Hancock County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Hancock County in 2026
HancockCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to public records maintained by government agencies in Hancock County, West Virginia. Members of the public may use this resource to locate data that may include court filings, property documents, vital records, and other materials created or held by county and state offices. The availability and completeness of any particular record depends on the maintaining agency, the nature of the record, and applicable state law. Record categories that may be accessible include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, magistrate, and family court)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and assessment records
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Tax and land records
- Arrest logs and law enforcement incident reports (where permitted)
- Business licenses and permits
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
Records in Hancock County may be searched through official court resources, the County Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and a range of online tools maintained by the West Virginia Judiciary and state agencies.
Online Access:
The West Virginia Judiciary maintains a statewide portal through which members of the public may search circuit court records from all fifty-five counties. The court record access portal allows searches by party name, case number, and filing date without registration. Magistrate court records for Hancock County are searchable through the Hancock County magistrate case search tool. Property records may be accessed through the WV Property Viewer and the West Virginia real estate assessment search. Land and deed records held by the West Virginia State Auditor are available through the land and county collections database. No registration is required for most of these tools.
In-Person Requests:
Members of the public may inspect records in person at the Hancock County Clerk's Office, located at 102 Court Street, New Cumberland, WV 26047. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Requestors should present a valid government-issued photo identification and specify the record type and approximate date range when submitting a request at the public counter.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests may be submitted by mail to the Hancock County Clerk's Office at 102 Court Street, New Cumberland, WV 26047. Requests should include the requestor's full name, mailing address, a description of the record sought, and the approximate date or date range. Under West Virginia Code § 29B-1-3, agencies are required to respond to public records requests within five business days of receipt.
Phone/Email:
The Hancock County Clerk's Office may be reached by telephone at (304) 564-3311. Email contact information is available through the county's official government directory.
What Are Public Records in Hancock County?
Public records in Hancock County are defined under West Virginia law as any writing containing information relating to the conduct of the public's business, prepared, owned, or retained by a public body. Under West Virginia Code § 29B-1-2, the term "public record" encompasses a broad range of documents created or maintained by government agencies. The following record types are currently maintained by county and state offices:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Circuit Court Clerk |
| Magistrate court records | Magistrate Court Clerk |
| Family court records | Family Court |
| Property deeds and mortgages | County Clerk |
| Property tax assessments | County Assessor |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | County Clerk / WVDHHR |
| Business licenses and permits | County Clerk |
| Tax records | County Sheriff (tax division) |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Commission |
| Arrest logs and incident reports | Hancock County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | County Planning Commission |
According to Hancock County court information published by the West Virginia Judiciary, Hancock County is in the First Judicial Circuit, and in Family Court, Brooke, Hancock, and Ohio Counties make up the First Family Court Circuit.
Is Hancock County an Open Records County?
Hancock County operates in full compliance with the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which governs public access to government records statewide. Under West Virginia Code § 29B-1-1, the Legislature declares that "all persons are, unless otherwise expressly provided by law, entitled to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts of those who represent them as public servants." This provision establishes a strong presumption in favor of disclosure for all records held by public bodies in West Virginia, including those maintained by Hancock County agencies.
The West Virginia FOIA applies to all county offices, including the County Clerk, Circuit Court Clerk, Sheriff's Office, County Commission, and Assessor's Office. Each office is required to make public records available for inspection and copying during regular business hours. The West Virginia Attorney General's Office provides guidance on FOIA compliance to public bodies throughout the state. No county-specific ordinance currently restricts access beyond the exemptions enumerated in state law.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Hancock County?
The fee structure for public records in Hancock County is governed by state law and the policies of the individual maintaining office. The following fees are standard across county offices:
| Fee Type | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Photocopies (per page) | $0.50 per page (standard) |
| Certified copies (deeds, vital records) | $5.00–$15.00 per document |
| Electronic records (where available) | Varies by office |
| Search fees | Not permitted under WV FOIA for inspection |
| Inspection of records | No charge |
- Inspection fees: Members of the public may inspect public records at no charge during regular business hours.
- Copy fees: The County Clerk's Office charges a per-page fee for paper copies. Fees for certified copies of deeds and other recorded instruments are set by state statute.
- Certification fees: Certified copies of vital records and court documents carry additional fees established by the maintaining office.
- Payment methods: Accepted payment methods at the Hancock County Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order. Credit card acceptance varies by office.
- Fee waivers: West Virginia law does not mandate a blanket fee waiver provision, but individual offices may exercise discretion in waiving fees for indigent requestors or for records requested for personal use.
Does Hancock County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at all Hancock County government offices during regular business hours, as required by the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act. Members of the public are not charged to view records on-site. Several categories of records are also accessible at no cost through official online portals:
- Circuit court case records are searchable at no charge through the West Virginia Judiciary's court record access system.
- Magistrate court records for Hancock County are available without charge through the magistrate record search portal. As noted by the West Virginia Judiciary, "there is no guarantee that retrieved records represent a complete civil or criminal history," and users requiring certified copies are instructed to contact the magistrate court clerk directly.
- Property parcel data and ownership information are freely accessible through the WV Property Viewer, which is updated as counties submit parcel changes to the WV Property Tax Division.
- Real estate assessment data, including owner name, parcel ID, and tax class, is searchable at no cost through the West Virginia real estate assessment portal.
- Historical land and deed records are available through the West Virginia State Auditor's land collections database without charge.
- Daily incarceration data for Hancock County is accessible through the West Virginia Offender Information System, which notes that "reference should be made to the records of any court having jurisdiction over the offender" for complete case history.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while viewing records in person or online carries no cost, obtaining paper or certified copies is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Hancock County?
Any person may request public records from Hancock County government offices under the West Virginia Freedom of Information Act. The Act does not restrict access based on residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. Requestors are not required to be West Virginia residents, and they are not required to explain why they are seeking a particular record. The following conditions apply:
- Identification: Requestors are not required by state law to provide identification in order to inspect public records. Individual offices may request identification for administrative purposes when processing certified copy requests.
- Purpose: No statement of purpose is required for most public records requests. Exceptions apply to certain restricted record categories.
- Non-residents: Non-residents of West Virginia retain the same rights of access as residents under the FOIA.
- Personal records: Individuals requesting their own records (such as personal court filings or vital records) follow the same process as any other requestor, though additional identification may be required for certified copies of vital records.
- Restricted records: Certain record types, including juvenile records, sealed court files, and adoption records, are subject to additional access restrictions regardless of the requestor's identity or purpose.
What Records Are Confidential in Hancock County?
Not all records maintained by Hancock County agencies are subject to public disclosure. West Virginia Code § 29B-1-4 enumerates specific categories of records that are exempt from the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act. The following record types are currently withheld from public access:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not available for public inspection.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juvenile proceedings are confidential under West Virginia law.
- Ongoing investigation records: Law enforcement records compiled in connection with an active investigation are exempt to the extent that disclosure would harm the investigation or endanger individuals.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar personally identifiable information are redacted from publicly released documents.
- Medical records: Health and medical records are protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Adoption records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are sealed by statute.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Records maintained by child protective services agencies are confidential.
- Personnel records: Employee personnel files are exempt, with limited exceptions for information such as job titles and compensation of public employees.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Confidential commercial or financial information submitted to a public body is exempt from disclosure.
- Security plans and infrastructure details: Records containing information that could compromise public safety or critical infrastructure are withheld.
When a record contains both exempt and non-exempt information, the maintaining office is required to redact the exempt portions and release the remainder.
Hancock County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Hancock County Clerk's Office
102 Court Street
New Cumberland, WV 26047
(304) 564-3311
Hancock County Clerk's Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays.
Hancock County Circuit Court Clerk
102 Court Street
New Cumberland, WV 26047
(304) 564-3311
West Virginia Judiciary – Hancock County
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Hancock County Magistrate Court
102 Court Street
New Cumberland, WV 26047
(304) 564-3650
Magistrate Court Record Search
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Hancock County Assessor's Office
102 Court Street
New Cumberland, WV 26047
(304) 564-3311
West Virginia Property Assessment Search
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Lookup Public Records in Hancock County
- Hancock County magistrate case records
- West Virginia magistrate court record search
- West Virginia daily incarceration records by county
- West Virginia circuit court record access
- Hancock County court information – West Virginia Judiciary
- West Virginia Judiciary home
- WV parcel and property viewer
- West Virginia State Auditor land and county collections
- West Virginia real estate property assessment search