About Franklin County

County Seat Carnesville
Established 1784
Named After Benjamin Franklin
  • Franklin County's geography features rolling hills, hardwood forests, and numerous streams that feed into the Tugaloo River, which forms the eastern boundary with South Carolina.
1735 By Pass, Carnesville, GA 30521

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement & Arrests

  • Written requests should specify the records sought and may be subject to reasonable copying fees.
  • Georgia law requires response to open records requests within three business days, though production of voluminous records may take longer with proper notification.
1735 By Pass, Carnesville, GA 30521

Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Courts & Case Records

  • The Magistrate Court of Franklin County hears civil disputes under $15,000, dispossessory (eviction) proceedings, county ordinance violations, and conducts preliminary hearings in criminal cases.
  • Certified copies of court documents are available from the respective clerk's office for statutory fees, typically $2.50 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a $2.00 certification fee.
  • Research fees may apply for extensive record searches.
  • Case information can be requested in person, by mail, or by phone, though some clerks may require written requests for formal records production.
210 West Main Street, Carnesville, GA 30521

Property & Public Records

  • Certified copies of recorded documents are available from the Superior Court Clerk for the standard certification fee of $2.00 plus copy costs.
210 West Main Street, Carnesville, GA 30521
1735 By Pass, Carnesville, GA 30521

Vital Records

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

  • Processing typically takes 7-10 business days for mail orders and 2-4 weeks for online orders, with expedited service available for additional fees.
  • The marriage license fee is established by state law and costs approximately $56 for applicants without premarital education certificates ($16 with certificate).
  • Certified copies of divorce records can be requested from Franklin County Superior Court Clerk's Office for the standard certification fee.
242 Jones Street, Carnesville, GA 30521

Business & Licensing

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

  • Local business license requirements, fees, and application procedures vary based on business classification and location.
  • The filing fee is established by statute at $40 for initial registration and $35 for renewals.
  • Formal business entity formation, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and registered trademarks, are processed through the Georgia Secretary of State, Corporations Division.
1735 By Pass, Carnesville, GA 30521

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I search for someone recently arrested in Franklin County, Georgia?
To search for someone recently arrested in Franklin County, Georgia, you can contact the Franklin County Jail. The facility provides an inmate lookup process through their official website or by calling the jail directly at their main phone number. The region Sheriff's Office, located at 1 James Little Street, Carnesville, GA, can also assist with inquiries about recent arrests and inmate information.
Mugshots or booking photos For people arrested in Franklin County, Georgia, can be obtained from the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. The office may provide access to these records through their website or by visiting the office in person. For online access, you can check if the Sheriff's Office has a dedicated portal for public records, including booking photos.
To obtain a criminal background check in Franklin County, Georgia, you can request one through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Locally, you may also contact the Franklin County Sheriff's Office for guidance on the process. The GBI provides an online service for background checks, which requires a fee and submission of necessary personal information.
You can look up sex offenders in Franklin County, Georgia, by accessing the Georgia Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and provides a searchable online database. You can search by name, address, or proximity to a specific location to find registered sex offenders in the area.
Voter registration in Franklin County is handled through the Franklin County Board of Elections and Registration, located at 1735 By Pass, Carnesville, GA 30521, phone (706) 384-2593. Georgia residents can register online at registertovote.sos.ga.gov, in person at the Elections Office, or by mail using a printed application. You must register at least 29 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online through the Georgia Secretary of State website or by contacting the Franklin County Elections Office directly.
Property and land records in Franklin County are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court at 210 West Main Street, Carnesville, GA 30521, phone (706) 384-2514. Deeds, mortgages, liens, and plat maps can be searched online through the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA) at gsccca.org, which offers subscription-based access or pay-per-document options. Property tax assessment information is available through the Franklin County Tax County Tax Assessor at (706) 384-2535 or online through county or state property tax portals. Many records are available for free search with fees applying for copies or certified documents.
Birth and death certificates in Georgia are issued by the Georgia Department of Public Health, Vital Records Office, and can be ordered online at Georgia.gov/verify-birth-death-records, by mail, or in person in Atlanta. The fee is $25 for the first certified copy and $5 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously. Processing typically takes 7-10 business days for mail orders. The Franklin County Health Department at (706) 384-4476 may provide application assistance. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate direct and tangible interest in the record.
Business occupational tax certificates in unincorporated Franklin County are handled by the Franklin County Tax Commissioner at (706) 384-2619. Trade name (DBA) registrations are filed with the Franklin County Clerk of Superior Court at (706) 384-2514. For formal business entity information (corporations, LLCs), use the free Georgia Secretary of State business search at ecorp.sos.ga.gov, which provides information on registered businesses, registered agents, and filing history. Businesses operating within Lavonia or Royston city limits must also comply with municipal licensing requirements from those respective city governments.

Nearby Counties

Oconee County SC Madison County GA Stephens County GA Hart County GA Banks County GA