Franklin, Michigan Public Records and Criminal Background Check

Franklin Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Franklin, Michigan government websites.

About Franklin, Michigan

Regular Meetings Public Sessions

The governing body of Franklin, Michigan, is the Franklin Village Council, which consists of five elected members. Council members are elected at-large for a term length of four years. The current council includes President William J. McCauley, Vice President John M. Dwyer, and members Karen A. McDonald, Patricia A. Hennessey, and David A. Kelsey. The local council holds regular meetings that are open to the public. Meeting schedules are available through the local government office.

Law enforcement for the village is primarily provided by the Franklin Police Department, which helps with ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office extends its services to Franklin, offering full law enforcement support. If you need access to arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or criminal history, the process is straightforward. Individuals can begin by visiting the Franklin Police Department’s local records unit, where requests for police reports can be made directly. If additional records or broader data are needed, contacting the Oakland County Sheriff's Office can provide further assistance. The Sheriff's Office maintains a repository of law enforcement records that may be relevant to inquiries about criminal activity in the area. For more extensive searches, residents may also turn to the Michigan Department of State Police, which manages the state criminal repository. The state police provide access to criminal history through their online portals, making it more convenient for people seeking information. It’s recommended that interested parties visit the respective websites of these departments for guidance on online lookup capabilities and specific requirements, such as identification and any associated fees. For those interested in legal proceedings or public records, the area is served by the Oakland County Circuit Court, which handles a variety of civil, criminal, and family matters. To request court records, individuals can use the online portal provided by the Oakland County Courts or visit the court clerk in person to submit their requests. Vital records, such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, are managed by the Oakland County Clerk-Recorder’s office, which handles both in-person and online requests through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Property records can be accessed through the Oakland City/Township Assessor and the Register of Deeds’s office, with many records available online for ease of access. Residents seeking public records under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) can submit their requests directly to the appropriate department, understanding that response timelines typically range from 5 to 10 business days. This commitment to transparency reflects Franklin's dedication to an informed and engaged citizenry, contributing to the overall sense of community that defines this charming village.

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement coverage in Franklin, Oakland County comes through a network of agencies including the Oakland County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as those serving Troy, Farmington Hills, and Rochester Hills. Each department operates within its own jurisdiction while the Sheriff's Office tackles larger investigations and county-wide matters. When major crimes or emergency situations arise, these agencies coordinate their efforts to ensure public safety coverage throughout the area.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Oakland County Jail in Pontiac is the primary detention facility for those arrested throughout Oakland County. Once booked, individuals are fingerprinted, photographed, and processed through the facility. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office website offers an inmate lookup tool for accessing current information. Visitation requires advance scheduling, and the facility posts specific guidelines online. Bond and bail procedures follow Michigan state law, with release available once the court-set amount is paid.

Arrest Records

Arrest records for the area are maintained by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office and the various municipal police departments operating within county borders. Residents and attorneys seeking these records should contact the specific law enforcement agency that handled the arrest. The records typically contain personal information, arrest details, charges filed, and scheduled court dates. Access is governed by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, which balances public transparency with individual privacy protections.

Court Records

The 46th District Court in Southfield holds jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases originating from Franklin. Court records, including case filings, dispositions, and transcripts, are accessible through the court's website at 46thdistrictcourt.org or by visiting the physical location. This courthouse handles the legal proceedings that affect residents and matters arising within the village.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Oakland County includes felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and sex offender registry information. The Oakland County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Michigan State Police provide statewide criminal background checks. Residents can request background checks through the Michigan Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), which provides access to public criminal history records. The Michigan Bureau of Investigation also offers resources for more background investigations.

Public Records Access

The Franklin Village Clerk's Office keeps a collection of public records ranging from birth, marriage, and death certificates to property deeds and various municipal documents. Residents can obtain these records by visiting the office in person or submitting a request through the village's official website at franklin-mi.gov/government/clerk. The office is the central repository for the village's vital records and official documentation.

Vital Records

The Oakland County Vital Records Division oversees the registration and issuance of birth, marriage, and death certificates for Franklin residents. Individuals can obtain copies of these documents by contacting the division's office in Pontiac or by accessing the online request form at [oakgov.com/vitals](https://www.oakgov.com/vitals).

Business & Licensing Records

The Franklin Village Clerk's Office handles business registrations, including licenses and permits, for commercial enterprises operating within village boundaries. Business owners can find information and application forms on the village's website at franklin-mi.gov/business. The office guides entrepreneurs through the local requirements for establishing and maintaining commercial operations in this community.

Economy & Demographics

Franklin's economy is largely driven by its vibrant small business community, with a mix of retail establishments, professional services, and local attractions. Economic data, including business licenses, property values, and employment statistics, can be obtained from the Franklin Village Clerk's Office or the Oakland County Economic Development Division at [oakgov.com/econdev](https://www.oakgov.com/econdev).

Elections & Voter Records

Franklin voters rely on the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Elections Division, located at 1200 North Telegraph Road, Pontiac, MI 48341 (248-858-0564, www.oakgov.com/elections). This office runs all federal, state, county, and local elections for residents, maintains voter registration records, provides election results, and fields questions about voting procedures. Michigan residents can register online at www.michigan.gov/vote, which links to the Michigan Voter Information Center.

Voters can register up to and including Election Day; online and mail registration must be received at least 15 days before Election Day, but in-person registration remains available at the local clerk's office through Election Day itself. Applicants must be U.S. Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, Michigan residents, and not currently serving a jail or prison sentence. Online registration requires a Michigan driver's license or state ID number. The village holds elections for council positions and other local offices. The Village Council includes a President and six trustees serving staggered three-year terms. Franklin municipal elections typically fall in odd-numbered years, most recently November 2023 for council seats. For information on village candidates and local ballot measures, contact Franklin Village Hall at 32325 Franklin Road (248-626-9666, www.franklinvillage.org). Residents can locate their assigned polling place using the lookup tool at www.michigan.gov/vote or by contacting the Oakland County Elections Division. Michigan law makes certain election records publicly accessible, including voter registration lists (available to qualified requesters under MCL 168.522 and 168.523), campaign finance disclosure reports (searchable at www.michigan.gov/sos under Campaign Finance), candidate filings and petitions, and precinct-level election results, all available through the Michigan Secretary of State or Oakland County Elections Division. In the November 2024 presidential election, Oakland County reported voter turnout of approximately 73% of registered voters, with over 722,000 ballots cast out of approximately 990,000 registered voters countywide. Looking ahead to the November 3, 2026 general election, Franklin and Oakland County voters will decide several key races: Michigan Governor (four-year term), all 110 Michigan House of Representatives seats (two-year terms), U.S. Senator Gary Peters' seat (six-year term), Michigan Secretary of State, Michigan Attorney General, Oakland County Executive, Oakland County Commissioners, Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds, Oakland County Treasurer, Oakland County Sheriff, Oakland County Prosecutor, and Michigan State Board of Education positions, plus any local Franklin village positions if scheduled and potential ballot proposals. Michigan offers no-reason absentee voting; any registered voter can request an absentee ballot application online at www.michigan.gov/vote or by contacting the Franklin Village Clerk at 32325 Franklin Road. Applications must be received by the Friday before Election Day for mail delivery of a ballot, or voters can request absentee ballots in person at the clerk's office through 4:00 PM on the Monday before Election Day. The state also offers permanent absentee voter list enrollment, allowing voters to automatically receive applications for every election.

Public Records Transparency Score

Court Records: Yes: Online Statewide Portal | Property: Yes: Free Online Assessor+Recorder | Arrest Logs: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Yes: Online Ordering | Business: Yes: Free State Database | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall: 9.2/10, Oakland County and the State of Michigan provide exceptional free online access to most public records including fully searchable property records, court case lookups, inmate rosters, business entity databases, and election information, with vital records available for online ordering through state systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 How do I register to vote in Franklin, Michigan?

To register to vote in Franklin, Michigan, residents can register online through the Michigan Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Oakland County elections office. Michigan requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Michigan Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Franklin, contact the Oakland County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.

2 How do I look up property records in Franklin, Michigan?

Property records for Franklin, Michigan are maintained by the Oakland City/Township Assessor's Office and the Oakland County Register of Deeds. The Assessor's Office is responsible for discovering, listing, and valuing all taxable property within Oakland County, including parcels in Franklin. Records available include property ownership, assessed values, legal descriptions, parcel maps, and tax history. The Oakland County Register of Deeds maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements. Many Michigan counties provide online property record searches through their county websites. For in-person requests, visit the Oakland County offices at the county courthouse. The Oakland County Treasurer handles property tax payments and tax sale information.

3 How do I get a birth or death certificate in Franklin, Michigan?

Birth, death, and marriage records for Franklin, Michigan residents are available through both county and state offices. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Vital Records, located in Lansing, maintains statewide vital records and can issue certified copies of birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Michigan. Orders can be placed online, by mail, or in person. Locally, the Oakland County Clerk's office issues marriage licenses and maintains marriage records for Oakland County. Birth and death certificates may also be available through local vital records offices. Requestors typically need to provide valid photo identification and proof of their relationship to the person named on the record. Processing times and fees vary by office and record type.

4 How do I find business license records in Franklin, Michigan?

Business licensing for Franklin, Michigan operates at municipal, county, and state levels. The Franklin town or city clerk's office handles local business permits, zoning approvals, and any municipal license requirements for businesses operating within Franklin limits. Oakland County may require additional registrations for businesses in unincorporated areas or county-level sales tax licensing. At the state level, all Michigan businesses must register with the Michigan Secretary of State and obtain applicable state tax identification numbers from the Michigan Department of Revenue. Professional licenses for regulated occupations are issued by the relevant Michigan licensing boards. For a complete list of requirements for starting a business in Franklin, contact the Franklin clerk's office and the Oakland County economic development office.