About the Clerk
Maryellen O'Shaughnessy began her tenure as Franklin County Clerk of Courts in January 2009. Prior to serving as Clerk, O'Shaughnessy was elected three times as a Columbus City Council Member, representing the 14th largest city in the nation. She was committed to providing excellent services, listening to neighborhood concerns, and providing the resources necessary to keep her community thriving. She served as chair of the Public Service and Transportation, Utilities, and Development committees, working for sustainable development and growth practices, complete streets policies and balanced transportation systems, and the redevelopment of Downtown Columbus and its core neighborhoods.
Clerk O'Shaughnessy and her husband, Tim Feran.
Clerk O'Shaughnessy is a fifth-generation Central Ohioan and comes from a family dedicated to public service. She is also a fourth-generation funeral director and owner of O’Shaughnessy Company Funeral Directors, established in 1889. A graduate of Bishop Watterson High School and The Ohio State University, O’Shaughnessy is an active volunteer in her church and parish and is past recipient of the Diocesan Service Award.
Clerk O'Shaughnessy and her son, Colin.
Since 2022, Clerk Maryellen O’Shaughnessy has chaired the e-Governance Board of Franklin County. Clerk O’Shaughnessy is also involved in the Ohio Clerk of Courts Association and the Ohio Funeral Directors Association, sitting on their legislative committees. She was on the boards of the Columbus Historical Society, the Greenways Working Group of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, and serves as Vice President of Columbus Outdoor Pursuits.
About the Office
Since Ohio became a state in 1803, judicial systems required each county to have a Clerk of Courts as a County elected official, who is tasked to preserve records for future generations. In the interest of justice, it is important for Clerk offices to remain independent from the judges they serve. This separation prevents even the appearance of judicial bias. The Franklin County Clerk of Courts is an elected official. Clerk O’Shaughnessy is currently serving in her fifth four-year term.
Clerk O'Shaughnessy and Chief of Staff, Angela Mathews
In the Franklin County Clerk of Courts’ Office, approximately 200 full-time Deputy Clerks serve in five divisions: Auto Title, Legal, Fiscal Services, Information Technology, and Administration. Four of those divisions are in seven different offices in the Franklin County Courthouse complex. The fifth, Auto Title, is in four conveniently located branch offices throughout Franklin County. Each division is important to the Franklin County Clerk of Courts’ two major functions: management of court documents and issuance of auto titles.
Our Legal Division Deputy Clerks are responsible for receiving, receipting, managing, and retaining all legal documents filed through the Court of Common Pleas and the 10th District Court of Appeals.
Our Deputy Clerks execute their responsibilities in strict accordance with the record retention requirements established by Ohio law.
In 2024, the Legal Division processed 144,519 new cases in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas and 10th District Court of Appeals, up from 140,829 in 2023. Since the full implementation of e-Filing in 2012, our processing times have reduced from an average of three business days to one business day, with most filings processed in less than four business hours.
Our Auto Title Division Deputy Clerks manage the titling of vehicles under the strict adherence of Ohio laws and rules to provide legal proof of ownership. In 2024, our Auto Title Division processed 557,697 auto titles, up from 521,794 in 2023, with an average wait time of seven minutes. Since 2009, our busy Auto Title branches generated nearly $11 million in funds that have been given to the County General Fund to help the Franklin County Commissioners continue to provide essential services to our residents.
Organizational Chart
Auto Title Division
The Clerk’s Auto Title Division is comprised of four branch locations. Auto Title processes titles for motor vehicles, watercraft, motorcycles, manufactured homes, and campers. Whether you are buying or selling a motor vehicle, our Auto Title Division is there to grant the proof of ownership required by state law.
Notable Successes and/or Innovative Programs
Franklin County Auto Title was pleased to see a 7 percent increase in title issuance over 2023 despite the continuing fluctuation of interest rates. This represents an increase of more than 35,000 titles. Title issuance in the State of Ohio was up 2.4 percent in 2024 continuing to increase from an 11 percent decline in 2022. Franklin County Auto Title continues its commitment of issuing titles to customers for legal proof of ownership.
- Franklin County Auto Title processed more than 557,000 titles in 2024.
- Average turnaround time for dealer packages processed at all branches was right at our goal of four hours.
- Average customer wait time was seven minutes; under 15 minutes is the goal.
In addition to our yearly statistical goals, we had success with several projects in 2024.
- Franklin County Auto Title continued to offer a safe environment for our customers and staff while serving over 172,000 customers in our branches.
- We continue to offer service by appointment with the ability for customers to go online to schedule an appointment or call our customer service staff for assistance.
- We continued to maintain a valuable "Dealer Support" phone line for our business customers.
- Franklin County Auto Title successfully piloted the state Bureau of Motor Vehicles computer workstation upgrade in 2024.
- We installed cubicles in the back of our main office to house large volume title issuing for our large dealer customers.
- Franklin County Auto Title began processing registrations from electronically submitted documents providing a more efficient and timely option for dealer customers.
- Franklin County Auto Title issued 21 percent of Ohio titles processed statewide through the Ohio Title Portal.
Goals for 2025
Franklin County Auto Title seeks to provide Accurate, Courteous, and Timely service to the residents of Franklin County and all of Central Ohio who come into our offices. To that end:
- We will continue to provide a safe and positive environment for both staff and general public in our branches.
- We will continue our initiative of training and retraining staff to provide the most value to our customers.
- All staff will complete a new round of fraudulent activity training via the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles Investigations online fraud training resource.
- We will continue seeking a new, accessible location for our North Title Office.
- In 2025 Franklin County Auto Title will pilot the ILA (Instant Language Assistant) Translate Live tablets to assist our offices with clear communication with customers.
- After a successful testing period in 2024, we are fully trained and prepared to process registrations from electronically submitted documents for any dealer customer who can benefit from this service.
Online Appointment Scheduling Made Possible with Lobby Central
To schedule your next visit, please visit FranklinCountyAutoTitle.com/scheduling or call our Auto Title Dedicated Help Line at 614.525.3090.
Title Transactions
The Franklin County Clerk of Courts Auto Title Division issues four main types of titles.
- Original: Issued to a new owner for the first time.
- Replacement: Issued when the current original title contains a discrepancy, is defaced in such a way that the title becomes invalid, or when the title requires an update without a transfer of ownership.
- Duplicate: Issued when the current title has been lost, stolen, or destroyed. No transfer of ownership occurs.
- Salvage: Issued when the vehicle has been wrecked beyond repair ("totaled") or when law enforcement takes ownership of an abandoned vehicle.
OCCA
Sharlene Chance, Director of Legal Compliance, training at the 2024 OCCA Winter Conference
The Ohio Clerk of Courts Association (OCCA) has been an organization since 1940. The organization exists to assist Clerks in all 88 counties and to exercise influence in legislation that affects county clerks.
- Education Committee – The Clerk, alongside the Director of Legal Compliance, chairs the Education Committee. The Clerk is responsible for establishing an agenda for education programming, establishing criteria for education certification, and for obtaining and awarding education awards at the annual meeting.
- Constitution and Bylaws Committee – As a member of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee, the Clerk and Director of Legal Compliance review and recommend any changes to the Constitution and Bylaws for the benefit of OCCA.
- Legislative Committee – Serving on Legislative Committee, the Clerk and Director of Legal Compliance ascertain whether any legislation affecting the Clerk of Courts has been or is likely to be introduced in the General Assembly of Ohio and work closely with representatives to determine the impact it will have on the Clerk’s Office.
- Title Committee – The Clerk, along with the Director of Auto Title, serve on the Title Committee. As members, they review and share information pertinent to the Clerk’s title duties and operations, and interaction with state-level partners.
Legal Divisions
Our Legal Divisions consist of: Appeals, General (Civil/Criminal), Domestic Relations, and Juvenile Divisions. The Legal Divisions are comprised of approximately 100 Deputy Clerks who manage the documents for each of these courts in Franklin County.
Appeals
The 10th District Court of Appeals, located on the 24th floor of the County Administration Building, handles cases appealed from the Court of Common Pleas, Municipal Court, Environmental Court, and Court of Claims. We manage their documents in our office on the 23rd floor.
General (Civil/Criminal)
The General Division of the Common Pleas Court, located in the courthouse at 345 South High Street, hears felony criminal cases and civil cases in which damages claimed or the amount in contention exceeds $15,000. We manage civil and criminal documents in our offices on the 1st floor. In addition, the Clerk’s General Division is an authorized U.S. Department of State Passport Acceptance Agent. A Deputy Clerk reviews the completed application, takes the passport photo, and forwards all documents and payments to the U.S. Department of State.
Domestic Relations and Juvenile
The Domestic Relations Division and Juvenile Branch of the Common Pleas Court is in the Franklin County Office Tower, 373 South High Street. The court handles family law cases including divorce, dissolution, legal separation, child custody, and child support, as well as juvenile traffic cases, delinquency, truancy, and abuse, neglect, or dependency of a minor. The Clerk’s Domestic and Juvenile Divisions are located on the 4th floor of 373 South Front Street.
New Cases by Division
Annually, our Office processes and maintains the records for over 100,000 new cases. These include new cases initiated in all legal divisions, administrative matters for each court, and judgment liens filed in Franklin County. Judgment liens are set forth separately in their own chart below due to the large number processed annually in our Civil Division.
The number of judgment liens in 2024 increased to 102,043 from 99,174 in 2023. Lien satisfactions are handled by our General Division located at 345 South High Street.
Foreclosure Cases
Foreclosures are included in our Civil case filings above. Our office processed 1,712 foreclosure cases in 2024, down from 1,842 in 2023.
Evictions are filed in the Franklin County Municipal Clerk of Courts office.
Protection Orders
Civil Stalking Protection Order (CSPO): For two or more incidents in which the respondent caused an individual to believe that they are in danger. Petitioner and respondent do not have children in common.
Civil Sexually Oriented Offense Protection Order (CSOOPO): For instances of one sexually-oriented offense. Petitioner and respondent do not have children in common.
Domestic Violence Civil Protection Orders (CPO): For those related by blood or marriage, who have a child in common, or have lived together within the last five years as a spouse. There does not need to be a current criminal case. Dating Violence Civil Protection Orders are also available in the Domestic Relations Court to those who are victims of dating violence. These orders last up to five years.
Juvenile Protection Order (JPO): For orders against a person under the age of 18.
Applying for a Protection Order
Civil Stalking Protection Order
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas
345 South High Street, 2nd Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614.525.3766
Domestic Civil and Juvenile Protection Order
Franklin County Administration Building
373 South High Street, 6th Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614.525.3628
Electronic Filing (e-Filing)
Since the implementation of e-Filing in 2012, our processing times have been reduced from an average of three business days to one business day, with most filings processed in under four hours. e-Filing is available 24/7, which has enhanced convenience and expediency. The total number of e-Filings processed in 2024 was 698,368.
One-Stop Passport Shop
The Clerk’s General Division is an authorized U.S. Department of State (DOS) Passport Acceptance Agent. A Deputy Clerk reviews the completed application, takes the passport photo, and forwards the documents and payments to the U.S. Department of State.
Office of Fiscal Services
The Office of Fiscal Services collects and disburses court-related and public funds in strict accordance with Ohio law. The Office of Fiscal Services maintains our financial infrastructure and provides an independent, objective oversight of all monetary transactions. Primary duties include budget management, cash management, centralized accounting, auditing, and financial policy oversight.
The Office of Fiscal Services audits the financial activity of each division and validates the timeliness, accuracy, and integrity of receipts. The Office of Fiscal Services provides the Clerk's Office and the general public comprehensive financial documentation and reports. The Franklin County Clerk of Courts' 2025 approved budget is $23,894,215 down from $28,483,379 in 2024. (Source: Franklin County Office of Budget Management).
Information Technology
The Information Technology Division provides support and innovative solutions to meet the technical needs of the Clerk’s internal and external customers. Every records request, visit to our website, transaction, and phone call is tracked and analyzed to increase efficiency. Information Technology aims to ensure the Clerk’s systems are functioning for staff and public use while continuing to evolve as new potential cyber security vulnerabilities are identified.
Electronic Document Enhancements
In an effort to support our judicial partners, the Information Technology Division developed a software process to load PDF forms with hearing information from our case management database. Having the PDF forms pre-loaded with information allows remote hearings to continue with more efficiency and accuracy.
Automatic Scheduling for Court Hearings
Deputy Clerks at the 2024 PMI AI x YOU Professional Development Day
Information Technology worked with a third-party vendor and the Franklin County Data Center to update the County Justice System and e-Flex to allow court dates to be auto-scheduled in a timetable as prescribed by the court. This prevents the possibility of multiple courtroom bookings for a single time slot.
Civil Protection Orders
Information Technology implemented the ability for Domestic Relations Court staff to e-File Civil Protection Orders, which has reduced the number of individuals that physically touch paperwork.
Translate Live
The integration of translation service devices is an important development in the Clerk's continued efforts in providing equal access to justice. As part of a pilot program, over the next year we will be implementing an Instant Language Assistant which will provide real-time translations at all customer counters to better serve our diverse community. This initiative is a significant step toward inclusivity, ensuring that everyone can access the services they need without language being a barrier.
Ultimate Kronos Group (UKG)
UKG streamlines and automates administrative and Human Resources tasks. As a cloud-based application, UKG’s HR Modules and Timekeeper systems provide a secure environment for managing employee data. The Clerk of Courts IT department is responsible for maintaining system security, managing workflows, and troubleshooting issues as requested by Human Resources and Training.
Lobby Central
Lobby Central kiosk upgrade: Lobby Central is used to provide better management of our customers time. It allows in-person or online scheduling of appointments. During 2024 we migrated from a Windows PC kiosk to a more streamlined iPad solution, making the system more familiar and easier to use for Auto Title Customers.
Case Management System
The Clerk’s Information Technology Division, along with other county offices and agencies, are working to modernize the Case Management System. The purpose of the new system is to create an integrated, secure case management system that provides reliable, efficient, and accurate records to the public. This will bring the lastest technologies to the Clerk’s Office and increase the people’s access to justice. The Case Management System project has been made possible by the collaborative efforts of Clerk Maryellen O’Shaughnessy and her partners on the e-Governance Board.
Good Deeds
The Good Deeds Program is a public service brought to you by the Franklin County Probate Court, Clerk of Courts, and Recorder. Visit clerk.frankincountyohio.gov to learn more about affirmative steps you can take to simplify the transfer of certain assets after your death.
Contact our Office at 614.525.3600 if you would like to schedule a presentation for your community group.
Clerk Maryellen O'Shaughnessy, Recorder Daniel J. O'Connor Jr.,
and Chief Magistrate Kelly Green presenting at Franklin County Office on Aging
Clerk Maryellen O'Shaughnessy, presenting at the Whitehall Senior Center
Administration
Human Resources and Training host a job fair
Administration consists of the Clerk's Chief of Staff, Communications, Legal Compliance, and Human Resources and Training. This Division provides guidance and support to all other divisions.
Communications represents the Office to the press, public, and other agencies. They develop strategies to connect constituencies with the services we provide.
Legal Compliance ensures the Clerk, her Deputy Clerks, and all processes are in legal accordance with Ohio law. Legal Compliance also provides procedural and ethical standards for the Office, reinforces the importance of providing legal information as opposed to legal advice, and oversees the accessibility and fulfillment of public records requests.
Human Resources and Training oversees hiring, training, benefits, payroll, labor relations, performance management, and strategic planning. In 2024, the department reached several key milestones, including supporting the creation of an employee-led Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee, implementing technology to improve performance management, updating job descriptions to reflect current roles, and a review of staff classifications. These achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to employee development, inclusivity, and organizational success.
Looking Ahead: Goals for 2025
- Expanding training programs, including leadership development, cross-training, and mentorship opportunities for employees.
- Increasing employee engagement through new initiatives and activities.
- Optimizing human resources technology by fully integrating upgraded systems, automating manual tasks, and using analytics to identify trends and improve processes.
- Celebrating employees by recognizing events, achievements, and milestones on a regular basis.
Administration works closely with Deputy Clerks to address their needs and strives to create a safe and respectful work environment. The Clerk’s administrative office is in the County Administration Building, 373 South High Street on the 23rd floor.
In 2025, Clerk Maryellen O’Shaughnessy, in her 16th year as your Franklin County Clerk of Courts, remains committed to the people she serves and the services her Office provides. By continuing to enhance customer service, invest in the growth and well-being of our Deputy Clerks, and by using the latest technological advances, she works to be the leader of the best County Clerk's Office in Ohio.
Training
Ellen French, Director of Human Resources and Training
delivering Clerk Star Curriculum
- Bullying in the Workplace & Conflict Resolution
- Implicit Bias - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Customer Service with Impact
- Anti-Sexual Harassment
- Legal Advice vs. Legal Information
Combatting the Opioid Epidemic
In partnership with Franklin County Public Health, the Franklin County Clerk of Courts' offices are supplied with Narcan that can be administered by trained staff. Although we do not expect an overdose to ever take place in our offices, we are prepared for such an event.
C.R.A.S.E. (Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events)
The C.R.A.S.E. course is conducted by the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and is designed and built on the Avoid, Deny, and Defend strategy developed by ALERRT in 2004. This course provides strategies, guidance, and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event.
Ethics Training
Deputy Clerks complete annual Ethics Training virtually through the Ohio Ethics Commission. The purpose of this training is to ensure public officials and employees do not misuse their official positions for their own personal benefit or for the benefit of their family members or business associates.
Legal Advice vs. Legal Information
The Director of Legal Compliance conducts annual training to differentiate legal advice versus legal information for Deputy Clerks. The Clerk and her Deputies are prohibited by law from providing legal advice.
Supervisor Bootcamp
A full-day in-person training session with supervisors conducted by Director of Human Resources and Training, and Director of Public Affairs and Workforce Development.
- Stock Your Toolbox
- Difficult Conversations, Positive Outcomes
- Conducting Meaningful Performance Evaluations
- Understanding Progressive Discipline
- Developing Successful Performance Improvement Plans
KnowBe4
All employees are to complete KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training to help manage the IT security problems of social engineering, spear phishing, and ransomware attacks which are at an all-time high.
Employee Spotlight
"I truly enjoy the supportive atmosphere at the Clerk's Office. I am able to learn and grow from both my team and the varied tasks I handle as a manager. The often changing nature of my work helps me expand my abilities and adapt to new challenges."
Erika Hidalgo, Juvenile Division
Employee since 2023
"I truly value the opportunity to collaborate with talented individuals who inspire me to push my own boundaries and grow professionally. The sense of purpose in my work, and the impact it has on both the Office and the community, makes this job incredibly fulfilling."
Patty Wiltron-Huiltron, Auto Title
Employee since 2022
"I have truly appreciated my time with the Clerk's Office for the past 30 years. I am grateful for the knowledge I’ve gained and the experiences I’ve had. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside talented and dedicated colleagues in various Divisions, which has been a blessing. It’s a joy working with such wonderful people."
Rindy Marcum, Appeals Division
Employee since 1994
"Working for the Clerk of Courts is a rewarding experience both personally and professionally. I thoroughly enjoy the diversity of my co-workers, their sense of humor and most importantly the empathy that is demonstrated in serving the public."
Wayne Chilicki, General Division
Employee since 2023
"I love my work because it allows me to make a real difference in the community while being part of a team that feels like family. With 29 years of experience at Auto Title South, I’ve built lasting relationships with colleagues who inspire and support me every day."
Debbie McDaniel, Auto Title
Employee since 1996
"Working in IT has been a tremendous experience. I’ve had the opportunity to develop crucial skills that have enhanced my career. Seeing projects come to life and knowing they contribute to the efficiency and success of the office is truly fulfilling. I enjoy being part of a team that works together to create solutions that improve operations and serve the public."
Torrey Taylor, Information Technology
Employee since 1989
One Stop Passport Shop
The Clerk’s General Division is an authorized U.S. Department of State (DOS) Passport Acceptance Agent. A Deputy Clerk reviews the completed application, takes the passport photo, and forwards the documents and payments to the U.S. Department of State.
The One-Stop Passport Shop is open weekdays
8:00 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.
Please Note:
Wednesdays - Open to the Public at 8:15 A.M.
Fees for the passports / cards are separate from the service / photo fees for the Clerk of Courts.
- A check or money order is required for the Passport Book / Card fee.
- The Clerk of Courts service fees and on-site photo fees can be paid by check, MasterCard, Visa, or Cash.
U.S. Department of State Passport Information
| |
Age 16 and over: |
Age 15 and under: |
Accepted Payment Methods |
| Passport Book* |
Validity - 10 years |
Cost - $130 |
Validity - 5 years |
Cost - $100 |
Check or Money Order payable to “U.S. Department of State |
| Passport Card** |
Validity - 10 years |
Cost - $30 |
Validity - 5 years |
Cost - $15 |
| Prices are subject to yearly increase. |
Clerk of Courts' Passport Fees
| Service Fee Per Application |
On-site Photo |
Accepted Payment Methods |
| Cost - $35 |
Cost - $15 |
Cash, Major Credit Card, Check/Money Order payable to "Clerk of Courts" |
| Prices are subject to yearly increase. |
*Passport Book is valid for travel anywhere.
**Passport Card is valid for land or sea travel to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda.
The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air.
345 South High Street, 1st Floor
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614.525.3621
Open Weekdays 8:00 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. (not including holidays)
Please Note: Wednesdays - Open to the Public at 8:15 A.M.
Groups of four or more are required to schedule an appointment by calling 614.525.3621.
What To Bring
- Correct forms of payment
- United States DOS Passport Application
- Proof of Identification and Citizenship
For more passport information, visit our passport page at clerk.franklincountyohio.gov.
Career
Opportunities
"We are always searching for dedicated public servants to join our team."
- Clerk Maryellen 'Shaughnessy
Visit our application website to view the latest job postings:
clct.FranklinCountyOhio.gov/employment
Clerks of Court
Franklin County has two elected Clerks of Court who each serve the public in conjunction with their respective court systems, and have a different scope of responsibilities outlined in the Ohio Revised Code (ORC). Below are some of the main differences between the statutory roles of the two Clerks' offices.
Maryellen O’Shaughnessy
Franklin County Clerk of Courts, governed by ORC 2303
- Criminal Felonies
- Civil Lawsuits (damages $15,000 and over)
- Divorces and Dissolutions
- Custody and Child Support
- Civil Protection Orders
- Juvenile Traffic Violations
- Juvenile Delinquency
- Child Welfare
- Administrative Appeals
- Court of Appeals Cases
- Automobile and Watercraft Titles
- Passport Services
Lori Tyack
Franklin County Municipal Clerk of Court, governed by ORC 1901.31
- Criminal Misdemeanors
- Civil Lawsuits (damages under $15,000)
- Small claims suits (damages under $6,000)
- Adult Traffic Violations and License Suspensions
- Rent Escrow
- Environmental Hearings
- Preliminary Felony Hearings
- Evictions
Historical Index
Visit our web page for a historical index of the Franklin County Clerk Of Courts.
Making an Impact
The Holiday Wish program welcomes a variety of gifts and donations to cater to the diverse needs and wishes of children in Franklin County, Ohio.
Our Deputy Clerks contributed over 500 donated items to the 2024 Holiday Wish Toy Drive.
Every year our 200+ Deputy Clerks support the Mid-Ohio Foodbank and its partner agencies in the fight to end hunger. Each year, the lives of more than half a million central and eastern Ohio residents are touched through this community-wide effort.
- Donated $3,625
- Sold 6,660 candy bars
- Collected over 800 personal hygiene products
- Collected over 80 stuffed animals
Our Deputy Clerks joined other Franklin County offices and agencies to support the Combined Charitable Campaign and the United Way of Central Ohio. Through payroll deductions and individual contributions, Deputy Clerks donated $9,298.81 to dozens of local charities.
Fee Schedules
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Public Parking
Hours of Operation
Visit our web page for our hours of operation.