Franklin County Public Records
How to Find Public Records in Franklin County in 2026
Members of the public seeking government documents in Franklin County, Washington, may access a broad range of publicly available information through official county, state, and municipal channels. FranklinWARecords.org provides a directory of resources that may assist individuals in locating relevant records. Franklin County maintains documents across multiple departments, and the availability of specific records depends on the type of document requested, the office that maintains it, and applicable state law exemptions.
Records that may be available through official channels include:
- Court records (civil, criminal, probate, and family law)
- Property deeds, mortgages, and assessment records
- Vital records such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates
- Business licenses and permits
- Tax and financial records
- Voting and election records
- County commission meeting minutes and agendas
- Law enforcement incident reports and arrest logs (where permitted)
- Land use, zoning, and planning documents
Records may be searched through official court resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.
Online Access: The Franklin County Auditor's Office maintains an online portal where members of the public may search recorded documents including deeds, liens, and other instruments. The City of Pasco also provides a public records search portal for city-level documents including council agendas, contracts, and agreements. No registration is required to conduct basic searches on most county platforms.
In-Person Requests: Members of the public may visit the Franklin County Auditor's Office or the Franklin County Clerk's Office to inspect records in person. Public access terminals are available during regular business hours. Requestors should bring a valid form of identification and be prepared to describe the records sought with reasonable specificity.
Written/Mail Requests: Written requests must include the requestor's name, contact information, and a description of the records sought. Under RCW 42.56.520, agencies are required to respond to public records requests within five business days of receipt, either by providing the records, acknowledging the request and providing a reasonable estimate of when records will be available, or denying the request with a written explanation.
Phone/Email:
- Franklin County Auditor: (509) 545-3538
- Franklin County Clerk: (509) 545-3535
What Are Public Records in Franklin County?
Public records in Franklin County are defined by Washington State law as any writing containing information relating to the conduct of government or the performance of any governmental or proprietary function prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency. Under RCW 42.56.010, the definition of "public record" is broad and encompasses documents, papers, maps, photographs, films, recordings, electronic data, and other documentary materials.
The following record types are currently maintained by Franklin County departments:
| Record Type | Maintaining Office |
|---|---|
| Court records (civil, criminal, probate, family) | Franklin County Clerk's Office |
| Property deeds, mortgages, liens | Franklin County Auditor's Office |
| Property tax and assessment records | Franklin County Assessor's Office |
| Vital records (birth, death, marriage) | Franklin County Auditor / WA State DOH |
| Business licenses and permits | Franklin County Auditor's Office |
| Voting and election records | Franklin County Auditor's Office |
| Meeting minutes and agendas | Franklin County Board of Commissioners |
| Budget and financial documents | Franklin County Treasurer's Office |
| Law enforcement records | Franklin County Sheriff's Office |
| Land use and zoning records | Franklin County Community Development |
Members of the public may conduct a Washington State Courts name and case search to locate court case information maintained by the Washington State judicial system.
Is Franklin County an Open Records County?
Franklin County operates in full compliance with Washington State's open records framework. Under the Washington Public Records Act, RCW 42.56, all state and local agencies, including Franklin County departments, are required to make public records available for inspection and copying upon request. The Act establishes a strong presumption in favor of disclosure.
As stated by the Washington State Attorney General's Office, "The Public Records Act reflects the Legislature's intent that agencies make records available to the public as a fundamental right of citizenship." This principle governs how Franklin County agencies respond to records requests.
The Act requires agencies to adopt and enforce written public records policies, designate a public records officer, and maintain an index of records. Franklin County agencies are subject to these requirements and must respond to requests in a timely manner. The Washington State Attorney General's Model Rules for Public Records provide additional guidance on agency obligations under state law.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in Franklin County?
Current fees for public records in Franklin County are governed by state statute and individual agency fee schedules. Under RCW 42.56.120, agencies may charge fees that reflect the actual cost of providing records, including the cost of copying, scanning, and electronic transmission.
Standard fees currently applicable include:
| Fee Type | Standard Rate |
|---|---|
| Black and white copies (letter/legal) | $0.15 per page |
| Color copies | Actual cost |
| Scanning to electronic format | $0.10 per page |
| Electronic file transmission | Actual cost of digital storage media |
| Certified copies (vital records) | $25.00 per certificate (WA DOH rate) |
| Inspection of records | No charge |
- Accepted payment methods at Franklin County offices include cash, check, and money order. Some offices accept credit or debit cards.
- Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances, particularly for indigent requestors or when disclosure is determined to be in the public interest.
- Fees vary by record type and the office maintaining the record. The Franklin County Auditor's Office and the County Clerk's Office each maintain separate fee schedules.
Does Franklin County Have Free Public Records?
Free inspection of public records is available at Franklin County government offices during regular business hours. Washington State law requires that agencies permit the inspection of non-exempt public records at no charge. The distinction between free inspection and free copies is significant: while any person may inspect records without cost, fees apply when copies or certified documents are requested.
The following resources provide free access to public records:
- The Franklin County Auditor's Online Records Search allows members of the public to search and view recorded documents at no cost.
- The City of Pasco's public records search provides free access to city council agendas, meeting minutes, and contracts online.
- The Washington State Courts system offers a free case and name search tool for court records maintained by courts of record throughout the state.
- Public access terminals are available at the Franklin County Courthouse for in-person inspection at no charge.
Who Can Request Public Records in Franklin County?
Any person may request public records from Franklin County agencies. Washington State's Public Records Act does not restrict access based on residency, citizenship, or stated purpose. As affirmed by the Washington State Attorney General's Office, "Any person has the right to inspect and copy public records of any agency."
Key eligibility provisions include:
- Residency: Requestors are not required to be Washington State residents or Franklin County residents.
- Identification: Agencies may not require requestors to provide identification as a condition of accessing public records, except in limited circumstances involving records that contain personal information about the requestor.
- Purpose: Requestors are not required to state the purpose of their request for most record types.
- Non-residents: Non-residents retain the same rights as residents under state law.
Certain record types carry additional access restrictions. Juvenile court records, sealed case files, and records containing protected personal information require the requestor to demonstrate a legal basis for access. Individuals requesting their own records may be required to provide identification to verify identity before records containing personal information are released.
What Records Are Confidential in Franklin County?
Not all government records in Franklin County are subject to public disclosure. Washington State law establishes a comprehensive list of exemptions under RCW 42.56, and agencies are required to withhold records that fall within these categories.
Records that are currently exempt from public disclosure include:
- Sealed court records: Records sealed by judicial order are not available for public inspection.
- Juvenile records: Records pertaining to juvenile offenders are restricted under state law.
- Ongoing investigation records: Law enforcement records related to active investigations may be withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation.
- Personal identifying information: Social Security numbers, financial account data, and similar identifiers are exempt from disclosure.
- Medical records: Records protected under HIPAA and state health privacy laws are not subject to public release.
- Adoption records: Adoption proceedings and related documents are sealed by statute.
- Child welfare and protective services records: Records maintained by child protective services are confidential.
- Personnel records: Employee records are exempt with limited exceptions for public officials.
- Trade secrets and proprietary business information: Commercially sensitive information submitted to government agencies may be withheld.
- Security plans and critical infrastructure details: Documents that could compromise public safety are exempt.
When an agency withholds a record, it is required to provide a written explanation citing the specific statutory exemption. Requestors who believe a denial is improper may seek review through the Washington State Attorney General's Mediation Program or pursue judicial review.
Franklin County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours
Franklin County Auditor's Office
1016 N 4th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301
(509) 545-3538
Franklin County Auditor
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Franklin County Clerk's Office
1016 N 4th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301
(509) 545-3535
Franklin County Clerk
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays
Franklin County Assessor's Office
1016 N 4th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301
(509) 545-3506
Franklin County Assessor
Franklin County Sheriff's Office
1016 N 4th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301
(509) 628-0333
Franklin County Sheriff
Benton-Franklin County Health District (Vital Records)
7102 W Okanogan Pl, Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 460-4200
Benton-Franklin Health District
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed on state and federal holidays