Franklin County Clerk of Courts (OH): Case Records & Services

by
Franklin County, Ohio Clerk of Courts Guide

Franklin County Clerk of Courts (OH): Case Records & Services

The Franklin County Clerk of Courts is the official record keeper for the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas and the Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals. The office also manages Franklin County auto title services through separate title branches.

Use this guide to search Franklin County case records, request public records, understand which court portal to use, find the right courthouse or title office, and avoid confusing Common Pleas records with Franklin County Municipal Court records or Recorder property documents.

Search Common Pleas Case Records Request Public Records Title Offices & Google Map

Independent guide last reviewed September 2026. Confirm current hours, closures, fees, and record access rules on the official Clerk, court, or county website before filing, ordering, or visiting.

Quick Facts: Franklin County Clerk of Courts Records

Official office Franklin County Clerk of Courts, Columbus, Ohio.
Main contact address 373 South High Street, Columbus, OH 43215.
Main phone 614-525-3600.
Regular public-record hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except official holidays.
Common Pleas case portal Case Information Online, often called CIO, is used for Franklin County Common Pleas and Tenth District records.
Municipal Court records Traffic, misdemeanor, eviction, and many small-claims records are searched on the Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk website.
Auto title help line 614-525-3090 for Franklin County Auto Title questions.
Best search details Case number, party name, court type, filing date range, ticket number, attorney number, or case year.
Important local distinction: Franklin County has more than one record system. Use the Clerk of Courts CIO portal for Common Pleas and Tenth District Court of Appeals records. Use the Municipal Court Clerk search for Municipal Court civil, criminal, traffic, and eviction records. Use the Recorder for deeds and land records.

Franklin County Municipal Court Records: Use the Municipal Clerk Search

Many people search “Franklin County Clerk of Courts” when they actually need the Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk. Municipal Court records can include misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic cases, civil cases, small claims, evictions, garnishments, and certain mayor’s court or ticket-related records.

The Municipal Court Clerk has its own case-search page and its own office at 375 South High Street in Columbus. This is separate from the Clerk of Courts CIO search used for Common Pleas and Tenth District records.

Municipal recordsFranklin County Municipal Court Clerk Search Records

After opening this link:

  1. Use case number or ticket number first if you have it.
  2. For a name search, enter both first and last name; not all fields are required.
  3. Add case year, case type, party code, or date of birth if the results are too broad.
  4. Enter date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format when using that field.
  5. Open the matching case and review the case status carefully; a closed status does not always mean every obligation is complete.
Municipal Clerk address 375 South High Street, 4th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215.
Municipal Clerk phone 614-645-8006.
Most efficient municipal search Case number or ticket number is usually faster than a broad name search.
Municipal case-number examples Criminal/traffic examples may use CR or TR codes; civil examples may use CVE, CVF, or CVG codes.

Municipal overviewFranklin County Municipal Court Clerk Overview

After opening this link:

  1. Confirm that your case belongs to the Municipal Court, not the Court of Common Pleas.
  2. Use the department links for civil, criminal, traffic, small claims, mayor’s court, forms, or payments.
  3. Use the contact page if you need help with balances, copies, court costs, or an older municipal record.

Request Public Records From the Franklin County Clerk of Courts

If you cannot get what you need from Case Information Online, use the official public-record request process. Ohio public-record requests do not always require special wording, but the request must identify the records clearly enough for the Clerk’s office to locate, retrieve, and review them.

For faster handling, include the case number, party name, court division, document name, filing year, and whether you need inspection, plain copies, certified copies, or electronic delivery.

Official requestFranklin County Clerk Public Records Request Form

After opening this link:

  1. Read the note about Juvenile Records before using the online form.
  2. If the request is for a juvenile record, visit the Juvenile Division at 373 South High Street, 4th Floor with valid picture ID.
  3. For other records, open the request form and describe the record as clearly as possible.
  4. Include case number, party names, division, filing year, document title, and delivery preference.
  5. Do not include unnecessary private information such as Social Security numbers, bank details, or driver’s license numbers.

Official policyFranklin County Clerk Public Records Policy

After opening this link:

  1. Review what the Clerk considers public records and what may be exempt from disclosure.
  2. Read the copying and inspection rules before asking for a large record set.
  3. Check the cost section: paper copies are generally charged at actual cost, and emailed or faxed documents may have no charge when available.
  4. If a request is denied or redacted, review the policy’s explanation process and appeal information.
General public-record hours 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except official holidays.
Paper copy estimate The public-record policy lists paper copies at ten cents per page.
Electronic copy note The public-record policy states there is no charge for documents furnished by email or facsimile when available.
Mailing cost If records are mailed, the requester may be charged the actual cost of postage and mailing supplies.
Better request wording: “Please provide a copy of the complaint, judgment entry, and final disposition in Franklin County Common Pleas case number ______. Electronic delivery is preferred if available.” This is clearer than asking for “all records about a person.”

Franklin County Clerk of Courts Google Map, Address, Phone, and Court Buildings

The Franklin County court complex is centered around South High Street in downtown Columbus. The Clerk’s main contact address is 373 South High Street, while the Common Pleas courthouse contact page also points users to 345 South High Street for court services and directions.

Main Franklin County Clerk of Courts Contact

Address: 373 South High Street, Columbus, OH 43215

Phone: 614-525-3600

General public-record hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Use this office for: Common Pleas and Tenth District Clerk questions, public-record requests, legal division routing, domestic/juvenile routing, and general Clerk contact.

Open Clerk Office in Google Maps

Franklin County Common Pleas Court

345 South High Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Court phone: 614-525-3453

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For court administration, judge, courtroom, hearing, jury, and court-service questions. For case records, the court directs users to the Clerk of Courts.

Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk

375 South High Street, 4th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215

Phone: 614-645-8006

Use for Municipal Court records, including many traffic, misdemeanor, eviction, small-claims, and municipal civil/criminal records.

Common Pleas Legal Division Records

345 South High Street, Floor 1
Columbus, OH 43215

Phone: 614-525-3600

CIO identifies this location for General Division Civil, Criminal, and Records questions.

Domestic and Juvenile Clerk Divisions

373 South High Street, Floor 4
Columbus, OH 43215

Domestic: 614-525-4410

Juvenile: 614-525-4411

Official contactFranklin County Clerk Contact Page

After opening this link:

  1. Choose the court or division that matches your record: General, Domestic Relations, Juvenile, Appeals, Auto Title, or Fiscal.
  2. Check the listed floor, phone number, and hours before visiting.
  3. Use the map or directions link to plan downtown parking and courthouse access.
  4. For case records, keep your case number and party name ready before calling.

Franklin County Clerk of Courts Services

The Franklin County Clerk of Courts office has two major public functions: managing court documents and issuing auto titles. Its Legal Division receives, receipts, manages, and retains documents filed through the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas and the Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals.

The office also includes Auto Title, Legal, Fiscal Services, Information Technology, and Administration divisions. This matters because a “Clerk of Courts” question may involve a lawsuit, appeal, criminal Common Pleas case, divorce decree, juvenile record, public-record request, title transfer, duplicate title, or lien notation.

Common Pleas civil records Complaints, judgments, foreclosures, certificates of judgment, miscellaneous cases, executions, and civil docket information.
Common Pleas criminal records Felony criminal filings, bonds, motions, dispositions, sealing/expungement-related docket entries, and payments where applicable.
Domestic relations records Divorce, dissolution, legal separation, annulment, civil protection orders, certified divorce decree requests, and change-of-address filings.
Juvenile records Juvenile court filings and records may have special access rules; online public-record requests may not be allowed for juvenile records.
Appeals records Filing and record management for Tenth District Court of Appeals matters connected to Franklin County cases.
Auto title services Original titles, duplicate titles, replacement titles, salvage titles, rebuilt salvage titles, lien notations, and related title fees.

Official overviewAbout the Franklin County Clerk of Courts Office

After opening this link:

  1. Read the office overview to understand the Clerk’s two major functions: court documents and auto titles.
  2. Use the division navigation to choose Legal, Auto Title, Public Records, e-File, or Resources.
  3. For court documents, keep the court division and case number ready.
  4. For vehicle titles, use the Auto Title section instead of the court records section.

Franklin County e-Filing, Forms, and Court Filing Resources

Franklin County offers e-Filing resources for multiple divisions, including Appeals, Civil, Criminal, Domestic Relations, and Juvenile. Attorneys and registered filers should use the official e-Filing instructions and the correct division forms before submitting documents.

Filing into the wrong case type, using the wrong division, or missing a required fee can delay acceptance. Review the applicable local rules and administrative orders before filing.

Official e-FilingFranklin County Clerk e-File Page

After opening this link:

  1. Choose the correct e-Filing area for your case type.
  2. Review any notices about maintenance, system changes, or filer-interface upgrades.
  3. Sign in or register only through the official Clerk e-Filing system.
  4. Save confirmation pages and monitor the filing for acceptance, rejection, or clerk review.

Forms and instructionsFranklin County e-Filing Resources

After opening this link:

  1. Select Appeals, Civil, Criminal, Domestic Relations, or Juvenile.
  2. Open the filing guide or forms for that division.
  3. Review local rules and administrative orders before submitting documents.
  4. For an existing case, use the “file to an existing case” instructions rather than starting a new case.
  5. For a new filing, check the filing-fee page first so payment is ready.

Divorce Decrees, Domestic Relations Records, and Protection Orders

Domestic Relations records in Franklin County include divorces, dissolutions, legal separations, annulments, and domestic violence civil protection orders. Domestic Relations documents are not viewable through the Clerk’s Case Information Online system, but copies of most domestic documents can be obtained through the Records Division.

If the divorce was granted in Franklin County, the Clerk says you can request a certified copy of your divorce decree by writing to the Domestic Relations Division and including the parties’ first and last names during the marriage, filing year, case number if available, return name and address, and the required fee.

Domestic Relations address Franklin County Clerk of Courts, 373 South High Street, 4th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215.
Domestic phone 614-525-4410, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Copy fee note The Clerk’s Domestic Relations page lists ten cents per page for copies and $1.00 for copy certification.
Protection order note Franklin County has several types of protection orders. Use official instructions to identify the correct filing path.

Official domestic recordsFranklin County Domestic Relations Clerk Information

After opening this link:

  1. Read which case types are handled in the Domestic Relations division.
  2. For a divorce decree copy, prepare the parties’ names during the marriage, filing year, case number if known, and return address.
  3. Confirm the total copy and certification cost before mailing payment.
  4. If you are filing without an attorney, use the official forms and remember deputy clerks cannot prepare forms or give legal advice.
  5. For a protection order, read the official protection-order instructions before filing.

Civil, Criminal, Appeals, Juvenile, and Record Sealing Notes

The General Division handles a wide range of Common Pleas civil and criminal filings. Civil documents are searchable through Case Information Online, and felony cases in Common Pleas are brought by the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney or the Ohio Attorney General.

For sealing or expungement questions, the Clerk’s general information points self-represented users to Ohio Revised Code section 2953.32 and reminds users that deputy clerks cannot give legal advice. Juvenile record requests have a special rule: they may not be submitted through the Clerk’s online public-record request form.

Official legal divisionsFranklin County Clerk Legal Divisions

After opening this link:

  1. Choose Appeals, Domestic Relations, General Civil/Criminal, or Juvenile.
  2. Read the division page before calling so you know whether your record is online, restricted, or handled by a different office.
  3. Open the relevant fee schedule if you are filing or requesting certified copies.
  4. For sealing or expungement, review the Clerk’s guidance and Ohio legal requirements before filing forms.

Official appealsFranklin County Clerk Appeals Division

After opening this link:

  1. Confirm whether your appeal belongs in the Tenth District Court of Appeals.
  2. Review filing methods: e-File, mail, or in-person delivery when allowed.
  3. Check the appeals fee schedule and local rules before submitting a notice of appeal.
  4. Use Case Information Online or a public-record request to view available appeals records.

Franklin County Auto Title Services and Title Office Locations

In Ohio, the Clerk of Courts also handles vehicle and watercraft titles. Franklin County’s Auto Title Division can help with original titles, duplicate titles, replacement titles, salvage titles, rebuilt salvage titles, lien notations, memorandum titles, and related title fees.

Auto Title mailings and correspondence should be directed to Title South. The Auto Title help line is 614-525-3090, and the official title email is autotitle@franklincountyohio.gov.

Title South — Administrative Office

45 Great Southern Boulevard
Columbus, OH 43207

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Wednesdays open to the public at 8:15 a.m.

Title North

220 East Campus View Boulevard
Columbus, OH 43235

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Wednesdays open to the public at 8:15 a.m.

Title East

1583 Alum Creek Drive
Columbus, OH 43209

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Wednesdays open to the public at 8:15 a.m.

Title West

4153 West Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43228

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Wednesdays open to the public at 8:15 a.m.

Official title locationsFranklin County Auto Title Locations and Hours

After opening this link:

  1. Select Title South, Title North, Title East, or Title West.
  2. Check the current hours and any Wednesday opening note before visiting.
  3. Use the map link for the branch you plan to visit.
  4. If mailing title documents, use the Title South mailing guidance instead of mailing to a random branch.
  5. Call 614-525-3090 if you are unsure which title document or fee applies.

Title appointmentsSchedule a Franklin County Auto Title Appointment

After opening this link:

  1. Review appointment rules and cancellation notes.
  2. Choose the title office and appointment type that fits your title issue.
  3. Prepare title, ID, lien release, power of attorney, bill of sale, or other documents that apply to your transaction.
  4. Save the confirmation and arrive with required documents and payment.

Common Franklin County Clerk Fees to Check Before Filing or Ordering

Fees depend on division and document type. Always check the official fee schedule for the exact case type before filing or ordering records. The quick amounts below help users understand common categories, but they are not a substitute for the official schedule.

$0.10/page Domestic Relations copy fee listed by the Clerk.
$1.00 Certified copy per document on several Clerk fee schedules.
$225.00 Common Pleas civil complaint deposit for many categories listed on the General Division fee schedule.
$300.00 Common Pleas foreclosure civil complaint category listed on the General Division fee schedule.
$75.00 Basic filing fee for a notice of appeal or cross-appeal listed on the Appeals schedule.
$18.00 Common motor vehicle original, replacement, duplicate, or lien-notation title fee listed by Auto Title.
$5.00 Common late fee, archive fee, memorandum-only, or dealer resale title fee category.
$1.00 Auto Title affidavit fee listed by the Clerk.

Court feesFranklin County General Division Fee Schedule

After opening this link:

  1. Find the exact filing or document category that matches your case.
  2. Check whether the amount is a filing deposit, copy fee, certification fee, or judgment-related fee.
  3. Confirm whether additional service, publication, certified mail, or release costs apply.
  4. Before mailing payment, confirm the total with the Clerk if the case has special costs.

Auto title feesFranklin County Auto Title Fee Schedule

After opening this link:

  1. Choose whether the title is for a motor vehicle or watercraft.
  2. Find the exact title type: original, duplicate, replacement, salvage, rebuilt salvage, lien notation, or memorandum.
  3. Check late fees, archive fees, affidavit fees, inspection fees, and lien notation fees where applicable.
  4. Prepare the correct payment and title documents before visiting the title office.

Wrong-Office Checker: Clerk of Courts, Municipal Clerk, Recorder, Probate Court, or BMV?

Franklin County has several offices with similar-sounding record duties. Choosing the wrong office wastes time. Use this checklist before you submit a request or drive downtown.

Use Franklin County Clerk of Courts for

  • Common Pleas civil and felony criminal case records.
  • Domestic Relations divorce decree copies and protection-order filings.
  • Juvenile Clerk records, with special access rules.
  • Tenth District Court of Appeals filings and records.
  • Auto title services through the Clerk’s title offices.

Use another Franklin County office for

  • Municipal Court Clerk: traffic, misdemeanor, eviction, small claims, and municipal civil records.
  • Recorder: deeds, mortgages, liens, land records, and recorded documents.
  • Probate Court: marriage licenses, estates, guardianships, name changes, and adoptions where applicable.
  • Ohio BMV: driver licenses, registration, plates, and state BMV questions.

Land recordsFranklin County Recorder Public Records Search

After opening this link:

  1. Use this office for land records such as deeds, mortgages, releases, liens, and recorded documents.
  2. Open the public records search and use the search guide if you are unsure how to search.
  3. Search by name, document number, date range, or other available recording fields.
  4. Return to the Clerk of Courts only if the document is part of a court case file or court judgment.

Before You Contact or Visit: Micro Checklist

Use this preparation checklist to reduce rejected searches, wrong-office calls, and second trips.

For case records Bring or enter case number, party name, court division, filing year, and document title.
For certified copies Ask for a certified copy specifically; a printed docket is not the same as certified court documentation.
For divorce decrees Include both parties’ first and last names during the marriage, filing year, case number if known, and return address.
For juvenile records Do not use the online public-record request form; visit the Juvenile Division with valid picture ID.
For auto titles Use the Auto Title office page and bring title, ID, lien release, power of attorney, or other required documents.
For court dates Check the case docket and court website, then call the correct court division if a hearing date affects your appearance.
Privacy reminder: do not send Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, driver’s license numbers, or unnecessary sensitive details through a general public-record request or contact form.

Official Franklin County Clerk Links Used in This Guide

Use these official links when you need current instructions, fees, maps, records, e-Filing resources, or division-specific help.

Franklin County Clerk of Courts Official Website Case Information Online Public Records Request Form Public Records Policy e-Filing Resources Legal Divisions Domestic Relations Division Auto Title Locations Municipal Court Records Search Franklin County Recorder Search

Privacy, Accuracy, and Legal Use Notice

This page is an independent informational guide and is not the official Franklin County Clerk of Courts website. Linked court and public-record systems may contain sensitive information, may omit restricted records, and may not show every update immediately.

This website is not a consumer reporting agency. Do not use this guide or linked court-record searches for employment screening, tenant screening, credit decisions, insurance eligibility, or any Fair Credit Reporting Act purpose.

Verify before acting: confirm record accuracy, case status, hearing dates, filing deadlines, payment balances, and confidentiality restrictions directly through the official Clerk, court, or agency source.

Franklin County Clerk of Courts FAQs

1. How do I search Franklin County Clerk of Courts case records?

Use the official Franklin County Clerk of Courts Case Information Online portal. Search by party name, court type, attorney number, filing date range, or case number. If you know the case number, that is usually the fastest search method.

2. What is the official Franklin County Clerk of Courts case search website?

The official Common Pleas and Tenth District case search is Case Information Online at fcdcfcjs.co.franklin.oh.us. Use it for Franklin County Court of Common Pleas and Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals records where public access is available.

3. Where is the Franklin County Clerk of Courts located?

The Clerk’s main contact address is 373 South High Street, Columbus, OH 43215. General Division records are also connected to the courthouse complex at 345 South High Street in downtown Columbus.

4. What phone number should I call for the Franklin County Clerk of Courts?

For general Clerk and Legal Division information, call 614-525-3600. For Auto Title questions, call 614-525-3090. For the Municipal Court Clerk, call 614-645-8006.

5. Are Franklin County Municipal Court records on the same Clerk of Courts search?

No. Municipal Court records are searched through the Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk website. Use that separate search for many traffic, misdemeanor, eviction, small-claims, and municipal civil or criminal records.

6. How do I request Franklin County public records from the Clerk?

Use the official Franklin County Clerk public-record request form, or contact the appropriate division. Include the case number, party name, division, filing year, document name, and whether you need inspection, plain copies, or certified copies.

7. Can I request juvenile records through the online public-record form?

No. The Clerk’s public-record request page says juvenile records requests may not be submitted through the website. For juvenile records, visit the Juvenile Division at 373 South High Street, 4th Floor with valid picture ID.

8. How do I get a certified copy of a Franklin County divorce decree?

If the divorce was granted in Franklin County, write to the Domestic Relations Division with the parties’ names during the marriage, filing year, case number if available, return name and address, and the required fee. You can also contact the Domestic Relations Division at 614-525-4410.

9. Does the Franklin County Clerk of Courts handle auto titles?

Yes. The Franklin County Clerk of Courts handles auto title services, including original, duplicate, replacement, salvage, rebuilt salvage, lien notation, and related title transactions through four Auto Title offices.

10. Is this page the official Franklin County Clerk of Courts website?

No. This is an independent guide. For official case records, public-record requests, fees, e-Filing, title offices, maps, hours, and division contact details, use the official Franklin County Clerk of Courts links provided in this article.

Leave a Comment