Franklin County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Franklin County in 2026
FranklinKYRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Franklin County, Kentucky. Members of the public may use this resource to locate deeds, mortgage documents, tax assessments, liens, ownership histories, and recorded encumbrances. Record availability and completeness may vary depending on the document type, recording date, and the agency maintaining the record.
Property records in Franklin County may be searched through several official channels:
- Franklin County Clerk's Office – primary repository for recorded instruments including deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Franklin County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) – maintains assessment and ownership data
- Kentucky Department of Revenue – administers state property tax policy and rates
- Kentucky Secretary of State – Land Office – repository for historical land patents
- Kentucky Transparency Portal – provides searchable data on state-owned and leased properties
Online Search Methods
1. Franklin County Clerk – Land Records Search
The Franklin County Clerk's Office provides online access to recorded land records through the eCCLIX land records search system. Registered users with an Internet-ready PC and printer may access documents remotely. The system allows searches by:
- Grantor name (seller)
- Grantee name (buyer)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Book and page number
- Instrument number
Documents available through this system include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions and releases, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, easements, plats, and lis pendens filings.
How to search online:
- Navigate to the Franklin County Clerk land records portal
- Register for a user account if required
- Select the preferred search type (grantor, grantee, document type, or date range)
- Enter search criteria and submit
- Review the results list and select the relevant document
- View the document image; note the book, page, or instrument number for reference
- Print or save the document as needed
2. Franklin County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA)
The Franklin County PVA maintains assessment records, ownership information, and property characteristics for all parcels within the county. The PVA database may be searched by:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel identification number
Information available through the PVA includes current owner name, mailing address, legal description, parcel number, land use classification, assessed value, taxable value, exemptions applied, and sales history.
3. Kentucky Department of Revenue – Property Tax Information
The Kentucky Department of Revenue property tax portal provides statewide property tax rate information, assessment guidance for public service companies, and real property tax rate schedules. Members of the public may use this resource to verify applicable millage rates and understand how state property tax policy affects Franklin County assessments.
4. Kentucky Transparency Portal – Property Search
The Kentucky Transparency Portal property search covers properties owned and leased by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, updated on a monthly basis. This resource is particularly useful for identifying state-owned offices, buildings, and facilities located within Franklin County.
5. Kentucky Secretary of State – Land Office
The Kentucky Land Office serves as the official repository for all records pertaining to land patents issued by the Commonwealth. In Kentucky, land is allocated through the patenting process, and the Secretary of State's office maintains these historical records. Researchers tracing original land grants or early ownership chains may consult this resource.
In-Person Searches
Franklin County Clerk's Office
315 W. Main Street, Suite 203
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 875-8702
Franklin County Clerk
Franklin County Property Valuation Administrator
313 W. Main Street, Room 209
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 875-8780
Franklin County PVA
Members of the public may inspect records at either office during regular business hours. Staff at the Clerk's office can assist with grantor/grantee index searches, retrieval of recorded document books, and requests for certified copies. The PVA office provides access to property cards, assessment data, and exemption application information.
By Mail Requests
Written requests for copies of recorded documents may be directed to the Franklin County Clerk's Office at 315 W. Main Street, Suite 203, Frankfort, KY 40601. Requests should specify the document by book and page number, instrument number, or property address and approximate recording date range. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request with the appropriate fee.
Through Professionals
Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed abstractors conduct comprehensive title searches and prepare abstracts of title that document the full chain of ownership and all recorded encumbrances. These professionals have direct access to the Clerk's official records system and provide legally reliable title opinions. Costs vary by provider and scope of search.
What Is Franklin County Property Records
Property records in Franklin County are official legal documents related to real property — land and any improvements affixed to it — maintained by county and state government agencies. These records establish legal ownership, document the chain of title, record encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, and provide the factual basis for property tax assessment. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 382.110, instruments affecting title to real property must be recorded with the County Clerk to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors.
Types of property records maintained in Franklin County include:
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Trust documents affecting real property
- Life estate deeds
- Transfer-on-death deeds
- Chain of title and ownership history
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Mechanic's liens
- Judgment liens
- Federal and state tax liens
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Restrictive covenants and deed restrictions
- Lis pendens filings
- HOA-related recorded documents
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Annual property tax assessments
- Tax bills and payment history
- Homestead, senior, disability, and veteran exemptions
- Special assessments
- Delinquent tax records
Legal Description Records:
- Subdivision plats
- Recorded surveys
- Metes and bounds descriptions
- Lot and block information
- Condominium declarations
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits
- Certificates of occupancy
- Zoning designations
- Code enforcement records
Who Maintains Property Records in Franklin County:
| Agency | Records Maintained |
|---|---|
| Franklin County Clerk | Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, easements, all recorded instruments |
| Franklin County PVA | Assessments, ownership data, property characteristics, exemptions |
| Kentucky Department of Revenue | State property tax rates, public service company assessments |
| Kentucky Secretary of State – Land Office | Historical land patents |
| Franklin County Building/Planning | Permits, zoning, code enforcement |
As stated in the official description of the Franklin County Clerk's records system, "Stay Protected — Sign up for DOCALERT and take control of your property records," reflecting the county's commitment to transparency and property owner protection.
Are Property Records Public Information in Franklin County?
Property records in Franklin County are public information. Under Kentucky Revised Statutes § 61.870 et seq. — the Kentucky Open Records Act — public agency records are open to inspection by any person, and no special purpose or justification is required to access them. The recording system itself is premised on the principle of constructive notice: a document recorded with the County Clerk is deemed known to all subsequent parties, which requires that the records be publicly accessible.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
- Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS § 61.870 et seq.
- Kentucky recording statutes, KRS § 382.110
- Common law tradition of public land records dating to English common law
- Constitutional protections for property rights under the Kentucky Constitution
Why Property Records Are Public:
The public nature of property records serves multiple essential functions:
- Transparency in ownership: The public has a recognized interest in knowing who owns real property, particularly for purposes of accountability in taxation and land use.
- Commercial necessity: Real estate transactions, title insurance, mortgage lending, and property appraisal all depend on open access to recorded instruments.
- Legal protection: Recording provides constructive notice that protects bona fide purchasers and lenders from undisclosed prior claims.
- Public interest: Journalists, researchers, genealogists, and community planners rely on property records for investigation, historical research, and planning purposes.
What Property Information Is Freely Accessible:
- Current and historical ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts
- Liens and encumbrances
- Tax assessments and payment status
- Property characteristics (size, year built, improvements)
- Plat maps and recorded surveys
- All recorded instruments in the Clerk's index
Privacy Considerations:
While property records are public, certain personal information is protected under Kentucky law and federal privacy standards:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from recorded documents pursuant to applicable state and federal law
- Bank account numbers and personal financial details beyond what appears in recorded instruments are not disclosed
- Certain individuals — including law enforcement officers, judges, and victims of domestic violence or stalking — may be eligible for address confidentiality protections under Kentucky's Address Confidentiality Program
Who May Access Property Records:
Any member of the public — regardless of residency, ownership status, or stated purpose — may inspect and obtain copies of property records maintained by the Franklin County Clerk and the Franklin County PVA. Common users include prospective buyers, real estate agents, title companies, lenders, appraisers, attorneys, investors, genealogists, and journalists.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Franklin County?
Current fees for obtaining property records in Franklin County are governed by Kentucky statute and set by the County Clerk's office. Under KRS § 64.012, county clerks are authorized to collect fees for recording, copying, and certifying documents.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Recording a deed or mortgage (first page) | $33.00 |
| Each additional page | $3.00 |
| Certified copy of a recorded document | $5.00 per document + $0.50 per page |
| Uncertified copy (paper) | $0.50 per page |
| Online document viewing (eCCLIX) | Fees apply per registered user agreement |
| Property card copies (PVA) | Nominal copying fee |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check (payable to Franklin County Clerk)
- Money order
- Credit/debit card (where available at the counter)
What Is Available at No Charge:
- In-person inspection of public records (no fee to view)
- Online property assessment data through the Franklin County PVA website
- General property tax rate information through the Kentucky Department of Revenue portal
- State property search through the Kentucky Transparency Portal
Fee amounts are subject to change by legislative action or administrative order. Members of the public should confirm current fees directly with the Franklin County Clerk's office prior to submitting requests.
Franklin County Clerk's Office
315 W. Main Street, Suite 203
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 875-8702
Franklin County Clerk – Records
What's Included in a Franklin County Property Record?
A complete Franklin County property record draws from multiple official sources and may include the following categories of information:
Ownership Information:
- Current owner name(s) as recorded on the most recent deed
- Ownership type (individual, joint tenants, tenants in common, tenants by entirety, trust, LLC, corporation, life estate)
- Acquisition date and deed book/page or instrument number
- Mailing address for tax billing purposes
- Chain of title reflecting prior owners, transfer dates, and historical deed references
Property Identification:
- Site address and mailing address
- Legal description (lot and block, subdivision name, plat book and page, metes and bounds, or condominium unit designation)
- Parcel identification number / tax account number
Physical Characteristics:
- Lot size in square feet or acres, lot dimensions, and frontage
- Land use designation and zoning classification
- Total living area (square feet), year built, number of stories
- Building type and construction materials (frame, masonry, etc.)
- Number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and total rooms
- Additional features: garage, pool, porch, fireplace, HVAC systems, water source, sewer system
- Condition and quality ratings
Valuation Information:
- Land value and building value (assessed)
- Total assessed value and estimated market value
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural classification data where applicable
Tax Information:
- Current year tax amount, taxable value after exemptions, and millage rate breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, city, special districts)
- Tax payment history and delinquency records
- Exemptions applied: homestead, senior, disability, veteran, agricultural, conservation, or historic preservation
Sales History:
- Sale dates, sale prices, and deed document numbers for recent transfers
- Grantor and grantee names
- Sale type designation (arms-length, quitclaim, gift, inheritance, foreclosure, tax deed, divorce transfer)
- Documentary stamp amounts
Encumbrances and Liens:
- Recorded mortgages: lender name, original amount, recording date, book and page
- Active liens: tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, code enforcement liens
- Easements, deed restrictions, covenants, leases, life estates, and lis pendens filings
Legal and Regulatory Information:
- Zoning classification and permitted uses
- Future land use designation
- Special taxing district assignments (school, fire, water, CDD)
- Flood zone designation (FEMA)
- Wetlands or conservation area designations
Maps and Visual Information:
- Property photograph (exterior)
- Aerial photograph and GIS map with parcel boundaries
- Plat map and property sketch
Building Permit Information (where integrated):
- Permits issued, permit dates, descriptions, and values
- Certificate of occupancy
- Inspection records
What Is Not Typically Included:
- Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Social Security numbers (redacted by law)
- Interior photographs
- Private purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
- Unrecorded agreements or private arrangements
- Confidential exemption application financial details
How Long Does Franklin County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Franklin County are maintained permanently. The legal requirement for permanent retention derives from the fundamental role these records play in establishing chain of title — a continuous, unbroken record of ownership from the original land grant to the present owner. Under Kentucky's records retention framework and the requirements of KRS § 382.110, recorded instruments affecting title to real property are never destroyed.
Records Kept Permanently:
- All recorded deeds (warranty, quitclaim, trustee's, and all conveyance types)
- All recorded mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfactions, and releases
- All recorded liens (tax, judgment, mechanic's, and statutory)
- Subdivision plats, re-plats, and condominium declarations
- Recorded surveys and plat maps
- Easements, restrictions, covenants, and declarations
- Powers of attorney affecting real property
- Court documents affecting title
- Lis pendens filings
Format and Storage:
Historical records in Franklin County exist in multiple formats depending on the era of recording:
| Era | Format |
|---|---|
| Pre-1900s | Handwritten ledger books |
| Early–mid 1900s | Typed entries in bound record books |
| Mid-late 1900s | Microfilm |
| Recent decades | Digital scans and electronic document management |
Current recordings are maintained in electronic format with backup systems for preservation. Original record books are stored in climate-controlled conditions at the Clerk's office.
Online Availability by Time Period:
- Recent records (last 20–40 years): Available online through the eCCLIX system with registered access
- Moderate age (20–50 years): May be available online or on microfilm; staff can retrieve
- Historical (50+ years): Available in original books or microfilm at the courthouse; advance notice may be helpful
- Very old records (100+ years): Archive storage; staff retrieval required; same public access rights apply
Property Appraiser (PVA) Records:
- Current and historical assessments: maintained permanently
- Property cards: permanent
- Assessment rolls: permanent
- Exemption applications: retention varies, subject to state records schedule
Tax Records:
- Tax payment records: minimum 7–10 years
- Tax deed records: permanent
- Delinquency records: several years, subject to state retention schedule
Accessing Historical Records:
Franklin County Clerk's Office
315 W. Main Street, Suite 203
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 875-8702
Franklin County Clerk – Records
Franklin County Property Valuation Administrator
313 W. Main Street, Room 209
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 875-8780
Franklin County PVA
Members of the public requesting very old records should contact the Clerk's office in advance to allow staff time to retrieve materials from archive storage. Standard copying fees apply to historical records in the same manner as current records.
How To Find Liens on Property in Franklin County?
Liens on property in Franklin County are recorded instruments and are therefore part of the public record maintained by the Franklin County Clerk. A lien search requires examining the official records index for any encumbrances filed against a specific parcel or property owner.
Types of Liens That May Appear on Franklin County Property:
- Federal tax liens (filed by the IRS)
- Kentucky state tax liens (filed by the Kentucky Department of Revenue)
- Judgment liens (arising from court judgments)
- Mechanic's liens (filed by contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers)
- HOA liens (filed by homeowner associations for unpaid assessments)
- Code enforcement liens (filed by local government for unresolved violations)
- Child support liens
Step-by-Step Lien Search Process:
- Search the Franklin County Clerk's recorded documents index using the eCCLIX land records search system. Search by the property owner's name (both current and prior owners) as the debtor/grantor.
- Filter results by document type — select lien-related categories including mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens, and lis pendens.
- Review each result to confirm the lien is associated with the subject property by verifying the legal description or parcel number within the document.
- Check for releases — for each lien identified, search for a corresponding satisfaction, release, or discharge document to determine whether the lien has been extinguished.
- Search federal tax lien records — federal tax liens filed by the IRS are recorded with the County Clerk under Kentucky law. These appear in the same grantor/grantee index and may also be verified through the IRS lien search process.
- Search Kentucky state tax lien records — state tax liens are filed by the Kentucky Department of Revenue and recorded with the County Clerk.
- Review court judgment records — judgment liens arise from civil court judgments and are docketed in the Franklin Circuit Court. Members of the public may search court records through the Kentucky Court of Justice case management system.
In-Person Lien Search:
Franklin County Clerk's Office
315 W. Main Street, Suite 203
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 875-8702
Franklin County Clerk – Records
Staff at the Clerk's office can assist members of the public in navigating the grantor/grantee index and identifying lien-related documents. Certified copies of any recorded lien document are available for the standard fee schedule.
Important Considerations:
- A lien search by owner name may not capture liens filed under a slightly different name spelling — searching multiple name variations is advisable.
- Unrecorded liens (such as certain equitable claims) do not appear in the Clerk's index.
- A professional title search conducted by a licensed title company or real estate attorney provides the most comprehensive lien identification and is standard practice in real estate transactions.
- The Franklin County PVA records reflect property tax assessment status; delinquent property taxes constitute a statutory lien on the property under Kentucky law.
What Is Property Owner Rule in Franklin County?
The property owner rule in Franklin County, Kentucky, refers to the body of legal principles governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights attach to property ownership within the county. These rules derive from Kentucky state law, common law property principles, and applicable federal law.
Establishing Ownership:
Under Kentucky law, ownership of real property is established through a recorded deed. Pursuant to KRS § 382.110, no deed or instrument of writing for the conveyance of real property is valid against a subsequent purchaser for valuable consideration without notice unless the deed is acknowledged and recorded in the County Clerk's office of the county in which the property is located. This recording requirement is the foundation of the property owner rule in Franklin County: an unrecorded deed, while valid between the parties, does not protect the grantee against a subsequent bona fide purchaser who records first.
Forms of Property Ownership Recognized in Franklin County:
- Sole ownership (severalty): A single individual or legal entity holds title alone.
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship: Two or more persons hold equal shares; upon the death of one owner, the surviving owner(s) automatically acquire the deceased owner's interest without probate.
- Tenancy in common: Two or more persons hold undivided interests that may be unequal; each owner's interest passes through their estate upon death.
- Tenancy by the entirety: Available exclusively to legally married couples in Kentucky; provides protection against individual creditors of either spouse and includes right of survivorship.
- Trust ownership: Real property held in a revocable or irrevocable trust, with the trustee holding legal title on behalf of beneficiaries.
- Corporate or LLC ownership: Legal entities may hold title to real property in Kentucky; the entity's name appears on the deed.
- Life estate: An owner conveys property while retaining the right to use and occupy it for life; the remainder interest passes to a designated remainderman upon the life tenant's death.
Who May Own Property in Franklin County:
Any individual of legal age (18 years or older), legally formed business entity, trust, or governmental body may own real property in Franklin County. Kentucky law does not impose residency requirements on property ownership. Non-residents and foreign nationals may hold title to real property in Kentucky subject to applicable federal regulations.
Property Owner Rights and Responsibilities:
Property owners in Franklin County hold the following rights under Kentucky law:
- The right to use, occupy, lease, sell, mortgage, or otherwise transfer their property
- The right to exclude others from the property
- The right to challenge property tax assessments through the PVA appeals process
- The right to apply for applicable exemptions (homestead, senior, disability, veteran)
Property owners are also subject to the following obligations:
- Payment of annual property taxes assessed by the Franklin County PVA and collected pursuant to state and local millage rates established under Kentucky law
- Compliance with applicable zoning ordinances, building codes, and land use regulations
- Disclosure obligations in real estate transactions as required by Kentucky law
- Maintenance of the property in compliance with local code enforcement standards
Homestead Exemption:
Kentucky law provides a homestead exemption for owner-occupied residential property. Under current Kentucky law, qualifying homeowners who are 65 years of age or older, or who are totally disabled, may receive a reduction in the assessed value of their primary residence for property tax purposes. The exemption amount is adjusted periodically by the Kentucky Department of Revenue. Members of the public may apply for the homestead exemption through the Franklin County PVA.
Property Tax Assessment and the PVA:
The Franklin County Property Valuation Administrator is responsible for assessing all real property within the county at fair cash value as of January 1 of each assessment year, pursuant to Kentucky constitutional and statutory requirements. Property owners who disagree with their assessment may appeal to the PVA, then to the Franklin County Board of Assessment Appeals, and ultimately to the Kentucky Claims Commission or circuit court.
Franklin County Property Valuation Administrator
313 W. Main Street, Room 209
Frankfort, KY 40601
Phone: (502) 875-8780
Franklin County PVA