Williamson County Clerk of Court

The Williamson County Clerk of Court is the official office responsible for managing court records, filings, and essential administrative services in Williamson County. It serves both residents and legal professionals by ensuring accurate recordkeeping, efficient document filing, and access to important services. The office acts as a trusted point of contact for legal and administrative matters, helping the public navigate official processes with clarity and reliability.

The office handles a wide range of responsibilities, including civil and criminal court records, certified document issuance, vehicle registration, licensing, and general clerk services. Acting as the central filing office for the county, Williamson County Court provides organized and reliable support for legal and administrative needs, making it a key resource for the community. With a focus on transparency and efficiency, the clerk’s office ensures that important records and services are readily available to those who need them.

What is the County Clerk of Court?

The “County Clerk of Court” is a public official and administrative office responsible for handling a wide variety of essential services for residents — from court‑related filings to public records, licenses, vehicle registrations, and more. In general terms, a “court clerk” or “county clerk” serves as a filing office and record‑keeper for both governmental and judicial matters; they manage administrative services, maintain records, certify documents, and facilitate public access to vital records.

In Williamson County, Tennessee, the County Clerk’s Office is a constitutionally elected entity serving the residents of the county for four‑year terms. As of the most recent records, the current County Clerk is Jeff Whidby.

This office plays a multifaceted role:

• On the administrative side, the Clerk handles marriages and business licensing, processes notary requests, manages vehicle titles and registrations, collects certain taxes and fees, and keeps records for various utility districts.
• On the judicial/records side, the office serves as the public gateway for accessing official records — from commission meeting minutes to public filings and document certification. This includes serving as a “filing office” for public documents and making “record certification” services available to residents who need certified copies.
• The County Clerk also acts as a liaison and record custodian for the county’s broader administrative and governmental functions — from property records to tax collection — bridging everyday civic services with statutory obligations.

The County Clerk of Court is far more than a passive record‑keeper. For people in Williamson County needing to file documents, request certified copies, register a vehicle, get a permit, or access public records, the Clerk’s Office is the official, trusted “go‑to” point. The presence of a named, elected official (Jeff Whidby) adds accountability and transparency, ensuring residents know who is responsible and where to direct their inquiries.

Search & Lookup Services

Users can search for court cases and public records in Williamson County using several convenient methods. This section explains the correct search methods, where to view records, and the costs associated with obtaining documents or downloads.

Court Case Search / Case Lookup

The Williamson County Clerk of Courts allows searches for civil, criminal, probate, and traffic cases. Users can access case information, court dates, and filings through online, in-person, or phone/email options.

Steps for searching court cases:

• Online Portal
  • Visit the https://www.dccourts.gov/superior-court/cases-online
  • Enter the case number, party name, or filing date.
  • Review the available court docket and case details.
• In-Person Search
  • Go to the Clerk’s office at 710 Main Street, Franklin, TN.
  • Provide the case number or names to the staff for assistance.
  • Obtain copies of filings or court documents on-site.
• Phone or Email Requests
  • Call the Clerk’s office at (615) 444-1060 or email with relevant details.
  • Staff will guide users on fees, processing, and access restrictions.

Tips for an efficient search:

• Use exact names, case numbers, or filing dates.
• Some records may be restricted or confidential.
• Online searches are generally faster and cheaper than in-person requests.

Public Records Search

The Clerk’s office also provides access to marriage, birth, and death certificates, and other public records. Requests can be made online or in person, and certified copies are available for a fee.

How to search for public records:

• Online Requests
  • Use the https://www.williamsoncountyclerk.org/public-records
  • Enter the required details: name, date, and type of record.
  • Pay fees online for downloads or certified copies.
• In-Person Requests
  • Visit the Clerk’s office and provide the information to the staff.
  • Receive printed or certified copies.
• Fees
  • Certified copies: $15 per document
  • Electronic downloads: $5 per record
  • Some records may have additional handling fees.

Document & Filing Search

Users can locate previously filed documents, pleadings, or exhibits through the e-filing system or by contacting the Clerk’s office.

Steps to access filings:

• Online: Use the e-filing portal with the case number, document type, or party name.
• In-Person: Request assistance from Clerk staff for older or complex filings.
• Costs:
  • Viewing documents online: free
  • Certified or printed copies: $1 per page

Comparison Table: Search & Lookup Options

Duties & Services Provided by the Clerk

The Williamson County Clerk serves as a key point of contact for many official tasks. It processes licenses, registrations, public records, and filings, offering a wide range of services for residents and businesses.

Licensing & Permits

The Clerk’s office handles a variety of licenses and permits, making it easier for residents and businesses to stay compliant with county requirements.

Marriage Licenses
The Clerk issues marriage licenses for couples planning to wed in Williamson County. Applicants begin by filling out the marriage license application online and then visit the Clerk’s office to complete the process and receive their license.

Business Licenses & County Taxes
The Clerk handles the issuance of new county business licenses. It also administers a collection of taxes tied to local business operations, including hotel/motel stays, short-term rental properties, cable/franchise fees, and beer permits.

Notary Public Services
The County Clerk serves as the filing office for applicants seeking to become a notary public. The process involves submitting an application, having it notarized, and receiving approval from the County Commission. The office also renews existing notary commissions and maintains the notary register for public reference.

Vehicle & Title Services

The Clerk manages a variety of motor vehicle and watercraft services, offering convenience for residents needing registration, title work, or renewals.

• Titles and registers vehicles purchased from dealerships or individuals.
• Supports registration for new residents relocating to Williamson County.
• Issues duplicate titles for lost or damaged documents.
• Handles renewals of motor vehicle licenses in person, by mail, online, or at kiosks located throughout the county.
• Registers watercraft for residents and collects applicable sales taxes.
• Issues and renews handicap license plates and placards.

These services follow Tennessee Department of Revenue regulations and relevant state statutes.

Public Records & Vital Records

The Clerk’s office ensures residents have access to public records. Records available include:

• County commission and board meeting minutes.
• Utility district records, audits for non-profits, and other administrative documents.
• Copies of marriage licenses, notary public registrations, and other licensing or permit records.

Citizens may request certified copies or records using a formal “records request” or “records certification” form. The office processes these requests while complying with state public records laws, supporting transparency and accountability.

County Government Administration

The Clerk plays a key role in county-level administrative operations, including:

• Preparing meeting packets for the Williamson County Commission.
• Publishing public notices for meetings and resolutions.
• Recording and maintaining minutes for Commission and Board meetings.
• Collecting various county-level taxes and fees tied to lodging, rentals, franchises, and regulated businesses.

These administrative duties make the Clerk’s office essential for maintaining governance records and managing official filings.

Court‑Related & Estate Services

The Clerk may act as a filing office for certain civil or probate matters, such as wills, estates, and estate administration, depending on county law. For estate, probate, or civil filings, the Clerk records and indexes all submitted documents. The office serves strictly as a record-keeping entity and does not provide legal advice.

How Residents Use These Services

How to Request Records & Use Clerk Services Steps

Requesting records or using clerk services in Williamson County is straightforward with multiple options available, including online, by mail, and in person. Most processes have clear steps, reasonable fees, and estimated processing times to help users plan accordingly.

Requesting Certified Copies / Public Records

Residents can request certified copies of vital records or public documents through the Clerk’s office. These include birth, death, marriage certificates, marriage licenses, and county commission minutes.

Steps to Request Records:

1. Online Requests: Visit the Williamson County Clerk of Court’s official website and use the records request portal. Fill in the form, upload identification if required, and pay the applicable fee.
2. In-Person Requests: Go to the Clerk’s office during office hours, complete the request form, and pay the fee at the counter.
3. Mail Requests: Download the request form from the website, complete it, include a copy of a valid ID, and mail it with payment to the Clerk’s office.

Fees and Processing:

• Fees vary depending on the type of record; check the current fee schedule for updates.
• Processing usually takes 3–10 business days for mailed requests and same-day processing for in-person requests in most cases.

E-Filing Court Documents

Williamson County allows electronic filing (e-filing) for certain courts, including Circuit Civil and Criminal cases. E-filing streamlines submitting legal documents without visiting the office.

How to E-File:

1. Visit the official e-filing portal linked on the Clerk’s website.
2. Create an account or log in if you already have one.
3. Upload your documents in the required format and complete the submission form.
4. Pay any applicable filing fees online.
5. Receive confirmation via email once the Clerk’s office accepts your documents.

Advantages:

• Faster submission than mailing documents.
• Reduces the need to visit the filing office in person.
• Access to filing history and status updates.

Vehicle, Title & Registration Services

The Clerk’s office also manages motor vehicle title and registration tasks, including renewals and duplicates.

Common Steps:

• Renewing Plates: Visit the Clerk’s office or use authorized kiosks. Provide your vehicle information and pay renewal fees.
• Obtaining Duplicate Titles: Submit an application form with proper identification and pay the title replacement fee.
• Vehicle Registration: Complete registration forms, provide proof of insurance, and pay applicable fees.

Applying for Licenses & Permits

The Clerk’s office handles marriage licenses, business licenses, and notary applications.

Steps to Apply:

• Obtain the correct application form from the Clerk’s website or in person.
• Complete the application and provide the necessary identification.
• Pay the required fee at submission.
• Receive your license or permit once approved.

Contact / Where to Go / Office Hours

For in-person services, the Williamson County Clerk of Court is located at:

Address: 405 Martin Luther King Jr. St., Franklin, TN 37064
Phone: (615) 790-5700
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Visitors are encouraged to call ahead to confirm hours or verify service availability. Online services are accessible 24/7 through the official website.

Court Clerk Services & Courts Served in Williamson County

The court clerk’s side in Williamson County covers filings, records, dockets, and court administration for many courts, including the District Court. The Williamson County Circuit Court Clerk (and related Clerk offices) handles civil and criminal court filings, maintains court records, manages court dockets, and coordinates with the District Court to ensure efficient processing of smaller civil cases, traffic violations, misdemeanors, and preliminary hearings for criminal matters.

Structure of Courts in Williamson County

• The county falls under the 21st Judicial District, which includes courts handling civil, criminal, probate, and chancellery matters.
• The main courts in the system are:
  • Williamson County Circuit Court (civil and criminal)
  • Williamson County General Sessions Court (civil small claims, criminal/traffic, first‑instance civil and criminal matters)
  • Williamson County Chancery Court (handles probate and some equity matters)

Residents may have different needs depending on their case type — small claims, traffic, civil lawsuits, family law, criminal, probate, etc.

Court‑Clerk Duties: What the Clerk’s Office Actually Does

When dealing with the courthouse and legal filings, the Clerk’s Office performs essential functions such as:

• Filing and entering all legal documents: pleadings, motions, papers, exhibits.
• Maintaining court records and case files for Circuit Court and General Sessions Court.
• Recording minutes of court proceedings and maintaining dockets — the official log of hearings, filings, and orders.
• Managing rule‑dockets and execution dockets, as required by state law.
• Managing funds under the Clerk’s control (for example, court costs, bonds, fines when applicable).

The Clerk’s Office serves as the administrative anchor for the county courts.

Types of Cases & Courts Served

Here is a breakdown of case types and which court (and Clerk’s office) handles them:

This ensures that whether someone seeks justice for a small civil dispute, needs help with a major lawsuit, or faces criminal charges, there is a designated court and Clerk’s office to manage the case appropriately.

Shift to E‑Filing & Paperless Court Records

The county has moved toward electronic filing (e‑Filing) and paperless record‑keeping for many civil cases:

• As of July 1, 2022, all files in the Circuit Civil Court are paperless. Litigants may use the approved e‑Filing system.
• The e‑Filing system follows statewide rules adopted by the Tennessee Supreme Court — electronic filing, signatures, and e‑service have the same legal effect as traditional paper filings.
• Clerks process electronic submissions, docket entries, and maintain the official electronic records in a document management system.

This shift makes filing more convenient and helps litigants, attorneys, and the public access records faster.

When to Contact Circuit Court Clerk vs County Clerk

Because there are multiple “Clerk” offices, it helps to know whom to contact depending on your need:

Contact the Circuit Court Clerk (or General Sessions Clerk) for:

• Case filings — starting a lawsuit, a criminal charge, a petition for divorce/name change, filing motions or pleadings.
• Docket management — checking hearing dates, court calendars, and status of filings or exhibits.
• Access to court case records: pleadings, orders, judgments, exhibits.
• Anything related to court hearings: traffic, civil lawsuits, criminal charges, and small claims.

Contact the County Clerk (or Chancery/Probate Clerk) for:

• Non‑case court public records: property deeds, land records, vital records, business filings.
• Requests involving public records not tied to a particular court case.

If the matter involves a court case — civil, criminal, small‑claims, or traffic — contact the Court Clerk’s Office. For general county records, contact the County Clerk or other designated record office.

Contact Information & Office Details

If you need to reach the Williamson County Clerk’s office, the address is 1320 W. Main Street, Suite 135, Franklin, TN 37064. The main phone number is (615) 790‑5712.

County Clerk’s Office

• Address: 1320 W. Main St., Suite 135, Franklin, TN 37064
• Phone: (615) 790‑5712
• Fax: (615) 790‑5610
• Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Court (Records / Filings) – Circuit & General Sessions

• Address: Williamson County Judicial Center, 135 4th Ave South, Franklin, TN 37064
• Phone: (615) 790‑5454
• Fax:
  • Civil: 615‑790‑5432
  • Criminal: 615‑790‑5411
  • General Sessions Civil: 615‑790‑5483
  • General Sessions Criminal: 615‑790‑5478
• Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Online Portals & Forms

• Court filing forms, e‑filing instructions, and other clerical documents.
• Vehicle registration and renewal, license, or permit applications.
• Public records and property records requests.

(FAQ) About the Clerk of Court

The Williamson County Clerk of Courts handles a variety of public services, from court filings to certified copies of vital records. The following questions address common inquiries residents have about clerk services, office procedures, and document processing.

What is the difference between the County Clerk and the Circuit Court Clerk?

The County Clerk handles public records, official documents, and administrative services, while the Circuit Court Clerk manages court filings and case records. The County Clerk’s office is responsible for issuing certified copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates, as well as managing vehicle registration, business filings, and certain licenses. The Circuit Court Clerk focuses on maintaining court records for civil, criminal, and probate cases. Understanding which office to contact ensures that residents receive the correct services efficiently and access the proper clerk services for their needs.

How do I obtain a certified copy of a birth, marriage, or death record?

Certified copies of vital records can be requested from the Clerk of Court’s office in person, by mail, or through online services. To make a request, individuals need to provide the full name of the person, the date of the event, and valid identification. Fees vary depending on the type of record, and processing times typically take several business days. Expedited options may be available for urgent requests. By following the proper procedures, residents can quickly obtain official documents for legal, personal, or administrative purposes.

Can the clerk’s office give legal advice?

The clerk’s office cannot provide legal advice or interpret the law. Staff members can explain procedures, provide forms, and clarify filing requirements, but they cannot offer guidance on legal decisions or court strategy. Individuals seeking legal advice should consult a licensed attorney. The clerk’s office ensures that residents can access court forms and instructions for filings, helping people complete their tasks accurately and comply with legal requirements without needing formal legal counsel.

How do I e-file court documents?

E-filing allows individuals to submit court documents electronically through the official portal. To use e-filing, users must create an account, upload the necessary documents, pay filing fees, and track submissions online. This process reduces the need for in-person visits and ensures that filings are officially recorded by the court. Some case types may still require paper filing, so it is important to verify which documents are eligible for electronic submission. E-filing provides a convenient and efficient way to manage court-related tasks.

What are the fees for record certification or vehicle registration?

Fees for services vary depending on the type of request. Certified copies of vital records usually cost between fifteen and twenty-five dollars per copy, while vehicle registration fees depend on the vehicle type, weight, and registration period. Court filing fees differ according to the type of case being filed. Payments can be made using cash, check, or approved electronic methods. These fees cover the administrative costs of processing official records and maintaining public services at the clerk’s office.