Franklin County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Franklin County in 2026
FranklinTNRecords.org provides publicly available information related to public records maintained by government agencies in Franklin County, Tennessee. Members of the public seeking court documents, property filings, vital records, and other official documents may access these materials through a combination of online portals, in-person visits, and written requests submitted to the appropriate county offices. The availability and completeness of specific records may vary depending on the record type, the custodial office, and applicable state law.
Record categories that may be available through official channels include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family court)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, and divorce)
- Tax and property assessment records
- Business licenses and permits
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement incident reports and arrest logs
Online Access: Members of the public may search property assessment data through the Tennessee Property Viewer, maintained by the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury. The Franklin County, Tennessee official website provides access to select county records and department contacts. Court records may be searched through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts online case management portal.
In-Person Requests: Requests may be submitted in person at the Franklin County Clerk's Office or the Circuit Court Clerk's Office. Requestors should bring a valid photo identification and a written description of the records sought. Staff will direct requestors to the appropriate custodial office if the record is maintained elsewhere.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests should include the requestor's full name, contact information, a specific description of the records sought, and the preferred format for delivery. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503, custodians are required to respond promptly to public records requests.
Phone/Email:
- Franklin County Clerk: (931) 967-2541
- Circuit Court Clerk: (931) 967-2906
What Are Public Records in Franklin County?
Public records in Franklin County are defined under Tennessee state law as all documents, papers, letters, maps, books, photographs, microfilms, electronic data processing files, and other material made or received pursuant to law or ordinance in connection with the transaction of official business by any governmental entity. Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-301 provides the foundational definition of public records applicable throughout the state, including Franklin County.
The following record types are maintained by various Franklin County offices:
| Record Type | Custodial Office |
|---|---|
| Civil and criminal court records | Circuit Court Clerk |
| Property deeds and mortgages | Register of Deeds |
| Vital records (birth, death) | Tennessee Department of Health |
| Marriage and divorce records | County Clerk / Circuit Court Clerk |
| Property tax and assessment records | Assessor of Property |
| Business licenses and permits | County Clerk |
| Voting and election records | County Election Commission |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | County Commission / County Clerk |
| Law enforcement records | Franklin County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Planning and Zoning Department |
Property assessment data for Franklin County parcels is accessible through the Tennessee Comptroller's county assessment portal, which allows users to search by owner name, parcel number, or address.
Is Franklin County an Open Records County?
Franklin County operates in full compliance with Tennessee's open records laws, which mandate public access to government documents. Under the Tennessee Public Records Act, all government records are presumed open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute. As stated by the Tennessee Office of Open Records Counsel, "All state, county, and municipal records shall, at all times during business hours, be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee."
The Tennessee Public Records Act, codified at Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503, requires that custodians of public records make those records available for inspection and copying. The law places the burden on the government agency to demonstrate that a record is exempt from disclosure, rather than requiring the requestor to justify access. Franklin County agencies are subject to these provisions and are required to respond to public records requests promptly.
The Tennessee Office of Open Records Counsel provides guidance to both government agencies and the public regarding compliance with the Public Records Act. Members of the public who believe a request has been improperly denied may seek assistance from that office.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Franklin County?
Current fees for public records in Franklin County are governed by state law and individual office fee schedules. The Tennessee Public Records Act permits custodians to charge reasonable fees for copies of public records.
Standard Copy Fees:
| Service | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (letter/legal size) | $0.15 per page |
| Certified copies (vital records) | $15.00 per document |
| Certified copies (court records) | Varies by document type |
| Electronic records (where available) | Varies by office |
| Deed copies (Register of Deeds) | $0.50 per page |
- Inspection of records at a public counter is available at no charge.
- Certification fees apply when an official seal or attestation is required.
- Search fees may apply when extensive staff time is required to locate records.
- Accepted payment methods at most offices include cash, check, and money order; some offices accept credit or debit cards.
- Fee waiver provisions may apply for indigent requestors or for records requested for personal use under specific circumstances.
Fees are subject to change at the discretion of the custodial office within limits established by state statute. Requestors are advised to confirm current fees directly with the relevant office prior to submitting a request.
Does Franklin County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available in Franklin County, as required by Tennessee state law. Members of the public may inspect records in person at the custodial office during regular business hours without charge. The right to free inspection is distinct from the right to obtain copies, for which fees may apply.
Free online access to certain records is available through the following official resources:
- Property assessment records: The Tennessee Property Viewer provides free access to parcel data, ownership information, and assessed values for Franklin County properties.
- Court case information: The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts provides free online access to case status and docket information through its public portal.
- Election and voting records: The Tennessee Secretary of State maintains publicly accessible election results and candidate filing information.
- County meeting minutes: Franklin County Commission meeting minutes and agendas are available for free inspection through the County Clerk's office and, where posted, on the county website.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while any person may view records at no cost, obtaining physical or electronic copies is subject to the fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Franklin County?
Any citizen of Tennessee may request access to public records maintained by Franklin County government agencies. Under the Tennessee Public Records Act, residency in Franklin County is not required; any Tennessee resident holds the right to inspect and copy public records. As affirmed by the Tennessee Office of Open Records Counsel, "Any citizen of Tennessee has the right to inspect public records."
Requestors are not required to:
- Provide a reason or purpose for the request
- Demonstrate a personal interest in the records
- Be a resident of Franklin County specifically
However, requestors may be required to:
- Provide valid identification when requesting certain sensitive records
- Submit a written request for records that require staff research or retrieval
- Demonstrate legal standing when requesting records restricted to specific parties (e.g., sealed court files)
Non-residents of Tennessee do not hold the same statutory right of access under the Public Records Act; however, many Franklin County offices extend access to non-residents as a matter of practice. Individuals requesting their own records (such as personal court filings or vital records) may be required to provide proof of identity. Requests for records pertaining to other individuals are subject to the same general access rules, except where specific exemptions apply.
What Records Are Confidential in Franklin County?
Certain categories of records are exempt from public disclosure under Tennessee law. Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-504 enumerates specific exemptions to the Public Records Act, and additional exemptions are found throughout the Tennessee Code.
Records that are currently exempt from public disclosure include:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not available for public inspection.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to minors involved in delinquency or dependency proceedings are confidential.
- Ongoing criminal investigation records: Law enforcement records related to active investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and similar data are redacted from publicly released documents.
- Medical and health records: Records protected under HIPAA and state health privacy laws are exempt from disclosure.
- Adoption records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are sealed by statute.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Records maintained by the Department of Children's Services are confidential.
- Personnel records: Employee personnel files are exempt, with limited exceptions for disciplinary actions involving public officials.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Commercially sensitive information submitted to government agencies may be protected.
- Security plans and infrastructure details: Records related to the security of public facilities or critical infrastructure are exempt.
When a custodian withholds a record, the agency bears the burden of demonstrating that the record falls within a recognized exemption. Partial disclosure is required when only portions of a document are exempt; non-exempt portions must be made available.
Franklin County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Franklin County Register of Deeds
One South Jefferson Street, Winchester, TN 37398
(931) 967-2906
Franklin County Register of Deeds
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Franklin County Clerk
One South Jefferson Street, Winchester, TN 37398
(931) 967-2541
Franklin County Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Franklin County Circuit Court Clerk
One South Jefferson Street, Winchester, TN 37398
(931) 967-2906
Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Franklin County Assessor of Property
One South Jefferson Street, Winchester, TN 37398
(931) 967-3869
Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
400 Dinah Shore Boulevard, Winchester, TN 37398
(931) 967-2526
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tennessee Department of Health – Vital Records
710 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 741-1763
Tennessee Vital Records
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM