You probably don't think about the Clerk of the Court Marion County Indiana until you actually need something. Like, really need something. Maybe you’re getting married and need that license fast. Or maybe you're staring at a traffic ticket that’s about to go past its due date. Honestly, the Clerk's office is basically the "operating system" for Indianapolis. If it crashes, nothing else in the legal system works.
Most people assume the Clerk is just someone who stamps papers in a basement.
That's not even close.
Kate Sweeney Bell currently holds the office, and her team handles everything from child support payments to the high-stakes world of election integrity. Since 2022, the office has undergone a massive shift, especially with the move to the Community Justice Campus (CJC). If you’re still looking for the criminal courts at the old City-County Building, you're going to be driving across town in a hurry.
What the Clerk of the Court Marion County Indiana Actually Does
Basically, this office is the chief financial officer and the master record keeper for the courts.
They don't judge cases.
They don't make the laws.
They just make sure every single piece of paper, every dollar of bail, and every marriage certificate is where it’s supposed to be.
The Big Move to the CJC
The Community Justice Campus at 675 Justice Way is now the heartbeat of the operation. Most criminal and civil filings happen here. If you’ve got a court date for a felony or a misdemeanor, this is your destination.
But wait.
The City-County Building (CCB) isn't dead yet.
You still go to 200 E. Washington St. for things like marriage licenses and child support. It’s a bit of a split personality situation.
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- Community Justice Campus: Court filings, criminal records, and the actual courtrooms.
- City-County Building: Marriage licenses (Room W122) and the Election Board.
- Records Facility: 1330 Madison Ave for the deep-archive stuff.
Money, Money, Money
The Clerk acts as a trustee. When someone pays child support, the Clerk’s office processes it. When a judge orders a fine or restitution, they collect it. We're talking millions of dollars flowing through those accounts. It's high-pressure work because if a payment is late, it’s not just a clerical error—it’s someone’s livelihood or their freedom on the line.
Getting Married? Read This First.
Getting a marriage license in Marion County is actually pretty smooth, provided you don't just show up empty-handed. You've gotta be 18. Both of you.
First, do the application online.
Seriously, do it before you leave the house.
It saves you from typing on a slow kiosk in a crowded room. After you submit it, you both have to show up in person at the City-County Building, Room W122. Bring your ID—think driver’s license or passport.
The fee is $25.00 if you live in Indiana.
If you’re from out of state but getting hitched in Indy, it jumps to $65.00.
Once you have that paper, you’ve got 60 days to say "I do." If the 61st day hits and you haven't had the ceremony, that $25 is gone, and you’re starting over. Also, pro tip: your officiant has 30 days after the wedding to get that signed license back to the Clerk. If they forget, you aren't legally married in the eyes of the state.
Dealing With Traffic Tickets and Fines
Nobody likes a ticket. But ignoring one in Marion County is a recipe for a suspended license. You can pay most of these online through the public.courts.in.gov portal.
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If you want to fight it, or if you're eligible for a deferral, you'll likely be dealing with the Traffic Division. They offer a "Safe Driver Deferral Program." Basically, if you haven't had a ticket in six months, you pay a fee (usually around $229), stay clean for another six months, and the ticket never hits your driving record. It's expensive upfront, but it keeps your insurance from skyrocketing.
Searching Court Records
Want to look up a case?
MyCase (mycase.in.gov) is your best friend.
It’s the official portal for Indiana court records. Most non-confidential cases are right there. You can see the chronological case summary (CCS), which is just a fancy way of saying "the timeline of what happened."
If you need a certified copy for something official, like a social security application or a name change, you can't just print it from MyCase. You have to request it from the Clerk. It costs $1 per page, plus $3 for the certification.
Elections: The Clerk's Other Big Job
This is the part people forget. The Clerk of the Court Marion County Indiana is also the Secretary of the County Election Board.
They don't just count votes.
They manage the machines.
They train the poll workers.
They handle candidate filings.
In 2026, with major local and state races on the horizon, this office is under a microscope. They have to balance bipartisan oversight—meaning both Democrats and Republicans are in the room—to ensure everything is legit.
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Common Misconceptions
I hear this all the time: "The Clerk can give me legal advice."
No, they can't. They aren't lawyers. They can't tell you which form to file or how to talk to a judge. If you ask, they’ll politely point you to the "modest means" legal clinic or the law library. Don't get frustrated with them; it’s literally illegal for them to give you legal advice.
Another one: "I can pay my property taxes at the Clerk's office."
Nope.
That's the Treasurer.
The Clerk handles court money. If it's about your house, head to the Treasurer’s side of the building.
Actionable Steps for Success
If you have business with the Clerk's office, do these three things to avoid a headache:
- Check the Location Twice: Confirm if your service is at the Community Justice Campus or the City-County Building. Most "people" services (marriage, child support) are downtown. Most "legal" services (filings, criminal) are at the CJC.
- Use the Online Portals: Whether it's applying for a marriage license or paying a ticket, doing the digital legwork first saves you about an hour of standing in line.
- Bring Physical ID: They cannot accept a photo of your ID on your phone. It has to be the real, physical card.
The Clerk's office is open 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. If you show up at 4:25 PM, don't expect a warm welcome. They close the doors right on time. Plan ahead, bring your documents, and you'll get through it just fine.
Next Step: You can search for specific case details or start a marriage license application directly through the official Indy.gov Clerk's page.