Franklin County Property Records
How To Search Property Records in Franklin County in 2026
FranklinILRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to property records in Franklin County, Illinois. Members of the public may find ownership history, assessed values, recorded deeds, tax information, mortgage documents, and lien filings. Available record categories may include:
- Deeds and title transfers
- Property tax assessments and payment history
- Mortgage and lien records
- Plat maps and legal descriptions
- GIS parcel data
Property records in Franklin County are maintained by several county offices, each responsible for a distinct category of information. Members of the public may search these records through the following official resources:
- County Clerk / Recorder — for recorded instruments including deeds, mortgages, and liens
- Supervisor of Assessments — for property assessment and valuation data
- Treasurer's Office — for tax bills, payment history, and delinquency information
- GIS / Mapping System — for parcel maps, aerial photography, and spatial property data
Franklin County Clerk / Recorder
Benton Courthouse, 100 Public Square
Benton, IL 62812
Phone: (618) 438-3221
County Clerk / Recorder
Franklin County Supervisor of Assessments
100 Public Square, Suite 2
Benton, IL 62812
Phone: (618) 438-7311
Supervisor of Assessments
Franklin County Treasurer's Office
100 Public Square
Benton, IL 62812
Phone: (618) 438-7311
Treasurer's Office
Online Search Methods
1. County Clerk / Recorder Official Records Search
The Franklin County Clerk / Recorder maintains the official index of recorded instruments affecting real property. Members of the public may access marriage and death records as well as property documents through the County Clerk's online records portal. The system is searchable by:
- Grantor name (seller or transferor)
- Grantee name (buyer or transferee)
- Document type
- Recording date range
- Book and page number or instrument number
Documents available through this system include warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgages, satisfactions of mortgage, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, easements, plats, and lis pendens filings. To conduct a search:
- Navigate to the County Clerk / Recorder portal
- Select the appropriate search type (grantor, grantee, or document type)
- Enter the relevant search criteria
- Review the results list and select the desired document
- View the document image if available online, or note the book and page number for in-person retrieval
- Request certified copies if required, subject to applicable fees
2. Supervisor of Assessments
The Supervisor of Assessments administers the property assessment cycle for the local real estate tax in Franklin County. As stated on the office's official page, "Our office administers the property assessment cycle for the local real estate tax. Much like a rate is applied to your income to calculate your income tax, a rate is applied to your assessed value to calculate your property tax." Members of the public may search assessment records by:
- Property address
- Owner name
- Parcel identification number
Information available includes current owner name, mailing address, legal description, parcel number, land use classification, property characteristics (square footage, year built, lot size), assessed value of land and improvements, and exemption status.
3. Treasurer's Office
The Franklin County Treasurer's Office provides online access to tax bill information and payment history. Members of the public may view current tax bills, pay taxes online, and register to receive tax bills by email. The system is searchable by property address, owner name, parcel number, or tax account number. Information available includes:
- Current tax bill amount
- Payment history and status
- Outstanding balances
- Exemptions applied
- Millage rates by taxing authority
- Delinquent tax information
4. GIS / Mapping System
The Franklin County GIS mapping system provides interactive parcel maps, aerial photography, property boundary overlays, and zoning layers. The GIS office acts as the County Plat Manager with full knowledge of the Illinois Plat Act. Users may navigate the map to a specific location, click on a parcel to view property information, and access linked assessment and recorder records. The GIS Schedule of Fees governs charges for assessment copies and DevNet Parcel Reports.
In-Person Searches
Members of the public who require certified copies or access to records not available online may visit the following offices in person:
Franklin County Clerk / Recorder
100 Public Square
Benton, IL 62812
Phone: (618) 438-3221
County Clerk / Recorder
Services available in person include viewing official records, requesting certified copies, searching grantor/grantee indexes, and accessing record books. Staff members are available to assist with document retrieval.
Franklin County Supervisor of Assessments
100 Public Square, Suite 2
Benton, IL 62812
Phone: (618) 438-7311
Supervisor of Assessments
Services include access to property cards, exemption application assistance, and assessment review.
Franklin County Treasurer's Office
100 Public Square
Benton, IL 62812
Phone: (618) 438-7311
Treasurer's Office
Services include tax payment information, copies of tax bills, and delinquency information.
By Mail Requests
Members of the public may submit written requests by mail to the Franklin County Clerk / Recorder at 100 Public Square, Benton, IL 62812. Requests should specify the document by book and page number, instrument number, or property address and approximate date range. Payment for applicable copy fees must accompany the request. Certified copies are available upon request.
Through Professionals
Title companies, real estate attorneys, and licensed abstractors may conduct comprehensive title searches and prepare abstracts of title. These professionals have direct access to the county's recorded document indexes and provide legal opinions on the state of title. Costs vary by provider and scope of search.
Search Tips
- When searching by owner name, attempt both last-name-first and full-name formats, and consider spelling variations or name changes
- When searching by address, try variations with and without directional prefixes (N, S, E, W)
- Very recent transactions may not yet appear online due to recording processing delays
- Records predating digitization efforts may require an in-person visit to the Clerk's office
- Verify results by cross-referencing the parcel identification number across multiple systems
What Is Franklin County Property Records
Property records are official documents related to real property — land and buildings — maintained by county government as legal records of ownership, transfers, encumbrances, and valuations. In Franklin County, Illinois, these records are maintained across several offices and constitute the authoritative source for establishing clear title to real estate.
Types of Property Records
Ownership Records:
- Warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special warranty deeds
- Chain of title documents
- Life estate deeds and trust documents affecting property
- Transfer records and ownership history
Encumbrance Records:
- Mortgages and deeds of trust
- Tax liens, judgment liens, and mechanic's liens
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Declarations of restrictions and covenants
- Homeowner association (HOA) documents
- Lis pendens filings
Tax and Assessment Records:
- Property tax assessments administered by the Supervisor of Assessments
- Tax bills and payment history maintained by the Treasurer's Office
- Exemption records (homestead, senior, veteran, disability)
- Special assessments and delinquency records
Legal Descriptions and Mapping:
- Plat maps and subdivision plats recorded with the County Clerk / Recorder
- Surveys and re-plats
- Lot and block information
- Metes and bounds descriptions
- GIS parcel data maintained by the Franklin County GIS office
Building and Permit Records:
- Building permits and certificates of occupancy
- Zoning classifications and land use designations
- Code violation records
Who Maintains Property Records
| Office | Records Maintained |
|---|---|
| County Clerk / Recorder | Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, easements |
| Supervisor of Assessments | Valuations, property characteristics, exemptions |
| Treasurer's Office | Tax bills, payment history, delinquency |
| GIS Office | Parcel maps, aerial photography, spatial data |
Legal Framework
Under 735 ILCS 5/12-101, Illinois law establishes the framework for recording instruments affecting real property and providing constructive notice to subsequent purchasers. The Illinois Conveyances Act (765 ILCS 5/) governs the recording of deeds and other instruments, requiring that all conveyances of real property be recorded with the county recorder to be effective against third parties. The Illinois Plat Act, referenced by the Franklin County GIS office, governs the recording and management of subdivision plats.
Are Property Records Public Information in Franklin County?
Property records in Franklin County are public information. Under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/), members of the public have the right to inspect and copy public records maintained by government bodies, including county offices. Additionally, the Illinois recording statutes establish that recorded instruments are public records available for inspection by any person.
Legal Basis for Public Access
The public nature of property records in Illinois rests on several legal foundations:
- The Illinois Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/) guarantees public access to government records
- The Illinois Conveyances Act (765 ILCS 5/) requires recording of instruments affecting title and makes them available for public inspection
- The common law doctrine of constructive notice holds that recorded instruments are deemed known to all subsequent parties
- Centuries of American legal tradition treat land records as public to ensure transparency in property ownership
Why Property Records Are Public
Transparency and Accountability:
- The public has a recognized interest in knowing who owns real property within a jurisdiction
- Transparent property taxation requires public access to assessment and payment records
- Public records prevent fraudulent or secret transfers of property
Commercial and Economic Purposes:
- Real estate transactions depend on the ability to conduct title searches
- Lenders require clear title as a condition of mortgage financing
- Title insurance companies rely on public records to underwrite policies
- Property appraisers and market analysts use public records for valuation
Legal Protections:
- Recorded instruments establish priority among competing claims
- The chain of title protects subsequent purchasers from prior unrecorded interests
- Lien records protect creditors' rights in real property
What Property Information Is Publicly Accessible
The following categories of information are freely accessible to any member of the public:
- Current and historical property ownership
- Legal descriptions and parcel identification numbers
- Sale prices and transfer dates
- Recorded mortgage amounts and lender names
- Liens and encumbrances of record
- Tax assessments and payment history
- Property characteristics (size, year built, improvements)
- Plat maps and surveys
- GIS parcel boundary data
Privacy Considerations
Certain personal information within property records is subject to redaction or protection under Illinois law:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from recorded documents pursuant to state law
- Bank account numbers and personal financial information beyond recorded document terms 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 the Illinois Address Confidentiality Program
- Homestead exemption applications may contain financial information not fully subject to public disclosure; members of the public should contact the Supervisor of Assessments for applicable policies
Who May Access Property Records
No residency requirement, ownership interest, or stated purpose is required to access property records in Franklin County. The following individuals and entities routinely access these records:
- Prospective buyers and sellers
- Real estate agents, brokers, and appraisers
- Title companies and abstractors
- Lenders and mortgage servicers
- Attorneys
- Investors and developers
- Genealogists and historical researchers
- Journalists and members of the media
- Out-of-state and foreign inquirers
Commercial Use of Property Records
Commercial aggregation of public property records is legally permissible in Illinois. Companies such as CoreLogic and First American compile public record data into subscription databases. Members of the public should note that anti-harassment laws, fair housing statutes, and other applicable regulations govern the use of information obtained from public records, regardless of the method of access.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Property Records in Franklin County?
Members of the public may inspect property records at no charge. Fees apply when copies or certified copies are requested. The following fee structure reflects current charges applicable to Franklin County property records.
Recording Fees — County Clerk / Recorder
Under 55 ILCS 5/3-5018, Illinois county recorders are authorized to charge fees for recording and copying instruments. Current standard fees for Franklin County include:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Recording a document (first page) | $10.00 |
| Recording a document (each additional page) | $1.00 |
| Certified copy of a recorded document | $1.00 per page + $2.00 certification fee |
| Plain (uncertified) copy | $1.00 per page |
| Search fee (if applicable) | Varies |
GIS and Assessment Copy Fees
The Franklin County GIS office publishes a Schedule of Fees for assessment copies and DevNet Parcel Reports. Members of the public should consult the GIS office directly for the current fee schedule, as charges vary by product type and format.
Tax Records — Treasurer's Office
- Online viewing of tax bill information: Free
- Online tax payment: Available through the Treasurer's Office portal
- Copies of tax bills: Subject to standard copy fees
What Is Available at No Charge
- Online inspection of recorded document indexes through the County Clerk / Recorder portal
- Online viewing of assessment data through the Supervisor of Assessments
- Online viewing of tax bill information through the Treasurer's Office
- Online access to GIS parcel maps
- In-person inspection of records at county offices
Accepted Payment Methods
Members of the public making in-person requests may pay by cash, check, or money order payable to the Franklin County Clerk. Members of the public should contact the relevant office to confirm accepted payment methods for mail requests or online transactions.
Fee Waivers
Illinois law does not provide a general fee waiver for property record copies. Members of the public who believe a fee is excessive or improperly assessed may submit a written objection to the relevant county office.
What's Included in a Franklin County Property Record
A complete Franklin County property record draws from multiple county offices and encompasses the following categories of information.
Ownership Information
Current Ownership:
- Legal owner name(s) as recorded on the most recent deed
- Ownership type (individual, joint tenancy, tenancy in common, trust, LLC, corporation, life estate)
- Acquisition date and deed instrument number or book and page reference
- Mailing address for tax bill purposes
Previous Ownership:
- Chain of title reflecting all prior transfers
- Prior owner names, transfer dates, and historical deed references
Property Identification
- Site address (physical location) and mailing address if different
- Legal description including lot and block number, subdivision name, plat book and page reference, and section/township/range where applicable
- Parcel identification number and tax account number
Physical Characteristics
Land Information:
- Lot size in square feet or acres
- Lot dimensions and street frontage
- Land use designation and zoning classification
Building Information:
- Total living area in square feet
- Year built and effective year
- Number of stories and building type
- Construction type and exterior wall material
- Roof type and foundation type
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Garage, pool, porch, and other additional features
- Condition and quality ratings
Valuation Information
- Land value and building value as assessed
- Total assessed value and estimated market value
- Historical assessed values for prior years
- Agricultural classification data where applicable
Tax Information
- Total tax amount due for the current year
- Breakdown by taxing authority (county, school district, municipality, special districts)
- Exemptions applied (homestead, senior, veteran, disability, agricultural)
- Taxable value after exemptions
- Millage rate
- Payment status and due dates
- Prior years' tax payment history
- Delinquency history if applicable
Sales History
- Sale dates, sale prices, and deed types for recent transfers
- Grantor and grantee names for each transaction
- Documentary stamp amounts
- Qualified or unqualified sale designation
Encumbrances and Liens
- Currently recorded mortgages, including lender name, recording date, and original amount
- Tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and HOA liens
- Easements and rights-of-way
- Deed restrictions and covenants
- Lis pendens filings
Legal and Regulatory Information
- Current zoning classification and permitted uses
- Future land use designation
- Special taxing district memberships (school, fire, water, community development)
- FEMA flood zone designation
- Wetlands and conservation area designations
Maps and Visual Information
- Property photograph (exterior)
- Aerial photograph and GIS parcel boundary map
- Plat map and property sketch
- Historical aerial imagery where available
What Is Not Typically Included in Public Property Records
- Current outstanding mortgage balances (only original recorded amounts)
- Interior photographs unless provided during an appraiser inspection
- Detailed personal financial information beyond recorded document terms
- Social Security numbers (redacted pursuant to state law)
- Private agreements not recorded with the County Clerk / Recorder
- Actual purchase contract terms beyond the recorded sale price
How Long Does Franklin County Keep Property Records?
Property records in Franklin County are maintained permanently. Recorded instruments affecting title to real property are never destroyed, as they constitute the legal foundation for the chain of title and are essential to the functioning of the real estate market.
Legal Basis for Permanent Retention
Under the Illinois Local Records Act (50 ILCS 205/), local government bodies are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules. Recorded instruments affecting real property — including deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and easements — are classified as permanent records and may not be destroyed. The Illinois State Archives maintains the official records retention schedules applicable to county offices.
Records Kept Permanently
Deed Records: All recorded deeds are maintained permanently, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, trustee's deeds, and all other conveyance instruments. Records date back to the formation of Franklin County and, in some cases, to original land grants and the territorial period.
Mortgage Records: All recorded mortgages, satisfactions, releases, modifications, and assignments are maintained permanently, even after the underlying loan has been paid in full.
Lien Records: All recorded liens — including tax liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, and releases thereof — are maintained permanently.
Plats and Surveys: All recorded subdivision plats, re-plats, condominium declarations, and survey plats are maintained permanently. The Franklin County GIS office acts as the County Plat Manager pursuant to the Illinois Plat Act.
Other Recorded Instruments: Easements, declarations of restrictions, powers of attorney affecting property, and court documents affecting title are maintained permanently.
Format and Storage
Historical Records:
- Very old records: Handwritten ledgers and bound books
- Early-to-mid twentieth century: Typed entries in record books
- Mid-twentieth century onward: Microfilm
- Recent decades: Digital scans and electronic document management systems
Modern Records:
- Electronic document management systems with scanned images of original instruments
- Digital signatures for newly recorded documents
- Off-site backup facilities and cloud-based systems for digital preservation
- Climate-controlled storage for paper and microfilm archives
Online Availability by Time Period
| Time Period | Availability |
|---|---|
| Recent (last 20+ years) | Fully online in most cases |
| Moderate age (20–50 years) | May be online; microfilm available in person |
| Historical (50+ years) | In-person access; microfilm or original books |
| Very old (100+ years) | Archive storage; advance notice may be required |
Members of the public seeking records not available online may contact the Franklin County Clerk / Recorder at (618) 438-3221 to arrange retrieval. Staff members can assist with identifying the appropriate format and estimated retrieval time.
Property Appraiser and Assessment Records
Assessment records, property cards, and assessment rolls maintained by the Supervisor of Assessments are retained permanently. Recent years of assessment history are available online through the Supervisor of Assessments. Historical assessments are available at the office in person.
Tax Records
Tax payment records are retained for a minimum of seven to ten years under applicable retention schedules. Tax deed records are maintained permanently. Recent years of tax payment history are available online through the Treasurer's Office.
Digitization and Preservation Efforts
Franklin County, in common with many Illinois counties, is engaged in ongoing digitization of historical records. Grant-funded preservation projects support the scanning of old record books and microfilm to make historical instruments accessible online. Members of the public should note that digitization is an ongoing process, and not all historical records may currently be available through online portals.
Chain of Title
The unbroken chain of title — reflecting every transfer of ownership from the original land grant to the present — is preserved in the permanent records of the Franklin County Clerk / Recorder. Title searches conducted in connection with real estate transactions review this chain, with the scope of review varying by transaction type and lender requirements. Gaps in the chain of title create title defects that must be resolved before a clear title can be conveyed.
How To Find Liens on Property in Franklin County?
Members of the public may search for liens recorded against real property in Franklin County through the official records maintained by the County Clerk / Recorder. A lien is a legal claim against real property that must be satisfied before clear title can be transferred. Common types of liens include mortgage liens, judgment liens, mechanic's liens, federal and state tax liens, and HOA liens.
Step-by-Step Search Process
Step 1: Search the County Clerk / Recorder's Index
The primary source for recorded liens is the County Clerk / Recorder. Members of the public may search the official records index by:
- Grantor/grantee name (the property owner's name as it appears on the deed)
- Document type (select "lien," "judgment," "mechanic's lien," or similar categories)
- Recording date range
- Parcel identification number or property address (where the system permits)
Steps to conduct the search:
- Navigate to the County Clerk / Recorder portal
- Select the grantor/grantee index or document type search
- Enter the property owner's name as it appears on the recorded deed
- Filter results by document type to isolate lien instruments
- Review each result to confirm it relates to the subject property by verifying the legal description or parcel number
- Note the instrument number, recording date, and lienholder for each lien identified
- Request a copy of the full document if needed, subject to applicable copy fees
Step 2: Search for Federal Tax Liens
Federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service are recorded with the county recorder in the county where the property is located. Members of the public may search for federal tax liens through the County Clerk / Recorder index under the taxpayer's name. The IRS also maintains a lien search tool through the IRS website.
Step 3: Search for State Tax Liens
Illinois state tax liens filed by the Illinois Department of Revenue are recorded with the county recorder. Members of the public may search for these liens through the County Clerk / Recorder index under the taxpayer's name.
Step 4: Check the Treasurer's Office for Property Tax Delinquencies
Delinquent property taxes constitute a lien on real property under Illinois law. Members of the public may verify whether property taxes are current or delinquent through the Treasurer's Office online portal by searching by property address, owner name, or parcel number.
Step 5: Review GIS Data for Additional Context
The Franklin County GIS system provides parcel-level mapping that can assist in confirming the identity of the subject property before conducting a lien search in the recorder's index.
Types of Liens Searchable Through the Recorder's Index
| Lien Type | Filed By | Searchable Under |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage lien | Lender | Grantor/grantee index |
| Judgment lien | Creditor (court order) | Judgment debtor's name |
| Mechanic's lien | Contractor or supplier | Grantor/grantee index |
| Federal tax lien | IRS | Taxpayer's name |
| State tax lien | Illinois Dept. of Revenue | Taxpayer's name |
| HOA lien | Homeowner association | Grantor/grantee index |
| Child support lien | State agency | Obligor's name |
Important Considerations
- Liens attach to the property owner by name; searching by property address alone may not reveal all liens if the owner's name is not associated with that address in the index
- Judgment liens attach to all real property owned by the judgment debtor in the county where the judgment is recorded
- A lien search conducted for title insurance purposes is performed by a licensed title company or abstractor and is more comprehensive than a self-service search
- Releases and satisfactions of liens must also be verified to confirm that a lien has been discharged
Franklin County Clerk / Recorder
100 Public Square
Benton, IL 62812
Phone: (618) 438-3221
County Clerk / Recorder
What Is Property Owner Rule in Franklin County?
The property owner rule in Franklin County, Illinois, refers to the body of legal principles governing who may own real property, how ownership is established and transferred, and what rights and obligations attach to property ownership. These rules derive from Illinois state law, common law principles, and applicable federal law.
Establishing Property Ownership
Ownership of real property in Franklin County is established by a recorded deed. Under the Illinois Conveyances Act (765 ILCS 5/), a deed must be in writing, signed by the grantor, and acknowledged before a notary public to be eligible for recording. Recording the deed with the County Clerk / Recorder provides constructive notice to all subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers of the grantee's interest in the property.
An unrecorded deed is valid between the parties to the transaction but is not effective against a subsequent purchaser for value who records first without notice of the prior conveyance. This principle — known as the race-notice recording rule — is the foundation of Illinois's recording system and underscores the importance of prompt recording.
Forms of Property Ownership
Illinois law recognizes several forms of co-ownership of real property:
- Tenancy in common: Two or more persons each hold an undivided fractional interest in the property. Each co-tenant may transfer or encumber their interest independently. Upon death, a co-tenant's interest passes through their estate.
- Joint tenancy with right of survivorship: Two or more persons hold equal undivided interests with the right of survivorship. Upon the death of one joint tenant, their interest passes automatically to the surviving joint tenant(s) without probate. A joint tenancy must be expressly created and requires the four unities of time, title, interest, and possession.
- Tenancy by the entirety: Available only to married couples in Illinois, this form of ownership provides that neither spouse may transfer or encumber the property without the consent of the other, and the property passes automatically to the surviving spouse upon death.
- Trust ownership: Real property may be held in a land trust or other trust arrangement. The trustee holds legal title while the beneficiary holds the beneficial interest.
- Entity ownership: Corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and other legal entities may own real property in Illinois.
Property Tax Obligations
Every owner of real property in Franklin County is subject to the property tax administered by the Supervisor of Assessments and collected by the Treasurer's Office. Property taxes are assessed annually based on the assessed value of the property, which is determined by the Supervisor of Assessments. As stated by the Franklin County Supervisor of Assessments, "Much like a rate is applied to your income to calculate your income tax, a rate is applied to your assessed value to calculate your property tax."
Property owners who believe their assessment is incorrect may file a complaint with the Board of Review. Failure to pay property taxes results in a tax lien on the property and, ultimately, may result in a tax sale or tax deed proceeding.
Homestead and Other Exemptions
Illinois law provides several property tax exemptions available to qualifying property owners:
- General Homestead Exemption: Available to owner-occupants of residential property as their principal residence
- Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption: Available to property owners age 65 or older
- Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption: Freezes the assessed value for qualifying senior citizens
- Persons with Disabilities Homestead Exemption: Available to qualifying persons with disabilities
- Veterans with Disabilities Exemption: Available to qualifying veterans
Exemption applications are filed with the Supervisor of Assessments.
Rights and Obligations of Property Owners
Property owners in Franklin County hold the following rights and obligations under Illinois law:
- The right to use, enjoy, and exclude others from the property, subject to applicable zoning, deed restrictions, and easements
- The obligation to pay property taxes when due
- The obligation to comply with applicable zoning ordinances, building codes, and land use regulations
- The right to transfer the property by deed, devise, or inheritance
- The right to encumber the property by mortgage or other lien instrument
- The obligation to honor recorded easements, covenants, and restrictions that run with the land
- The right to contest an assessment before the Board of Review and, thereafter, the Property Tax Appeal Board
Adverse Possession
Under Illinois law, a person who openly, continuously, exclusively, and adversely possesses