About Franklin County
Franklin County is located in south-central Pennsylvania, bordered by Maryland to the south and the Appalachian Mountains to the west. Franklin County Seat is Chambersburg, a historic community founded in 1730 and rebuilt after Confederate forces burned it during the Civil War in 1864. Franklin County includes approximately 772 square miles and has a population of roughly 155,000 residents according to recent census estimates. Franklin County was formed in 1784 and named after Benjamin Franklin.
Major landmarks include the Appalachian Trail, which crosses through Franklin County, Caledonia State Park, and Cowans Gap State Park. Franklin County is predominantly rural with agriculture playing a significant economic role, particularly fruit orchards and dairy farming. Franklin County is home to Franklin County Courthouse at 157 Lincoln Way East in Chambersburg, where many county offices are located.
Franklin Recorder of Deeds of Deeds office maintains property records at 218 North Second Street, Chambersburg. Franklin County Clerk functions are handled through the Prothonotary office. Franklin County Assessment Office, responsible for property valuations, is located at 218 North Second Street.
Franklin County's strategic location along Interstate 81 and proximity to Harrisburg, the state capital, has made it an important transportation and distribution hub. Franklin County is also known for its role in Civil War history, with several significant sites and museums documenting the Confederate invasion of Pennsylvania.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Franklin County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in Franklin County. It patrols unincorporated areas, manages Franklin County Jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. Notable programs include community outreach initiatives and partnerships with local law enforcement agencies to enhance public safety. The office is committed to transparency and community engagement, providing various resources and services to the residents of Franklin County.
Police Departments
Franklin County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Franklin County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments. The Chambersburg Police Department, Waynesboro Police Department, and Greencastle Police Department are key agencies within Franklin County. Each department has jurisdiction over its respective county, while the Sheriff's Office covers unincorporated areas and provides support for major investigations. These agencies collaborate on cross-jurisdictional cases, making sure of full law enforcement coverage throughout Franklin County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Franklin County Sheriff's Office, located at 270 North Second Street in Chambersburg, PA 17201, provides law enforcement services including court security, warrant service, and prisoner transport. Franklin County Correctional Facility, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences. Inmate information and jail rosters can be accessed through Franklin County website at www.franklincountypa.gov or by calling the facility directly.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through Franklin County jail roster system, which is updated regularly and accessible online.
- Walk-in requests for arrest records can be made at the Sheriff's Office during business hours, Monday through Friday.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of records.
Municipal police departments serving Franklin County include the Chambersburg Police Department, Waynesboro Police Department, Greencastle Police Department, and Mercersburg Police Department, along with several smaller county departments and Pennsylvania State Police coverage for unincorporated areas. Arrest records in Franklin County are considered public information under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.
Some records may be exempt if they pertain to ongoing investigations or juvenile matters. Pennsylvania State Police also maintains records for arrests made by state troopers in Franklin County, accessible through PSP headquarters or local barracks.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records ecosystem in Franklin County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request criminal records through the appropriate agency, often requiring a formal application and fee.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Franklin County are maintained by Franklin County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting these agencies directly. An arrest record typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges, and court dates. The Pennsylvania Right to Know Law governs access to public records, for public access in the handling of arrest records. Requests for records must comply with state guidelines and may involve processing fees.
Jail & Inmate Records
Franklin County Jail, located in Chambersburg, is the primary detention facility for Franklin County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the arrestee. Inmate lookup is available through Franklin County's official website, allowing residents to find information on current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process in Pennsylvania allows for the release of inmates under certain conditions, and information on recently arrested individuals can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Franklin County are taken and retained by Franklin County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a formal request. Pennsylvania does not have specific mugshot removal laws, but individuals can petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of charges. Mugshots are used for identification purposes and are often included in arrest records available to the public.
Courts & Case Records
Franklin County's judicial system operates under the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System. The Court of Common Pleas of Franklin County, located at 157 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg, PA 17201, serves as Franklin County's trial court with general jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. Franklin County also has Magisterial District Courts (formerly known as District Justice Courts) that handle preliminary hearings, minor criminal matters, traffic violations, and civil cases under $12,000.
- The Register of Wills and Orphans' Court, located at 157 Lincoln Way East, handles probate matters, estates, and guardianships
- Fees for certified copies are established by statute, typically $7.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
- Online access through the UJS portal is free for docket searches, though documents may require in-person or mail requests with appropriate fees.
There are multiple magisterial districts throughout Franklin County serving different geographic areas. Court records are accessible through the Pennsylvania Unified Judicial System web portal at ujsportal.pacourts.us, which provides free access to docket sheets and case information for both Common Pleas and Magisterial District Courts. Under Pennsylvania's Public Access Policy of the Unified Judicial System, most court records are public unless sealed by court order or protected by statute.
Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Prothonotary's office for civil matters and the Clerk of Courts for criminal cases.
Property & Public Records
Franklin Recorder of Deeds of Deeds office, located at 218 North Second Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201, maintains all land records including deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other instruments affecting real property. The office can be reached at and offers an online document search system through Franklin County website at www.franklincountypa.gov. The online database allows users to search recorded documents by name, book and page, or document number free of charge, though downloading documents may require a fee or subscription.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
Original documents are recorded chronologically in deed books dating back to Franklin County's formation in 1784. Franklin County Assessment Office, also at 218 North Second Street (phone 717-261-3865), maintains property assessment records, tax maps, and parcel information. Franklin County offers a free online Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping tool that displays property boundaries, ownership, assessment values, and tax information.
Property tax bills are issued by municipal tax collectors for local taxes and by Franklin County Tax Claim Bureau for delinquent properties. The Recorder of Deeds office is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Historical records and plat maps are available for research, and staff can assist with title searches and document retrieval.
All real estate transactions in Franklin County must be recorded with the Recorder of Deeds to establish legal title.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for Franklin County are maintained by the Division of Vital Records at the Pennsylvania Department of Health, as Pennsylvania operates a state-level vital records system. However, Franklin County Register of Wills office at 157 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg, PA 17201 (phone 717-261-3886) can provide information and assistance with vital records requests. Birth certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $10 for additional copies ordered simultaneously. Death certificates cost $9 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks for mail requests.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.health.pa.gov/vital records with expedited service for additional fees.
- The marriage license fee is $40, and applicants must appear in person with valid identification.
Applications can be submitted by mail to the Division of Vital Records, P.O. Box 1528, New Castle, PA 16103, or in person at regional offices. Marriage licenses are issued by Franklin County Clerk of Orphans' Court at the courthouse, 157 Lincoln Way East, Chambersburg.
There is a three-day waiting period before the license is valid. Divorce records are maintained by the Prothonotary's office at Franklin County Courthouse and can be searched through the Pennsylvania court system. Pennsylvania vital records law is codified at 35 Pa.
C.S. § 450.101 et seq, which governs access and eligibility for certified copies. Only authorized individuals including the registrant, immediate family members, or legal representatives can obtain certified copies.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Franklin County operates at multiple governmental levels. Franklin County Planning Department at 218 North Second Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201 (phone 717-261-3855) handles certain business permits and zoning matters. Fictitious name registrations (doing business as or DBA) are filed with the Prothonotary's office at Franklin County Courthouse.
- The database is searchable by business name, entity number, or officer names and provides information on business status, registration date, and registered agent.
- Franklin County Area Development Corporation (FCADC) at www.fcadc.com provides economic development assistance and information for businesses locating or expanding in Franklin County.
The primary resource for business entity searches is the Pennsylvania Department of State's Corporation Bureau, accessible online at www.corporations.pa.gov, which maintains records of all corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other business entities registered in Pennsylvania. Professional licenses in Pennsylvania are issued by the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, searchable at www.pals.pa.gov. Local business licenses and permits may be required by individual municipalities within Franklin County; applicants should contact the specific county or township office.
Building permits are issued by individual municipalities or through Franklin County Planning Department for unincorporated areas. Sales tax licenses are obtained through the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. The Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce, located at 100 Lincoln Way East, Suite A, Chambersburg, PA 17201, offers business networking and resources at www.chambersburg.org.
Elections & Voter Records
Franklin County Bureau of Elections, located at 218 North Second Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201, administers all elections in Franklin County. The office can be reached at and information is available at www.franklincountypa.gov/elections. Voter registration in Franklin County is handled through the Pennsylvania Department of State voter registration system. Pennsylvania residents can register to vote online at www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx, in person at the Bureau of Elections, or by mail using the Pennsylvania Voter Registration Application.
The voter registration deadline is 15 days before any election. Pennsylvania offers same-day voter registration only during the in-person absentee voting period. To find your polling place in Franklin County, voters can use the polling place lookup tool at www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/pages/pollingplaceinfo.aspx or contact the Bureau of Elections.
Election records that are public in Franklin County include voter registration lists (available for purchase for political purposes under 25 P.S. § 2621), campaign finance reports filed with Franklin County (for county-level candidates), candidate petitions and filings, and precinct-level election results. The 2024 general election in Franklin County saw approximately 63% voter turnout, consistent with Pennsylvania's strong engagement in presidential elections.
The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives midterm elections, one U.S. Senate seat, Pennsylvania Governor (if applicable to cycle), and various state legislative races.
Mail-in and absentee ballots are available to all Pennsylvania voters without excuse required under Act 77. Applications can be submitted online through the Pennsylvania voter services portal, by mail, or in person at the Bureau of Elections. The annual application deadline is 5:00 PM on the Tuesday before an election, though first-time applicants may need to apply earlier.
Completed ballots must be received by Franklin County by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, citizens can request election related public records including ballot reconciliation reports, election equipment certifications, and poll worker training materials, promoting transparency in election administration.
Economy & Demographics
Franklin County's economy is diverse, combining traditional agriculture with modern manufacturing, distribution, and service industries. Agriculture remains significant, with Franklin County ranking among Pennsylvania's top producers of apples, peaches, and other tree fruits; dairy farming is also substantial. Major employers include Summit Health (healthcare system), Chambersburg Hospital, Menno Haven retirement communities, and the Letterkenny Army Depot, one of the largest employers in south-central Pennsylvania with over 3,500 civilian and military personnel.
- Median household income in Franklin County is approximately $63,000, slightly below the Pennsylvania state average.
- Key economic sectors include agriculture and food processing, manufacturing, healthcare and social services, retail trade, and transportation and warehousing.
Manufacturing companies include Ventura Foods (formerly ACH Food Companies), producing cooking oils and food products, and multiple automotive parts suppliers. Franklin County's location along Interstate 81 has attracted significant warehouse and distribution operations, including several major logistics companies. The unemployment rate typically tracks close to the state average, ranging between 3.5% and 5% in recent years.
Tourism contributes to the economy through Civil War heritage sites, outdoor recreation at state parks and the Appalachian Trail, and the annual Franklin County Fair. Recent economic development has focused on business park expansion, downtown Chambersburg revitalization, and attracting technology companies. Franklin County Area Development Corporation actively recruits businesses and supports expansion projects with workforce development and site selection assistance.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: State System Required | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online Voter Tools | Overall Score: 8/10, Franklin County provides online access to court dockets, property records via GIS, and jail information, with strong integration into Pennsylvania's statewide transparency systems.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Franklin County
Explore public records for 32 cities and communities in Franklin County, Pennsylvania.