Franklin County Auditor FAQs (Taxes, Property Search & Appeals Explained)

You can access comprehensive property information through the official Franklin County Auditor’s Property Search portal.

This tool provides residents, real estate professionals, and business owners with direct access to public real estate data.

Steps to Perform a Property Search:
Visit the Portal:
Navigate to the official Franklin County Auditor’s website at property.franklincountyauditor.com.

Select Search Criteria: You can refine your search using any of the following parameters:

Owner Name: Enter the Last Name followed by the First Name.

Property Address:
Input the street address (Tip: Avoid including suffixes like “Rd”, “St”, or “Ave” for better results).

Parcel ID (Parcel Number):
Use the unique identification number assigned to the property.

Access Data:
Once you locate the property, the system provides detailed insights, including:

Valuation:
Current market value and assessed value (which is 35% of the market value per Ohio law).

Tax Information: Current tax rates, payment status, and historical data.
Transfer History: Sales and transfer details recorded by the county.
Parcel Maps: Geographic location and physical characteristics.

Need Further Assistance?
If you require complex research or cannot find specific data through the online portal, the Franklin County Auditor’s Public Information Section is available to assist you.

Phone: Call (614) 525-HOME (4663) for direct assistance.

Email: Send your inquiries to appraisal@franklincountyauditor.com.

In-Person: Visit the main office during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM):

Franklin County Auditor’s Office 373 South High Street, 19th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215

A Parcel ID (often referred to as a Parcel Number or Permanent Parcel Number) is a unique, fixed identifier assigned to each individual piece of real property within Franklin County. This number serves as the primary key for tracking all property-related data in official county records.

Why is the Parcel ID Important?
The Parcel ID is required for:
Searching property values and tax history.
Filing for Homestead Exemptions.
Recording deeds or property transfers.
Paying property taxes.
Checking zoning or land use records.

Where can I find your Franklin County Parcel ID?
You can easily locate your unique Parcel ID through the following resources:

Property Tax Bill: Your Parcel ID is clearly printed on the top portion of your semi-annual Franklin County property tax statement.

Property Deed or Title: This number is always recorded on the legal deed or title documents filed with the Franklin County Recorder’s Office.

Franklin County Auditor’s Website: If you do not have physical documents handy, visit the Franklin County Auditor’s Property Search portal. By entering your current property address, the system will display the associated Parcel ID.

Real Estate Listings: If you are looking at a home listing on platforms like Zillow or Redfin, the Parcel ID is often found under the “Public Facts” or “Property Details” section.
Format of Franklin County Parcel IDs

In Franklin County, Parcel IDs follow a specific, standardized format designed to categorize properties by taxing district and subdivision. While formats can vary slightly by historical district, they generally consist of a sequence of numbers that identify the precise location of the parcel within the county’s geographic system.

In Franklin County, it is common to see a difference between your property’s Market Value and its Assessed Value. These two figures represent different measurements of your property’s worth for specific purposes:

Market Value: This represents what your property would likely sell for in an open real estate market between a willing buyer and a willing seller. The Franklin County Auditor determines this value based on recent comparable sales, property location, physical condition, and broader economic factors.

Assessed Value: This is the figure used specifically for tax purposes. Under Ohio law, the assessed value is calculated as 35% of the Auditor’s appraised market value.
Key Reasons for the Difference:

State-Mandated Assessment Rate: Ohio law requires that real estate taxes be levied on only 35% of a property’s appraised value. Therefore, your assessed value will always be significantly lower than the full market value.

Tax Calculation Base: Because your property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value rather than the full market value, this percentage provides a consistent base for the county to apply local tax levies.

Update Schedules: While market values can fluctuate rapidly due to local real estate trends, the Auditor’s appraised values are updated on a specific schedule (a full reappraisal every six years, with a triennial update in the third year) to ensure uniformity and fairness across the county.

In Franklin County, property values are updated on a recurring schedule mandated by Ohio state law to ensure that tax assessments accurately reflect the current real estate market. The Franklin County Auditor follows these specific procedures:

Sexennial Reappraisal (Every 6 Years): This is a comprehensive, county-wide reappraisal. During this process, the Auditor’s office or qualified appraisers are required to view and appraise every property in the county. This ensures that the appraised value is consistent with the current market value of your home or property.

Triennial Update (Every 3 Years): Occurring at the midpoint of the six-year sexennial cycle, the Auditor performs a statistical analysis of property sales that have occurred in the prior three years. Based on this data, percentage adjustments may be applied to property values within specific neighborhoods to maintain equity and accuracy.

Annual Review: Beyond the scheduled updates, the Franklin County Auditor’s appraisal division reviews properties annually that have undergone significant changes. These updates typically occur due to:

New construction or home additions.
Demolition or significant property damage.
Changes in the physical size or shape of the land.
Successful property value appeals filed through the Board of Revision.

You can obtain a copy of your deed or other recorded real estate documents from the Franklin County Recorder’s Office through several convenient methods:

Online (Fastest Method): You can search and print unofficial copies of recorded documents for free using the Franklin County Recorder’s Public Records Search portal.

Visit the Official Public Records Search

page to locate your document by name, address, or instrument number.

In Person: You may visit the Franklin County Recorder’s Office during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM) to request a copy in person.

Location: 373 South High Street, 18th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215.

By Mail: You can send a written request to the Recorder’s Office. Please include the property information, the document’s instrument number (or volume and page), and a self-addressed stamped envelope to ensure the documents are returned to you promptly.

Certified Copies
If you require a certified copy for legal proceedings, court purposes, or bank/lender requirements, please note the following:

Cost: Certified copies are $2.00 per page plus a $1.00 certification fee per document.

How to Request: You can request a certified copy by visiting the office in person, sending a request via U.S. mail, or using the Online Certified Copy Request form provided by the Recorder’s office.

Yes, in accordance with Ohio public records laws, most documents recorded with the Franklin County Recorder’s Office are considered public records. This transparency allows property owners, real estate professionals, and the general public to verify information regarding land ownership and encumbrances.

Common Publicly Accessible Records:

Deeds and Property Transfers: Records showing the history of ownership for a property.

Mortgages and Releases: Documents detailing financial liens or the satisfaction of a mortgage debt.

Tax Liens: Records of outstanding property or government tax liens.

Mechanic’s Liens: Claims placed by contractors for unpaid work or materials.

Easements: Legal agreements allowing others to use a portion of a property for a specific purpose (e.g., utility lines).

Plats and Surveys: Maps defining the precise boundaries and dimensions of land parcels.

Access and Privacy
These documents are available for public inspection through the Franklin County Recorder’s online portal or by visiting the office in person.

Important Privacy Note: While these documents are public record, certain information may be redacted (blacked out) if it contains sensitive personal data, such as Social Security Numbers, to protect individuals from identity theft. Additionally, some documents (like certain military discharge records) may have restricted access and require specific authorization to be viewed or copied.

Recording fees in Franklin County are standardized according to the Ohio Revised Code. While these fees are consistent, they can vary based on the specific document type and the total number of pages:

Base Recording Fee: $28.00 for the first two pages.

Additional Pages: $8.00 for each page beyond the first two.

Housing Trust Fund Fee: $5.00 per document (as mandated by state law).

Marginal Notation Fee: If a document requires reference to a prior recorded document (e.g., for an assignment or release), an additional fee of $4.00 per reference may apply.

Important Payment Information: The Franklin County Recorder’s Office generally accepts payments via check, money order, or exact cash. It is recommended to contact the office or check their official website before arriving to confirm current payment methods, as policy updates regarding credit/debit card usage can change.

Note: These recording fees are strictly for the service of filing the document. They are separate from any conveyance fees or transfer taxes that are calculated based on the sale price of the property when a deed is recorded.

If you are concerned about potential claims or financial encumbrances against your property, you can perform a search through the Franklin County Recorder’s Office.

Steps to Check for Liens:

Online Search: Access the Franklin County Recorder’s Public Records Search. You can search by your name or the property address to view all documents recorded against the title.

Review Document Types: Look specifically for filings labeled as “Liens,” “Mortgages,” “Certificates of Judgment,” or “Mechanic’s Liens.”

In-Person Search: If you are unsure how to interpret the records, you can visit the Recorder’s office at 373 South High Street, 18th Floor, Columbus, OH. Staff can assist you with searching the electronic indices.

Professional Title Search (Recommended): If you are in the process of selling or refinancing, the most reliable method is to hire a Title Company or Real Estate Attorney.

They perform a comprehensive “Title Search” that covers not only the Recorder’s records but also court records and other legal databases to identify hidden liens.

Common Types of Liens to Watch For:
Tax Liens: Filed by government agencies for unpaid property or income taxes.

Mechanic’s Liens: Filed by contractors or suppliers for unpaid improvements.

Judgment Liens: Resulting from court-ordered financial judgments against the property owner.

A conveyance fee is a transfer tax collected whenever real property or manufactured homes are transferred from one owner to another. In Franklin County, this fee is comprised of a state-mandated portion and a local permissive portion.

Franklin County Fee Structure:
The total conveyance fee in Franklin County is $3.00 per every $1,000 of the property’s sale price. This is broken down as follows:

State Conveyance Fee: $1.00 per $1,000 of the sale price (Mandatory across Ohio).

County Permissive Fee: $2.00 per $1,000 of the sale price (Set by the Franklin County Board of Commissioners).

Calculation Example: If a property sells for $200,000, the total conveyance fee is calculated as follows:

$200 (units of $1,000) × $3.00 = $600.00 total fee.
Note: When calculating, the sale price must be rounded up to the nearest $100.

Important Considerations:

Responsibility: The fee is typically paid by the seller, though this is often a subject of negotiation between the buyer and seller in the purchase agreement.

Payment: Payment must be made at the time the deed is presented for recording at the Franklin County Auditor’s office.

Homestead Exemption Exception: If the grantor (seller) of the property is receiving the Homestead Exemption at the time of the transfer, the permissive county fee is waived, reducing the total conveyance fee to $1.00 per $1,000.

Separate Fees: These fees are entirely separate from recording fees, which are paid to the County Recorder’s office.

Under Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 319.54, the following types of transfers generally qualify for an exemption:

Spousal or Family Transfers: Transfers between spouses, or to/from immediate family members where no monetary consideration (money) is involved.

Government Entities: Property transferred to or from the United States, the State of Ohio, or any of their political subdivisions (like a city or county) for public purposes.

Correction Deeds: Transfers made to correct an error in a previously recorded deed.

No Monetary Consideration: Transfers where there is no exchange of money, such as a gift of real estate.

Court-Ordered Transfers: Transfers resulting from bankruptcy court orders, divorce decrees (if specifically ordered by the court), or probate distributions.

Business Reorganization: Transfers between affiliated business entities (e.g., between a parent company and a subsidiary) under specific conditions.

Mortgage Foreclosures: Transfers by a sheriff or other officer in a mortgage foreclosure proceeding.

Important Requirements for Claiming Exemptions

DTE 100EX Form: This is the mandatory document. You must clearly indicate the specific exemption code that applies to your transfer. Providing incorrect or incomplete information on this form can lead to the rejection of your deed recording.

Base Recording Fees Still Apply: While you may be exempt from the conveyance tax (the $3.00 per $1,000 fee), you are not exempt from the standard recording fees charged by the Franklin County Recorder’s Office.

Audit Potential: The Franklin County Auditor’s office routinely audits exemption claims. Ensure that you have the supporting documentation (such as a death certificate, divorce decree, or corporate resolution) readily available in case your claim is questioned.

Conveyance Fee Statement (DTE 100): Even for exempt transfers, you are often still required to file the standard DTE 100 form alongside the DTE 100EX.

Once the Probate Court has issued the Certificate of Transfer, it must be processed by the county offices to formally update property records.

Required Documents:

Certified Copy of the Certificate of Transfer: Issued by the Franklin County Probate Court. This is the legal document that officially transfers the real estate from the decedent’s estate to the heir(s) or beneficiary(ies).

Real Property Conveyance Fee Statement (DTE 100): This must be completed for every transfer.

Exemption Form (DTE 100EX): Probate transfers are typically exempt from conveyance fees. You must submit this form to claim the exemption.

Recording Fees: Standard fees apply for recording the document with the County Recorder.

The Process:

Obtain the Certificate: First, complete the probate process through the Franklin County Probate Court. You will apply for and receive a Certificate of Transfer (Form e12.0) from the court.

Auditor’s Office Review: Take your certified Certificate of Transfer to the Franklin County Auditor’s Transfer & Conveyance Department.
They will review the document to ensure the legal description is accurate and process the transfer of ownership on the tax list.

Recording: Once the Auditor has stamped/approved the transfer, you must take the document to the Franklin County Recorder’s Office to be officially recorded in the public land records.

Important Details for Franklin County
Conveyance Fees: Most probate transfers are exempt from the conveyance fee (the $3.00 per $1,000 fee). However, you must still file the DTE 100 and DTE 100EX forms at the Auditor’s office. Even if exempt from the conveyance tax, a small transfer tax (usually $0.50) may still apply.

Where to Go:
Probate Court: 373 South High Street, 22nd Floor, Columbus, OH 43215. Phone: (614) 525-3894.

Auditor’s Office: 373 South High Street, 19th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215. Phone: (614) 525-3253.

Recorder’s Office: 373 South High Street, 18th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215. Phone: (614) 525-3930.

Professional Assistance: Because probate law and real estate title requirements can be complex, the Auditor’s office and the Courts strongly recommend retaining an attorney to prepare and file these documents to avoid errors that could create “clouds” on your property title.

For a standard deed transfer in Franklin County, you must provide the following:

The Deed: An original, properly prepared document containing a full legal description of the property, signed by the grantor(s) before a notary public. The preparer’s name and address must be clearly included.

Conveyance Fee Statement (DTE 100): A completed and signed form required for all real property transfers.

Exemption Form (DTE 100EX): Required only if the transfer qualifies for an exemption from the conveyance tax (e.g., family gifts, court orders, or government transfers).

Property Tax Status: Confirmation that property taxes are current or that any delinquencies have been resolved according to closing requirements.

Payment: All recording fees and applicable conveyance taxes must be paid at the time of filing.

Important Franklin County Filing Guidelines

Process Flow: All real estate transfer documents must start their journey at the Franklin County Auditor’s Transfer & Conveyance Department for approval. Once approved, you must take the documents to the Franklin County Recorder’s Office for final recording.
Professional Recommendation: Due to strict transfer and conveyance standards, the Auditor’s office strongly recommends that deeds be prepared by a title company or real estate attorney. This ensures legal descriptions are accurate and helps avoid document rejection.

E-Recording: Deeds transferring real property can only be e-recorded via Simplifile and generally require the involvement of a professional entity (such as a title company or bank). Individual e-recordings for property transfers are not permitted.

Formatting: Documents must meet standard formatting requirements, including specified margins to accommodate recording labels.

Pro-Tip: Before visiting the office, use the Franklin County Recorder’s Fee Calculator online to verify your total costs.

To transfer a vehicle title, both the buyer and seller should visit any Franklin County Clerk of Courts Title Office together with the following:

Original Title: Must be assigned to the buyer by the seller, including the purchase price, buyer’s information, and current mileage.

Notarization: The seller’s signature on the title must be notarized by a deputy clerk or a notary public before presenting it to the buyer.

Valid Identification: A government-issued driver’s license or state ID for all parties involved.

Fees: Payment for the title fee ($15.00) plus applicable sales tax based on the purchase price.

Additional Documentation: If the vehicle was purchased out-of-state, an out-of-state VIN inspection is required. If a lien exists, you must provide a notarized lien release from the lienholder.

Important Franklin County Filing Guidelines
Locations: Franklin County has four dedicated Auto Title offices (North, South, East, and West). You can visit any of these locations to complete your transfer.

Payment Methods: Title offices accept cash, checks, and money orders. Credit/debit cards are often accepted but may incur a small processing fee.

Timeframe: Ohio law requires title transfers to be completed within 30 days of the transfer date to avoid a $5.00 late penalty.

Professional Assistance: If the seller is unable to be present, you must have a notarized Power of Attorney (BMV Form 3771) to sign on their behalf.

Pro-Tip: Before visiting, you can verify office hours and locate the nearest branch at the Franklin County Clerk of Courts Title Division website.

Disclaimer: My website is an information resource and is not a government agency. Always check with the official Franklin County Clerk of Courts for the most current procedures and fee updates.

In Franklin County, most standard title transfers still require an in-person visit to an Auto Title Division office because the original title document with required notarized signatures must be presented.

However, there are some ways to utilize online services:

Ohio Title Portal (OTP): Ohio now offers an online portal that allows private-to-private title transfers electronically. To use this, you must have an OH|ID account, be an Ohio resident, and meet specific criteria. Visit the official Ohio BMV website
to check if your transaction qualifies.

Pre-Visit Preparation: You can use the Franklin County Clerk of Courts website to download and pre-fill required forms, check fee structures, and calculate expected sales tax.

Appointment Scheduling: You can schedule an appointment at select Franklin County title office locations online to reduce your wait time.

Always verify your specific situation through the official Franklin County Clerk of Courts Title Division website, as requirements for online eligibility can vary based on the type of title and transaction.

To transfer an out-of-state title to Ohio in Franklin County, you will need:

Original out-of-state title: Photocopies are not accepted.

Valid photo identification: Such as a driver’s license or state ID.

Proof of Ohio insurance: Showing active coverage.

Application for Certificate of Title (Form BMV 3774): This must be completed to apply for your new Ohio title.

Vehicle inspection form: A physical VIN verification performed at any Ohio BMV Deputy Registrar location or licensed dealership.

Payment: Title fee ($15.00) plus applicable taxes or notarization fees.

Ohio requires a physical inspection to verify the VIN before you can obtain your Ohio title. You must complete the title transfer process and register your vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency in Ohio. Because these transfers can involve complex lien or lease documentation, it is recommended to visit a Franklin County Clerk of Courts Title Office with all original documents in hand.

If your vehicle title is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for a duplicate title in Franklin County by:

Visiting any Auto Title Division office: You can visit any of the four Franklin County Clerk of Courts title branch locations.

Providing valid photo identification: A government-issued driver’s license or state ID is required.

Completing an Application for Certificate of Title (Form BMV 3774): This form serves as your official request for the duplicate.

Paying the replacement fee: The standard fee for a duplicate title is $15.00.
If there is an active lien on the vehicle, the duplicate title will be issued in the name of the lienholder. If you are not the owner listed on the original title, you must provide legal documentation (such as a notarized Power of Attorney or court documents) proving your authority to request the replacement. Duplicate titles are generally processed immediately when you apply in person with all required documentation.

The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) is a thorough financial document that provides a complete picture of Franklin County’s financial health. It is prepared by the County Auditor’s office in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) to ensure transparency and accountability.

What the ACFR Includes
The report is designed to be comprehensive and generally consists of three main sections:

Introductory Section: Includes a letter of transmittal, organizational charts, and a list of principal officials.

Financial Section: This is the core of the report, containing:

Independent Auditor’s Report: Verification by an outside auditor.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A): A narrative overview and analysis of the financial statements.

Basic Financial Statements: Including government-wide and fund financial statements.

Notes to the Financial Statements: Detailed explanations regarding accounting policies and financial data.

Statistical Section: Provides historical data, financial trends, and demographic information over several years.

Why is it Important?
Transparency: It serves as the primary tool for the county to demonstrate fiscal accountability to citizens, investors, and creditors.

Standardization: By following GAAP and GASB (Governmental Accounting Standards Board) pronouncements, it ensures that the county’s reporting is consistent and comparable to other government entities.

Awards: Franklin County frequently submits its ACFR to the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, an award the county has received consistently since 1983.

Accessing the Report
In Franklin County, the financial year ends on December 31, and the ACFR is typically issued by June 30 of the following year. You can view the most recent reports through the Franklin County Auditor’s Financial Reporting portal.
Note: The county also publishes a Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR), which is a shorter, user-friendly summary of the information found in the much more detailed ACFR.
Annual Comprehensive Financial Report Explained
This video provides a helpful overview of the ACFR’s structure and purpose, comparing it to a corporate 10-K report for governmental entities.

Franklin County budget reports are public documents and can be accessed through several methods:
Online: Visit the Franklin County Budget and Reporting page
to view current and prior year budgets, or use the Open Finance portal for interactive expenditure and budget data.

In-Person: Request copies of financial documents at the Office of Management & Budget or the County Auditor’s office during business hours.

Public Records Request: Submit a formal public records request for specific budget documents through the county’s official portal if they are not available online.

Budget documents typically available include the annual operating budget, capital improvement plans, and quarterly financial monitoring reports. Most documents are available for download in PDF format directly from the county website.

ranklin County’s finances undergo several levels of auditing:

External Audit: Conducted annually by an independent certified public accounting firm to ensure the accuracy of financial statements.

State Audit: The Auditor of State of Ohio conducts regular, comprehensive audits of the county’s financial activities.

Internal Audit: The Franklin County Auditor’s office performs ongoing internal reviews to monitor fiscal compliance and operational efficiency.

Federal Audit: Programs receiving federal funds are subject to additional audits to ensure compliance with federal requirements.

Audit reports are public records and are typically published on the Franklin County Auditor’s website after completion. These audits are essential to ensure financial accountability and adherence to all applicable state and federal laws.

The main Franklin County Auditor’s office is located in the Franklin County Government Center:

373 S. High Street, 21st Floor Columbus, OH 43215

Important Details for Visitors:
Office Hours: The office is typically open to the public Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Parking & Accessibility: The office is located in downtown Columbus. There are several public parking garages available in the immediate vicinity. The building is also highly accessible via COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority) bus routes.

Why visit in person? You should visit this office for matters concerning property tax valuation, homestead exemption applications, or to view official property records that are not available through the online portal.

Contact Information
Phone: (614) 525-4663
Official Website: franklincountyauditor.com

Note: For specific services such as Auto Title transfers, please remember that those are handled by the Clerk of Courts Title Division at separate locations, not the Auditor’s main office.

You can contact the Franklin County Auditor’s office through several channels for official services:

Contact Channels
Phone: Main Office: (614) 525-4663
In-Person: Visit during regular business hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Mail/Address: Franklin County Auditor’s Office 373 S. High Street, 21st Floor Columbus, OH 43215

Online Inquiry: You can submit specific questions through their contact form on the official website.

Important Notes

Direct Department Contact: For specific departments (such as Real Estate, Tax Incentives, or Fiscal), direct phone numbers and emails are available on the Department Directory page of their website.

Response Times: Response times can vary depending on the volume of inquiries and the complexity of the request, but providing detailed information (such as a parcel ID number for property inquiries) will help the staff assist you more efficiently.

Many, but not all, Franklin County Auditor services are available online.

Services Available Online
You can handle the following tasks conveniently from the Franklin County Auditor’s website:

Property Searches: View property values, tax history, and parcel information.

Tax Payments: Pay real estate and manufactured home taxes.

Forms & Applications: Download most standard tax and property forms.

Public Records: Access annual reports, budget data, and historical records.

Homestead Exemption: Apply for or track the status of your Homestead Exemption.

Services Requiring In-Person Visits
Some transactions require an in-person appearance or submission of physical, original documents:

Recording Original Deeds/Documents: These must be processed through the County Recorder’s office.

Certified Copies: Some official documents require a physical seal or certification that cannot be generated online.

Complex Property Transfers: Specific transfers that require extensive review of original legal descriptions or supporting documentation.

Vehicle Title Transfers: These are handled by the Clerk of Courts Title Division, not the Auditor’s office, and generally require an in-person visit.

Note: The County is continuously expanding its digital capabilities. Before planning a trip, always check the official website to see if your specific service has an online submission option.

Pro-Tip: If you are unsure whether your request can be handled online, call the main office at (614) 525-4663 to speak with a representative before visiting the Government Center.

To obtain certified copies of documents from the Franklin County Recorder’s Office, you can follow these procedures.

Please note that a certified copy is only necessary for legal purposes (such as court requirements, bank/lender requests, or title companies). For personal records, you can print an unofficial copy for free using the county’s Public Records Search.

How to Request Certified Copies

Online: Use the Franklin County Recorder’s Certified Copy Request form.

In-Person: Visit the Recorder’s Office at:

373 S. High Street, 18th Floor

Columbus, OH 43215

Staff can typically certify copies on-site.

By Mail: Send a written request including the document details (such as the instrument number or volume and page number), payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope to the address above.

Fees and Payment
Cost: Certified copies are $2.00 per page plus a $1.00 certification fee per document.

Payment Methods: Cash, check, money order, or credit/debit card.

Note: If using a credit/debit card, a 3% convenience fee applies.

Checks should be made payable to the “Franklin County Recorder.”

Important Distinctions
It is important to identify which office holds the record you need, as different departments handle different types of certified documents:

Document Type

Issuing Office
Real Estate Records (Deeds, Mortgages, etc.)
Franklin County Recorder

Marriage Licenses
Franklin County Probate Court

Court Records (Divorce, Criminal, Civil)
Clerk of Courts (Common Pleas/Municipal)

Vital Records (Birth/Death Certificates)
Franklin County Public Health