Franklin County Public Records

Franklin County public records are managed at the courthouse in Union, the county seat in east-central Missouri along the Missouri River. With a population over 104,000, Franklin County is one of the larger counties in the state and processes a high volume of filings each year. The Recorder of Deeds handles land documents and marriage licenses while the Circuit Clerk manages court filings. Records here go back to 1819, making it one of the oldest collections in Missouri. This page covers how to search, request, and get copies of public records from Franklin County.

Franklin County Recorder of Deeds

The Franklin County Recorder of Deeds keeps land records, liens, and other filed documents at the courthouse in Union. Recorder Lisa Smart oversees the office. You can reach it at (636) 583-6367. The courthouse address is 401 E. Main St., Union, MO 63084. Deed transfers, mortgage filings, plat maps, and military discharges are all on file. Records date back to 1819, which makes Franklin County one of the oldest record repositories in the state.

To get a copy of a land record, call the Recorder or visit in person. Staff can search by name, book and page number, or legal description. Fees for copies vary. Certified copies cost more than plain ones. Most in-person requests are handled the same day. Mail requests take one to two weeks. The Franklin County government website has details on each county office including the Recorder.

The website links to office pages with hours, phone numbers, and forms. Check it before you visit to save time.

Franklin County Property and Tax Records

The Franklin County Collector handles property tax records. Tax payment history, current assessments, and delinquent tax information are managed through this office. If you need property tax records, start with the Collector rather than the Recorder of Deeds.

The Collector's page on the county website shows tax payment options and contact information. Property owners can check their account status and see past payment history. The Franklin County Assessor handles property valuations separately. Both offices work together on property-related records, but they handle different parts of the process. The Assessor sets the value and the Collector handles the tax bills.

Court Records in Franklin County

Franklin County sits in the 20th Judicial Circuit. The Circuit Clerk handles all court filings for civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. You can reach the clerk at (636) 583-6355. Court records are public unless sealed by a judge.

Search Franklin County court cases through Missouri CaseNet, the state's free online case lookup tool. CaseNet lets you search by name, case number, or date range. It shows case type, parties, charges, and docket entries for cases filed in the 20th Judicial Circuit. For records not yet on CaseNet, contact the Circuit Clerk directly. Paper files may take time to pull from storage, especially for older cases.

Note: Franklin County shares the 20th Judicial Circuit with Gasconade County, so both counties' cases appear in the same circuit listings on CaseNet.

Franklin County Marriage and Vital Records

Marriage records in Franklin County go back to 1819. The Recorder of Deeds stores marriage licenses and certificates. You can request copies by visiting the office at 401 E. Main St. in Union or calling (636) 583-6367. The state also keeps vital records at the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for births, deaths, marriages, and divorces after 1910.

Birth and death certificates are not held at the county level. Those go through the state Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City. Marriage records stay local. If you need a Franklin County marriage certificate, the Recorder can pull it. You will need the names of both parties and an approximate date.

Historical Records for Franklin County

The Missouri State Archives holds historical Franklin County records. These include birth and death records from 1883 to 1893, marriage records from 1819, land records from 1819, and probate files. The Archives in Jefferson City is the place to go for very old records that may not be at the county level anymore.

Franklin County's records are some of the oldest in the state because the county was organized so early. Genealogy researchers and historians use the Archives to fill in gaps. The Missouri Secretary of State Archives page has search tools and contact info for mail requests.

Public Records Laws in Franklin County

Missouri's Sunshine Law under Chapter 610 RSMo gives you a legal right to access most public records in Franklin County. All county offices must respond to records requests within three business days. They can charge for copies but not for search time.

Closed records include juvenile court files, certain law enforcement records, and some personnel files. Medical records and Social Security numbers are protected. But most Franklin County public records are open to anyone. You do not need to give a reason for your request.

Franklin County Public Records Fees

Franklin County charges standard fees for copies of public records. Plain copies cost about $0.10 per page at most offices. Certified copies cost more and vary by office. The Recorder at (636) 583-6367 charges per page for document copies. The Circuit Clerk has its own schedule for court record copies. Neither office can bill you for the time spent searching for a record.

With a population over 104,000, Franklin County handles a large volume of records. The Recorder's office processes real estate filings for the entire county, from Union to Washington to Pacific. The Circuit Clerk manages court records for the 20th Judicial Circuit. If you are requesting multiple records, it helps to have specific details ready. Names, dates, parcel numbers, and case numbers all speed up the process. Franklin County staff are used to handling a high volume of requests and can usually turn them around quickly.

Note: Franklin County is one of the larger counties in Missouri by population, so plan extra time during busy periods at the courthouse in Union.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Franklin County along the Missouri River corridor in east-central Missouri.