Frankfort Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Frankfort, Kentucky government websites.

  About Frankfort City Government
Government Type City Council

Frankfort, Kentucky is the state capital and is known for its historic downtown area, which includes the Old State Capitol, the Governor's Mansion, and the Liberty Hall Historic Site. The city council is composed of a mayor and six council members, all of whom are elected to four-year terms. The mayor is the presiding officer of the council and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the city. The council is responsible for setting policy, approving the budget, and enacting ordinances.

  About Frankfort, Kentucky

Nestled in the heart of Kentucky, the city of Frankfort serves as both the state capital and the county seat of Franklin County. With an estimated population of around 27,000 residents, Frankfort is a vibrant community steeped in rich history and culture, having been founded in 1786. The city boasts charming neighborhoods such as the historic downtown area, which is filled with beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, and the surrounding residential districts that offer a mix of historic and modern homes. Frankfort's economy is bolstered by a blend of public sector employment, driven largely by state government jobs, and a growing presence of small businesses and local enterprises. Known for its picturesque landscapes along the Kentucky River and its proximity to the Kentucky State Capitol, Frankfort stands out not only as a center of political activity but also as a hub for education and community engagement, making it an appealing place to live and work.

The Frankfort Police Department plays a pivotal role in maintaining law and order in the city, supported by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, which serves the surrounding areas. For individuals seeking to obtain arrest records, mugshots, or booking records in Frankfort, the first step is to visit the Frankfort Police Department's records unit. They provide access to local criminal history and other relevant documentation. Additionally, the Franklin County Sheriff's Office can assist with inquiries regarding law enforcement records across the county. For a broader search, individuals may contact the Kentucky State Police’s Criminal Identification and Records Branch, which serves as the state’s repository for criminal history information. This branch offers various online lookup portals, making it easier for residents and interested parties to access pertinent information. Furthermore, it is advisable to have identifying information at hand, such as full names and dates of birth, to facilitate the request process.

The judicial framework of Frankfort is anchored by the Franklin County Circuit Court, which hears a wide range of cases and manages public records associated with court proceedings. To request court records in Frankfort, individuals can utilize the online court records portal provided by the Kentucky Judicial Branch or visit the circuit court clerk's office in person. For vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, residents can turn to the Franklin County Clerk-Recorder’s office, or for state-level records, they may contact the Kentucky Department for Public Health’s Vital Records Section. Property records can be accessed through the Franklin County Property Valuation Administrator's office and the county recorder, with many records also available on online platforms for ease of access. Additionally, under the Kentucky Open Records Act, general public records requests can be made through various county departments, typically receiving responses within 5 to 10 business days, ensuring transparency and accountability in local governance. Frankfort’s commitment to accessible public information reflects its dedication to serving the community effectively.

  Frankfort, Kentucky Public Records & Government Resources

About Frankfort

Nestled in the heart of Kentucky, the city of Frankfort serves as both the state capital and the county seat of Franklin County. With an estimated population of around 28,460 residents, Frankfort is a historic and vibrant community that offers a wealth of public records and government resources for its citizens.

Police Department & Arrest Records

Franklin County is served by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Franklin County Sheriff's Office and the Frankfort Police Department. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas, while the Frankfort Police Department serves the city of Frankfort. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, sharing resources and information to effectively manage law enforcement across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Franklin County Regional Jail is the primary detention facility in the county. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, where they are photographed and fingerprinted. The facility provides an online inmate lookup service for the public to find information on current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to a schedule. The bond and bail process follows Kentucky state guidelines, allowing for cash bonds or surety bonds through a licensed bondsman.

Court Records

The Franklin County Courthouse, located in Frankfort, houses the local court system and maintains public records related to civil and criminal cases. Individuals can access court records, such as case files and docket information, by contacting the appropriate court clerk's office. The courthouse's website provides contact information and guidance on the process for obtaining court-related documents.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Franklin County encompass felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses, as well as the sex offender registry. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office and the Frankfort Police Department maintain these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the Kentucky Court of Justice or the Kentucky State Police, which provide comprehensive criminal history reports. The Kentucky Bureau of Investigation offers additional resources for residents seeking detailed criminal background information.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Franklin County are maintained by the Franklin County Sheriff's Office and the Frankfort Police Department. Residents and attorneys can request these records by contacting the respective agency directly. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, charges, arresting agency, and date of arrest. The process is governed by the Kentucky Open Records Act, which ensures public access to government records while protecting individual privacy rights.

Public Records Access

The Frankfort City Clerk's Office is the central hub for accessing public records in the city. This office maintains a wide range of documents, including meeting minutes, ordinances, and other municipal records. Residents can visit the City Clerk's website at https://www.frankfort.ky.gov/275/City-Clerk to learn more about the records available and how to request them.

Economy & Demographics

Frankfort's economy is supported by a diverse range of industries, including government, healthcare, and education. Public records related to the local economy, such as business licenses, property tax assessments, and economic development initiatives, can be accessed through the City of Frankfort's website and the Franklin County government's resources.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

The Frankfort Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency serving the city. The department's website at https://www.frankfort.ky.gov/233/Police-Department offers information on public records, such as incident reports and crime statistics. Residents can also learn about the department's policies, programs, and community engagement initiatives.

Vital Records

The Frankfort city government maintains vital records, such as birth and death certificates, through the City Clerk's Office. Individuals can request copies of these records by submitting the appropriate forms and paying any applicable fees. The City Clerk's website provides detailed instructions on the process for obtaining vital records.

Business & Licensing Records

Businesses operating in Frankfort can access a variety of public records through the city's government. This includes information on business licenses, zoning regulations, and other relevant documentation. The City of Frankfort's website at https://www.frankfort.ky.gov/ offers a dedicated business resources section to help entrepreneurs and companies navigate the local regulatory environment.

Elections & Voter Records

Frankfort voters are served by the Franklin County Clerk's Office, located at 222 St. Clair Street, Suite 100, Frankfort, KY 40601, phone (502) 875-8702, website https://franklincountyclerk.com, which administers elections, voter registration, and maintains election records for the county. Kentucky residents can register to vote online at https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/ovrweb, the official Kentucky Online Voter Registration portal maintained by the Secretary of State. The voter registration deadline is 29 days before any election. Applicants need a Kentucky driver's license or ID card number, social security number, and date of birth. New residents and address changes can be processed online or in person at the county clerk's office. Frankfort holds municipal elections for mayor and city commissioners every four years, with the next city election scheduled for November 2026. Frankfort operates under a commission form of government with a mayor and four city commissioners elected citywide. Voters can find candidate lists and local ballot measures on the Franklin County Clerk's election page and through the Kentucky Secretary of State's election portal at https://elect.ky.gov. Frankfort residents can look up their assigned polling location using the voter information portal at https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/vic, entering their name and date of birth or address. Kentucky's Open Records Act makes certain election records publicly accessible, including voter registration lists (without social security numbers or birth dates), campaign finance reports filed with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance at https://kref.ky.gov, candidate filings, and precinct-level election results. In the November 2024 presidential election, Franklin County reported approximately 59% voter turnout, with over 20,000 ballots cast from approximately 34,000 registered voters. On November 3, 2026, Frankfort and Franklin County voters will decide several significant races. The U.S. Senate seat currently held by Mitch McConnell will be on the ballot in 2026. No gubernatorial race is scheduled, as Kentucky elects governors in odd-numbered years (next in 2027). Kentucky House of Representatives District 55 and Senate District 13, which cover portions of Franklin County, will be on the ballot for state legislative seats. Franklin County constitutional offices including County Clerk, Sheriff, Jailer, and Property Valuation Administrator will be contested. The Frankfort mayoral race and city commission seats will be decided in the November 2026 municipal election. Absentee ballots in Kentucky are available for voters who meet specific criteria including age 65 or older, illness or disability, military or overseas status, or voters who will be absent from the county on election day. Absentee ballot applications can be requested through the Franklin County Clerk or downloaded from the Secretary of State's website, with completed applications submitted to the county clerk. Early in-person voting is available at the county clerk's office beginning 12 days before the election.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: ✅ Online Statewide Portal | Property: ✅ Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: ✅ Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office Required | Business: ✅ Free State Database | Elections: ✅ Online Registration & Results | Overall: 8.5/10 — Franklin County and Frankfort provide excellent online access to court records, property data, and jail rosters through state and county portals, with comprehensive business entity searches and voter services available digitally, though vital records require state-level requests with fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Frankfort, Kentucky, you will be transported to the Franklin County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Franklin County Court. Under Kentucky law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Kentucky State Police. The Franklin County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://corrections.ky.gov/Facilities/Pages/OffenderSearch.aspx where you can look up current detainees.
Frankfort Independent Schools is the school district for Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. According to the Kentucky Department of Education, the district's overall performance score for the 2018-2019 school year was a 74.7 out of 100. This score is based on a variety of factors, including student achievement, student growth, and college and career readiness.
The most recent crime statistics for Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky are from 2019. In 2019, there were 1,845 total reported crimes in Frankfort, with 1,717 of those being property crimes and 128 being violent crimes. The crime rate per 1,000 residents was 28.7, which is higher than the national average of 22.0.
The Frankfort Public Library in Franklin County, Kentucky provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Kentucky government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Kentucky Open Records Act, which governs access to government documents in Kentucky. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Frankfort Kentucky Archives and Genealogy at https://kdla.ky.gov/pages/default.aspx. Contact the Frankfort Public Library reference desk at (502) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky Library is located at 318 W. 2nd Street, Frankfort, KY 40601.
Fingerprinting services for Frankfort, Kentucky residents are provided at the Frankfort Police Department, which serves Franklin County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Frankfort Police Department at (502) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Kentucky State Police for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Kentucky State Police at https://justice.ky.gov/agencies/KSP/Pages/Criminal-Records.aspx.
The Kentucky Department of Health, Vital Statistics Branch, is responsible for issuing vital records for Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. To obtain vital records, you must submit a completed application form, along with a valid photo ID and the applicable fee.

The vital records available from the Vital Statistics Branch include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, and divorce decrees. All of these records include the name of the person, the date of the event, and the place of the event. Birth certificates also include the names of the parents, and death certificates include the cause of death. Marriage certificates and divorce decrees include the names of the parties involved.
Police reports from Frankfort, Kentucky can be obtained from the Frankfort Police Department, located in Franklin County. To request a police report, visit the Records Division in person or submit a written request by mail. You will typically need the report number, date of incident, and your valid photo ID. A fee may be charged per page for copies. Under the Kentucky Open Records Act, most police reports are public records in Kentucky, though portions related to active investigations, juvenile records, or sensitive personal information may be redacted. Contact the Frankfort Police Department Records Division at (502) for information on fees, hours, and online request options. For statewide criminal records, visit https://justice.ky.gov/agencies/KSP/Pages/Criminal-Records.aspx.
A background check in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Kentucky. Criminal background checks are processed through the Kentucky State Police, which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Kentucky residents. The Kentucky State Police provides official criminal history checks at https://justice.ky.gov/agencies/KSP/Pages/Criminal-Records.aspx. Under the Kentucky Open Records Act, individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
  Other Cities in Kentucky

Search public records in other cities across Kentucky:

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