Franklin County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Franklin County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in Franklin County, New York, may access a range of publicly available information through official county offices, online portals, and authorized databases. FranklinNYRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to public records maintained by government agencies in Franklin County. The records accessible through official channels may include, but are not limited to, the following categories:
- Property deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Court records (civil, criminal, and probate)
- Vital records (birth, death, and marriage)
- Tax assessment and real property records
- Business licenses and permits
- Election and voting records
- County meeting minutes and financial documents
- Law enforcement incident reports (where permitted)
Records may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools maintained by Franklin County government agencies.
Online Access:
The Franklin County Clerk's online document search allows members of the public to access County Clerk records from their home or office. The portal provides access to recorded land documents, including deeds and mortgages. No registration is required for basic searches, though certified copies must be requested through the Clerk's Office directly.
In-Person Requests:
Members of the public may visit the Franklin County Clerk's Office to inspect records and submit copy requests. The office is located at 355 West Main Street, Malone, NY 12953. Standard business hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Requestors should identify the record type, approximate date range, and names of parties involved when submitting an in-person request.
Written/Mail Requests:
Written requests may be submitted to the Franklin County Clerk's Office at 355 West Main Street, Malone, NY 12953. Requests should include the requestor's full name, mailing address, a description of the records sought, and any applicable fees. Under New York Public Officers Law § 89, agencies are required to respond to Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests within five business days of receipt.
Phone/Email:
The Franklin County Clerk's Office may be reached by telephone at (518) 481-1681. Requestors are encouraged to call in advance to confirm availability of specific records and applicable fees.
What Are Public Records in Franklin County?
Public records in Franklin County are government-created or government-maintained documents that are open to inspection by members of the public under New York State law. Under New York Public Officers Law § 87, all government records are presumed to be accessible unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
The following record types are currently maintained by Franklin County agencies:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Deeds, mortgages, liens | Franklin County Clerk's Office |
| Court records (civil, criminal, probate) | Franklin County Clerk's Office / NYS Courts |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | Franklin County Clerk's Office |
| Real property tax and assessment records | Franklin County Real Property Tax Services |
| Business certificates and licenses | Franklin County Clerk's Office |
| Election and voting records | Franklin County Board of Elections |
| County meeting minutes and budgets | Franklin County Legislature |
| Land use and zoning records | Local municipal offices |
| Law enforcement records | Franklin County Sheriff's Office |
The Franklin County Records Management office oversees the retention and disposition of county records in accordance with New York State Archives schedules. It is important to note that the Records Management office is not responsible for vital records; birth, death, and marriage certificates are obtained through the County Clerk's Office or the New York State Department of Health.
Is Franklin County an Open Records County?
Franklin County operates in full compliance with New York State's Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), which governs public access to government records across all counties in the state. Under New York Public Officers Law Article 6 (§§ 84–90), all state and local government agencies are required to make records available for public inspection and copying, subject to specific statutory exemptions.
As stated in the legislative declaration of FOIL, "the people's right to know the process of governmental decision-making and to review the documents and statistics leading to determinations is basic to our society." This principle underlies the county's obligation to provide timely and complete responses to records requests.
Franklin County agencies are required to maintain a records access officer responsible for coordinating responses to FOIL requests. The New York State Committee on Open Government provides guidance to both agencies and the public on the proper application of FOIL, and its advisory opinions are publicly available through the New York State Department of State.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Franklin County?
The current fee structure for public records in Franklin County is governed by New York State law and individual agency schedules. Members of the public should be aware of the following standard fees:
| Fee Type | Standard Amount |
|---|---|
| Photocopies (paper records) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copies of recorded documents | $5.00 per document (plus $1.00 per page) |
| Search fee (land records) | Varies by search type |
| Electronic copies | Varies; may be provided at no cost |
| Certification of vital records | $10.00 per certificate |
Under New York Public Officers Law § 87(1)(b), agencies may charge no more than $0.25 per page for copies of records up to 9 inches by 14 inches. Fees for electronic records are subject to the actual cost of reproduction. Certification fees for vital records are set by the New York State Department of Health.
Accepted payment methods at the Franklin County Clerk's Office include cash, check, and money order made payable to the Franklin County Clerk. Members of the public are advised to confirm current fees directly with the relevant office prior to submitting a request, as fee schedules are subject to revision.
Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances, particularly where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest and the requestor is a qualifying nonprofit organization or news media entity.
Does Franklin County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available in Franklin County. Under New York FOIL, agencies are required to permit in-person inspection of records at no charge. Members of the public may visit the Franklin County Clerk's Office during regular business hours to inspect land records, court filings, and other documents without incurring a fee.
The following free resources are currently available:
- Online document search portal: The county clerk's online records search allows free viewing of indexed land records and related documents.
- Real property tax data: The Franklin County Real Property Tax Services office provides access to assessment rolls, tax maps, and property information at no charge. As noted by the office, "the law provides that a tax map is prepared for the use of Assessors," and these maps serve as a useful public resource.
- Public access terminals: In-office terminals at the County Clerk's Office allow free record inspection during business hours.
The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while inspection carries no fee, obtaining physical or certified copies is subject to the standard fee schedule described above.
Who Can Request Public Records in Franklin County?
Any person may request public records in Franklin County, regardless of residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. New York's Freedom of Information Law does not restrict access to residents of the state, nor does it require requestors to provide identification or explain the reason for their request for most record types.
The following conditions apply under current law:
- Residency: Not required. Non-residents have the same right of access as New York State residents.
- Identification: Not required for general FOIL requests, though identification may be required for certain sensitive records or certified copies.
- Purpose: Requestors are not required to state a purpose for most public records requests.
- Age: No minimum age is specified under FOIL for general records access.
Certain record types carry additional access restrictions. Vital records such as birth and death certificates are subject to eligibility requirements under New York Public Health Law; access is restricted to the subject of the record, immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with a demonstrated legal need. Requestors seeking their own records may be required to provide proof of identity.
What Records Are Confidential in Franklin County?
Not all government records in Franklin County are subject to public disclosure. New York Public Officers Law § 87(2) enumerates specific categories of records that agencies may withhold from public access. The following record types are exempt from disclosure under current law:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed pursuant to court order or statute, including certain criminal case dispositions under CPL § 160.50
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to persons adjudicated as juvenile delinquents
- Ongoing investigation records: Law enforcement records that, if disclosed, would interfere with active investigations
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar identifiers
- Medical and health records: Protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- Adoption records: Sealed by statute and accessible only under specific legal circumstances
- Child welfare and protective services records: Confidential under New York Social Services Law
- Personnel records: Employee records exempt to the extent that disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Exempt where disclosure would cause competitive harm
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Withheld to protect public safety
Agencies applying exemptions are required to articulate the specific statutory basis for withholding each record. Requestors who believe a record has been improperly withheld may file an administrative appeal with the agency's records access appeals officer, and may subsequently seek review by the New York State Committee on Open Government or pursue an Article 78 proceeding in State Supreme Court.
Franklin County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
The primary office responsible for recording and maintaining land records, court documents, and related public records in Franklin County is the Franklin County Clerk's Office.
Franklin County Clerk's Office
355 West Main Street, Suite 248
Malone, NY 12953
(518) 481-1681
Franklin County Clerk's Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays.
Franklin County Records Management Office
355 West Main Street
Malone, NY 12953
(518) 481-1671
Records Management – Franklin County
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Franklin County Real Property Tax Services
355 West Main Street
Malone, NY 12953
(518) 481-1600
Real Property Tax Services – Franklin County
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Franklin County Board of Elections
355 West Main Street
Malone, NY 12953
(518) 481-1663
Franklin County Board of Elections
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
45 Bare Hill Road
Malone, NY 12953
(518) 483-3304
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Administrative)