Clay County Public Records
Clay County public records are spread across two districts, with offices in both Piggott (Western District) and Corning (Eastern District). Whether you need court records, property data, arrest logs, or county vital documents, this page identifies the right office, the right phone number, and the best online tools for each type of record in Clay County, Arkansas.
Clay County Records Overview
Clay County Circuit Court Records
Clay County is one of a handful of Arkansas counties with two separate district courts. The Western District Circuit Clerk, Diane K. Davis, works out of 151 S. 2nd Avenue, Piggott, AR 72454, Phone: (870) 598-2574, Fax: (870) 598-3327. The Eastern District office is at 800 W. Main Street, Corning, AR 72422, Phone: (870) 857-3231, Fax: (870) 857-3937.
Both offices hold official records for civil, criminal, domestic relations, and juvenile court proceedings in their respective districts. Civil records include negligence, fraud, and foreclosure cases. Criminal records cover all felony charges filed in the circuit court. Domestic records include divorce decrees, child support orders, and paternity judgments. The Circuit Clerk also serves as the ex-officio county recorder, so deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats are filed here as well.
Certified copies of court documents are $5.00 per document. Standard copies are $0.25 per page under Arkansas Code § 21-6-406. New civil or domestic filings cost $165.00. Summons fees are $2.50 per person. Land recording starts at $15.00 for the first page and $5.00 for each additional page. The transfer tax is $3.30 per $1,000.
Search Clay County cases for free using the Arkansas CourtConnect case search portal. Both districts feed into the statewide system. Search by party name, case number, or filing date. Free for basic lookups.
County Clerk Public Records
The Clay County Clerk, Jill Sanders, maintains marriage records, probate files, voter registration data, and DBA filings for both districts. The Western District office is at 151 S. 2nd Avenue, Piggott, AR 72454, Phone: (870) 598-2813, Fax: (870) 598-2814. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Marriage licenses cost $60.00. Both parties must appear in person with valid photo ID and social security cards. There is no waiting period for applicants 18 or older. Licenses are valid for 60 days. Probate records, including estates, guardianships, and adoptions, are also on file with the Clerk. Adoption records are sealed. Full probate estate filings cost approximately $165.00.
DBA filings are $25.00 per registration. Larger business entities register with the Arkansas Secretary of State rather than the County Clerk. Voter registration can be done in person at either district office or online at the Secretary of State elections page.
Note: The Clay County Collector, Bobby Dunigan (Western District), accepts property tax payments from March 1 through October 15. Eastern District collector contact is (870) 857-3181.
Property Assessment Records
Clay County Assessor Lindsay Norris operates out of the Western District office at 151 S. 2nd Avenue, Piggott, AR 72454, Phone: (870) 598-3118, Fax: (870) 598-3863. The Eastern District assessor office is at 800 W. Main Street, Corning, AR 72422, Phone: (870) 857-3181.
All real and personal property in Clay County is assessed at 20% of current market value. Personal property must be filed each year between January 1 and May 31. A 10% late penalty applies after the deadline. Real property assessments happen between January 1 and July 1. Items that must be assessed include vehicles, boats, motorcycles, campers, jet skis, farm equipment, utility trailers, and airplanes.
The ARCountyData.com Clay County portal provides free online property record searches. Look up by owner name, parcel number, or address to find assessment values, property details, and transaction history.
Clay County Arrest and Sheriff Records
The Clay County Sheriff's Office, under Sheriff Terry Miller, provides law enforcement services for the whole county. The office is at 268 S. 2nd Avenue, Piggott, AR 72454. Phone: (870) 598-5700, Fax: (870) 598-2920. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Arrest records and incident reports are public records under Arkansas Code § 25-19-105. You can request them in person or by mail without stating a reason. The office must respond within three working days. Jail roster information is available by calling the office directly. For statewide criminal history, use the Arkansas State Police criminal search tool.
The Arkansas sex offender registry is searchable at ark.org/offender-search and covers all Arkansas counties. For offender status checks or community notifications in Clay County, contact the Sheriff's Office directly.
Requesting Public Records in Clay County
Arkansas's open records law at Arkansas Code § 25-19-105 applies to every Clay County government office. To request a record, send a written request identifying what you need. Include the type of record, names, dates, or case numbers where you know them. Each office has up to three working days to respond.
Many court records are accessible without a formal FOIA request through the CourtConnect online portal. Property records are free to search on ARCountyData.com. Statewide corporation and LLC records are at the Arkansas Secretary of State website. Criminal history background checks are available through the Arkansas Crime Information Center. Inmate lookup is free at the Arkansas Department of Corrections search tool. For vital records, contact the Arkansas Department of Health in Little Rock. Unclaimed property can be searched through the Arkansas State Treasurer.
Nearby Counties
Clay County borders several northeast Arkansas counties. Records for each neighboring county are handled through their respective circuit clerk and county clerk offices. Follow the links below to find contact information, addresses, and online tools for each county.