If you’ve ever needed court records, filed a lawsuit, paid a fine, or transferred a car title in Columbiana County, you’ve already met the office that keeps the county’s legal system moving: the Columbiana County Clerk of Courts.

A lot of people don’t really know what this office handles until they suddenly need something urgently. So here’s a clear, friendly, real-world guide to help you understand exactly what the Clerk’s Office does and how to use their services without stress.

What Is the Columbiana County Clerk of Courts?

The Columbiana County Clerk of Courts is the official record keeper for the county’s entire court system. They manage everything from court filings to public records, vehicle titles, and payments related to court cases.

They support multiple parts of the county court system, including:

• Court of Common Pleas
  
• General Division
  
• Domestic Relations Division
  
• Juvenile Division (records kept separately)
  
• Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) — through the Title Office
  

Think of the Clerk’s Office as the central hub for all official legal documents. Nothing moves through the court system without landing on their desk first.

Core Services Provided by the Columbiana County Clerk of Courts

1. Court Records Management

Every legal document whether civil, criminal, domestic, or appeals is stored and organized by the Clerk’s Office.

You can request:

• Certified copies
  
• Case dockets
  
• Judgments
  
• Filings
  
• Sentencing records
  
• Divorce documents (public portions only)
  

How to Access Records

You can search online or visit in person.

Online Case Search:

• Search by name
  
• Case number
  
• Ticket number
  

In-Person Records (General Division):
105 S. Market Street
Lisbon, OH 44432

2. Case Filing Services

If you’re starting any kind of court case, this office is where it gets filed. They handle:

• Civil lawsuits
  
• Divorce filings
  
• Domestic Relations cases
  
• Foreclosures
  
• Criminal filings (submitted by law enforcement and attorneys)
  
• Appeals to the 7th District Court of Appeals
  

Once you file, the Clerk assigns your case a number and sends it to the appropriate judge.

3. Online Case Lookup Tools

Many Columbiana County residents use the Clerk’s online system to check:

• Court dates
  
• Case status updates
  
• New filings
  
• Traffic tickets
  
• Bond information
  

The online system is easy, and it saves a trip to Lisbon unless you need certified copies.

4. Collecting Court Fines & Fees

The Clerk processes payments for:

• Civil case filing fees
  
• Criminal court costs
  
• Divorce case fees
  
• Traffic fines
  
• Restitution
  
• Bonds
  
• Appeals fees
  

Payments can be made:

• Online
  
• By mail
  
• In person
  

5. Vehicle Title Services (BMV Title Division)

Yes the Columbiana County Clerk of Courts also runs the Title Office for the BMV.

You can visit this office for:

• New vehicle titles
  
• Title transfers (cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, trailers)
  
• Out-of-state titles
  
• Duplicate titles
  
• Memorandum titles
  
• Lien notations & removals
  

Title Office Location:
38832 Saltwell Road
Lisbon, OH 44432

This office is usually less crowded than larger counties, so it’s often quicker to get things done.

6. Passport Services (Accepted Here)

The Columbiana County Clerk of Courts is an official passport acceptance agency.

You can apply here for:

• New U.S. passports
  
• Passport cards
  
• Passport renewals (if eligible)
  
• Expedited services (additional fees apply)
  

Remember to bring:

• Birth certificate
  
• Government ID
  
• Passport photos (they take them in office too)
  

7. Public Assistance & Support

Not everyone knows what they need when they walk in and that’s normal. The Clerk’s staff helps with:

• Finding case numbers
  
• Directing people to the right department
  
• Printing certified court documents
  
• Helping with online lookup tools
  
• Providing forms
  
• Guiding first-time filers through the process
  

They can’t give legal advice, but they do help you understand procedural steps.

How to Access Court Records in Columbiana County

Online Record Search

You can look up records by:

• Name
  
• Case number
  
• Driver’s license number (traffic tickets)
  
• Business name
  

You’ll be able to view:

• Filings
  
• Hearings
  
• Judgments
  
• Court dates
  
• Case statuses
  

In-Person Requests

Visit the Records Department if you need:

• Certified copies
  
• Historical records
  
• Sentencing documents
  
• Divorce decrees (public portions only)
  

How to File a Case with the Clerk of Courts

1. Prepare your documents
   
2. Submit them online or in person
   
3. Pay required filing fees
   
4. Receive your case number
   
5. Track updates through the online docket
   

The staff ensures every filing meets Ohio court rules and gets routed to the correct division.

Fees & Payments

The Clerk collects payments for:

• Filing fees
  
• Passport fees
  
• Traffic citations
  
• Felony cases
  
• Civil cases
  
• Domestic Relations filings
  
• Vehicle title fees
  

Payments can be made:

• In office (cash, card, money order)
  
• Online (preferred)
  
• By mail
  

Why the Clerk of Courts Is So Important

This office ensures:

• Court transparency
  
• Accurate records
  
• Legal compliance
  
• Public access
  
• Efficient case processing
  

Without the Clerk, the court system simply wouldn’t function.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Bring a valid photo ID
  
• Have your case number handy
  
• Visit early in the morning to avoid lines
  
• For titles: bring your buyer, seller, and proper IDs
  
• Call ahead for certified copy fees
  
• Review passport requirements before visiting
  
• Double-check document requirements for new case filings
  

Conclusion

The Columbiana County Clerk of Courts is one of the most important public offices in the county. Whether you’re paying a ticket, filing a lawsuit, accessing records, applying for a passport, or transferring a vehicle title this office is your go-to hub.This guide puts all essential info in one place, making it easier for you to understand how the system works and how to get what you need quickly and confidently.

FAQs