Franklin County

Franklin County, Missouri is located in the east-central portion of the state along the Missouri River, approximately 50 miles west of St. Louis. Franklin County seat is Union, which is the administrative center for county government operations. Established in 1818 and named after Benjamin Franklin, Franklin County includes approximately 930 square miles of diverse terrain including river valleys, rolling hills, and forested areas. As of recent census estimates, Franklin County has a population exceeding 105,000 residents, making it one of the faster-growing counties in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Franklin County is home to several significant landmarks including Washington State Park, Meramec Caverns (one of Missouri's oldest tourist attractions), and portions of the Katy Trail State Park, the longest developed rail-trail in the United States. Franklin County's major municipalities include Washington, Union, Pacific, Sullivan, and St. Clair. Franklin County government operates through several key agencies housed primarily in Union: Franklin County Recorder of Deeds (located at 400 East Locust Street, Union, MO 63084), Franklin County Clerk (same address), and Franklin County Assessor (also at 400 East Locust Street). Franklin County's economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, quarrying, and manufacturing, though residential development has accelerated significantly in recent decades as families seek more affordable housing options within commuting distance of St. Louis. Franklin County maintains a blend of rural character and suburban growth, with vast agricultural lands coexisting alongside newer residential subdivisions and commercial development along Interstate 44 and Highway 100.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

Franklin County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Franklin County. The office is tasked with patrolling these regions, running Franklin County Jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The office is committed to community engagement and offers various programs meant to crime prevention and public safety education.

Police Departments

Franklin County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Franklin County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments in cities like Washington, Union, and Sullivan. Each city department operates within its jurisdiction, handling local law enforcement duties and coordinating with the sheriff's office on broader issues. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of full coverage across Franklin County.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

Law enforcement in Franklin County is primarily provided by Franklin County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 200 East Locust Street in Union, Missouri 63084.

• Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the jail's online inmate search system and may also be obtained through formal public records requests.
• Processing times for written requests typically range from a few days to two weeks depending on the complexity and volume of records requested.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Franklin County includes a range of documents, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks through the Missouri Automated Criminal History Site (MACHS), which offers full data for personal and professional purposes.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Franklin County are maintained by Franklin County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and legal representatives through formal applications, often requiring identification and a nominal fee. An arrest record in Franklin County typically includes the individual's personal details, charges, and arresting agency. The Missouri Sunshine Law governs the public's access to these records, for public access in the handling of arrest information.

Jail & Inmate Records

Franklin County Jail, located in Union, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Franklin County. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting the detainee, and the facility provides an online inmate lookup tool for the public to access current inmate information. Visitation rules are specific, requiring appointments and adherence to a schedule, with guidelines available on Franklin County's official website.

• In Missouri, the bond or bail process allows for the release of detainees pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained directly from the jail's administrative office.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Franklin County are taken and retained by Franklin County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These images are typically available through the sheriff's website or by request, depending on the case's status and public interest. Missouri does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of the arrest record.

Franklin County Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction for Franklin County, handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $25,000, domestic relations cases including divorce and child custody, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts. Franklin County Justice Center, located at 200 East Locust Street in Union, Missouri 63084, houses the Circuit Court and associated court offices; the main court phone number is. Franklin County operates under the 21st Judicial Circuit of Missouri.

• The court system also includes Associate Circuit Courts, which handle misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters under $25,000, small claims (up to $5,000), traffic violations, and preliminary hearings in felony cases.
• The Circuit Clerk's office charges fees for certified copies of court documents, typically $3.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, plus a certification fee.

Property and land records in Franklin County are maintained by Franklin Recorder of Deeds of Deeds, located at 400 East Locust Street, Union, Missouri 63084 The Recorder's office is responsible for recording and preserving documents related to real property transactions including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, deeds of trust (mortgages), releases, liens (mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, right-of-way agreements, plat maps, and subdivision plats.

• There may be fees associated with premium search features or document printing.

Vital records for Franklin County, Missouri, including birth and death certificates, are maintained at both Franklin County and state levels. Birth certificates for births occurring in Franklin County can be requested from Franklin County Health Department (Vital Records Division) located at 425 East Locust Street, Union, Missouri 63084, or from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Vital Records in Jefferson City.

• The fee for a certified birth certificate is typically $15 for the first copy and $13 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
• Processing time for vital records requests is generally 2-4 weeks when submitted by mail, or same-day/next-day for in-person requests if the record is readily available.
• Divorce records are maintained by Franklin County Circuit Clerk as part of court case files and can be accessed through CaseNet or by requesting copies from the Circuit Clerk's office.
• Online ordering of birth and death certificates is available through VitalChek (an approved vendor) at www.vitalchek.com, with additional convenience fees applied.
• Applicants must provide proper identification and proof of eligibility when requesting vital records.

Business and licensing records in Franklin County are managed by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity and registration. Franklin County Clerk's office at 400 East Locust Street, Union, Missouri 63084 (phone 636-583-6355) handles certain local business filings, though most formal business entity registrations occur at the state level.

• The Secretary of State maintains a free online Business Entity Search tool at www.sos.mo.gov/business where anyyou can search for registered businesses by name, registration number, or registered agent.
• This database includes information about entity status, formation date, registered office address, and annual registration status.

Explore public records for 21 cities and communities in Franklin County, Missouri.

Franklin County's economy has evolved from its traditional foundations in agriculture, quarrying, and manufacturing to a more diversified economic base that includes residential development, retail commerce, healthcare, and service industries. Franklin County's strategic location along Interstate 44 and its proximity to the St. Louis metropolitan area have driven significant population growth and economic expansion over the past three decades.

• Census data, the median household income in Franklin County is approximately $67,000, slightly below the Missouri state average but reflecting Franklin County's mix of rural and suburban characteristics.
• Franklin County's relatively affordable housing and lower cost of living compared to St.

Elections in Franklin County, Missouri are administered by Franklin County Clerk, who serves as Franklin County's election authority under Missouri election law. Franklin County Clerk's office is located at 400 East Locust Street, Union, Missouri 63084, and the elections division can be contacted through the office’s website. Franklin County elections website, accessible through www.franklinmo.org, provides information about voter registration, polling locations, sample ballots, election results, and important deadlines.

• Missouri also offers no-excuse absentee voting for any election; voters may request an absentee ballot by mail or in person from the County Clerk's office beginning six weeks before an election.
• Citizens can request copies of election materials, poll worker training documents, and tabulation records under the Missouri Sunshine Law, promoting accountability and public confidence in the electoral process.