Miller County Circuit Clerk serves as the primary recorder of official documents in Miller County, maintaining court records, land records, and other official filings. The Miller County Assessor's Office maintains property assessment records, and the Miller County Collector's Office handles tax records.

Miller County Circuit Clerk's Office 400 Laurel Street, Suite 104, Texarkana, AR 71854 (870) 774-1501 Miller County Circuit Clerk Public counter hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Miller County Assessor's Office 400 Laurel Street, Suite 111, Texarkana, AR 71854 (870) 774-1502 Miller County Assessor Public counter hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Miller County Collector's Office 400 Laurel Street, Suite 102, Texarkana, AR 71854 (870) 774-1001 Miller County Collector Public counter hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Miller County Clerk's Office 400 Laurel Street, Suite 106, Texarkana, AR 71854 (870) 774-1501 Miller County Clerk Public counter hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Miller County Sheriff's Office 4500 E. 50th Street, Texarkana, AR 71854 (870) 774-3001 Miller County Sheriff Public counter hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.