Find Tennessee Public Records

Is Tennessee a Public Records State?

The State of Tennessee is committed to transparency, as evidenced by the Tennessee Open Records Act. This legislation ensures that residents can access public records without needing to provide a reason or disclose personal information, as long as the records are not confidential. The Act covers a wide range of records, including criminal records, court records, vital records, and millions of other public documents.

What is Public Information in Tennessee?

Public information in Tennessee encompasses various types of records, including:

Property records
Court records
Death records
Arrest records
Sex offender information
Criminal records
Birth records
Bankruptcy records

Municipal, county, and state agencies are required to make these records available for inspection and copying unless a lawful exemption applies. If an exemption is applicable, agencies may restrict access or redact confidential information before allowing inspection or copying, as outlined in TN Code Ann. § 10-7-503(a)(5).

How Do I Look Up Public Records in Tennessee?

To locate public records in Tennessee, follow these general steps:

Identify the Record: Determine the specific type of record you need. Different agencies maintain different records, so knowing the type of record is crucial.
Find the Responsible Agency: Identify the agency responsible for the record. For example, court records are managed by the court clerk, while arrest records are maintained by the county sheriff’s office or the Tennessee Department of Corrections. Vital records can be obtained from the Tennessee Office of Vital Records.
Prepare a Request: Draft a request that clearly describes the desired record. Tennessee law allows agencies to require written requests for copies but not for inspection. Requests may be submitted using a public records request form.
Submit the Request: Submit your request via the method accepted by the agency, such as email, fax, mail, telephone, online, or in person. Response times and submission options may vary by agency.

Utilizing Third-Party Resources for Tennessee Public Records Obtaining

City Records

Third-party websites offer access to city records with user-friendly search tools. Users may search for specific or multiple records by providing details such as:

Name of the subject (must be older than 18)
Requestor’s address
Case or file number (if known)
Document or person’s location
Last known or current address of the registrant

These third-party sites are not government-sponsored, so availability and accuracy may vary.

Public Records

Third-party public records websites provide expansive search capabilities. Users must provide sufficient information, such as:

Name of the subject (not a juvenile)
Last known location of the record subject

These platforms are not affiliated with government agencies, and the reliability of results can differ.

How To Look Up Public Records in Tennessee for Free?

Free access to Tennessee public records depends on the record type and the custodian agency. The Tennessee Public Records Act does not allow agencies to charge for inspection, only for copies. For example, inspecting records at any Tennessee County Clerk’s Office is free, though copying incurs a fee.

Many agencies also provide free online databases. Examples include real estate assessment data from the Comptroller of the Treasury and the Department of Corrections’ felony offender information.

Search Public Records in Tennessee

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