Tennessee public records
Tennessee trial-court records generally require the relevant clerk, while statewide assessment resources help locate county property information. TBI checks and court records have different coverage. The Public Records Act's access rights are for Tennessee citizens, with proof-of-citizenship rules to check before filing.
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Official record sources
Choose the document you need before searching. A case index, parcel assessment, recorded deed and certified certificate are different records. The links below lead to the responsible government service or its official directory.
| Record / custodian | How to access | Costs and coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Court recordsTennessee Administrative Office of the Courts | Find the clerk for the trial court; use the separate appellate case search where appropriate. | Local copies and certified documents have their own fees. Tennessee trial-court files are not all available through a single statewide public case portal. |
| Property and land recordsTennessee Comptroller property assessment data | Search available county assessment data and identify the register of deeds for recorded instruments. | Assessment lookup and county document copies differ. Coverage and update dates vary; the appraisal record does not replace a deed or title search. |
| Business recordsTennessee Secretary of State | Use the business-information search and filing/certificate services. | Search and ordered certificates have separate fees. Entity registration and local or professional licenses must be checked separately. |
| Birth, death, marriage and divorceTennessee Department of Health | Choose birth, death, marriage or divorce certificate instructions. | Certificate search and copy fees apply. Access and historical coverage differ by record type; full divorce decrees remain court records. |
| Criminal-history checksTennessee Bureau of Investigation | Choose the public Tennessee check or an authorized fingerprint-based service. | The TBI publishes charges by check type. A Tennessee-only check and a state/federal applicant check have different scope. |
A criminal charge is not a conviction. A name match does not establish identity. Use the official case disposition and the appropriate authorized record-check process when those distinctions matter.
Requesting agency records in Tennessee
Use this process for existing government agency records. Court case copies, vital certificates and criminal-history reports use the separate procedures in the table.
- Who can request
- The Tennessee Public Records Act gives Tennessee citizens access. Agencies may request proof of citizenship and use a records-request coordinator.
- How to submit
- Identify the Tennessee agency, municipality or county that maintains the record, then use its published records-custodian contact or accepted request channel. Describe existing documents, identifiers and dates. Keep the submitted request and acknowledgement; court copies and vital certificates use the separate services above.
- Response and delivery
- If immediate access is impracticable, the custodian generally has seven business days to provide records, deny access or explain the additional time needed.
- Fees and estimates
- Inspection is generally free. Copies and authorized labor may be charged under the applicable schedule; request an estimate before production.
- If access is denied
- The Office of Open Records Counsel offers assistance. A citizen denied access may petition the appropriate court for review.
Tennessee records-request example
Replace the brackets, narrow the dates and send this to the agency that holds the records. Use its required form or portal when applicable. This example requests agency documents; it is not a certificate application or court filing.
To: [the agency's designated records custodian] Subject: Tennessee public-records request — [record or project identifier] Under the Public Records Act (Tenn. Code Ann. § 10-7-503), I request electronic copies of the municipality's executed contract and paid invoices for [project] between [dates]. Please use existing records in their available electronic format. If any material is withheld, identify the legal basis and provide the non-exempt portions. Before incurring charges above [your limit], please send an itemized estimate. Please confirm receipt and the expected response date. [Name and contact details required by the receiving agency] [Requester eligibility or residency information, where required]
Before sending, check requester eligibility above. Keep the submission confirmation, cost estimate, response and any exemption cited so a follow-up or appeal can refer to the same request.
Tennessee public records FAQ
Where can I find Tennessee court records?
Find the clerk for the trial court; use the separate appellate case search where appropriate. Tennessee trial-court files are not all available through a single statewide public case portal.
Sources: Tennessee Administrative Office of the CourtsAre Tennessee public records free?
Inspection is generally free. Copies and authorized labor may be charged under the applicable schedule; request an estimate before production. Certificate and court-document services follow the separate charges listed above.
Sources: Tennessee official public-records guidance; Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts; Tennessee Department of HealthHow do I get birth, death, marriage or divorce records in Tennessee?
Choose birth, death, marriage or divorce certificate instructions. Access and historical coverage differ by record type; full divorce decrees remain court records.
Sources: Tennessee Department of Health; Tennessee Administrative Office of the CourtsIs a Tennessee court search a complete criminal-history check?
No. A Tennessee-only check and a state/federal applicant check have different scope. Choose the public Tennessee check or an authorized fingerprint-based service.
Sources: Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; Tennessee Administrative Office of the CourtsSources and review
Each link identifies the official custodian or its published directory. Portal coverage and fees can change; confirm the current order details before paying. The date below records the source review, not the date a government record was created.
- Tennessee official public-records guidance — checked
- Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts — checked
- Tennessee Comptroller property assessment data — checked
- Tennessee Secretary of State — checked
- Tennessee Department of Health — checked
- Tennessee Bureau of Investigation — checked
Browse other jurisdictions
Public-records access rules vary by jurisdiction. Continue through the directory or return to the full list to choose the agency location you need.
All public-records jurisdictions