Are Tennessee Records Public?

According to the Tennessee Public Records Act (TPRA), all records and documents made, maintained, or received by governmental agencies in the state are considered public and accessible to citizens of the state, except as otherwise provided by law. Public records include documents, papers, books, letters, maps, electronic files, photographs, sound records, and any other material made or received during the transaction of government business by any governmental entity.

Citizens have the right to access, inspect, and copy information considered public records in the state. Such records are typically kept by a designated agency that processes record requests, prepares information to assist with requests, and coordinates related activities.

Note: Non-citizens can also request records, but the custodian agency has the discretion to accept or deny such requests.

Who Can Access Tennessee Public Records?

In Tennessee, the right to access public records is generally reserved for citizens of the state. However, governmental agencies have the discretion to grant access to non-citizens.

Under the TPRA, governmental agencies can impose fees to cover the costs of responding to public records requests, typically including labor and copy fees.

When requesting access to public records, individuals may be required to present a government-issued ID containing an address. Alternatively, if such ID is unavailable, the governmental entity may accept other forms of identification deemed acceptable according to its public records policy.

While requests to inspect records need not be in writing, written requests are necessary when individuals intend to obtain copies of the requested records. Governmental entities must respond promptly to record requests, typically within seven (7) business days. Responses may include: 

• Granting the requester access to the record, 
• Providing a written denial to the record request with legal justification, 
• Requesting additional time to produce the record.

Do I Need to State My Purpose and Use When Requesting Public Records in Tennessee?

Generally, there is no requirement to specify the purpose or intended use when requesting public records in Tennessee under the TPRA. However, in exceptional cases, a records custodian may inquire about the reason for the request, as this information could be necessary to assess whether certain records can be disclosed.

What Records are Public in Tennessee?

Most records and documents created or maintained by government agencies in Tennessee are considered public by law. They include court records, inmate records, bankruptcy records, marriage records, sex offender information, and property records. Public records may come in paper form or electronic medium.

Tennessee Public Court Records

Tennessee court records include various documents and information related to legal proceedings of different cases handled by Tennessee courts. These documents and information include case files, judgments, orders, motions, pleadings, transcripts, and other documents filed or generated during a court case.

The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) or the clerk of the relevant court that handled the matter is responsible for maintaining court records. To obtain public court records in Tennessee, contact the court clerk of the matter. The Tennessee Supreme Court provides the general public with a Public Case Search History portal of its court records. It can be searched by case number, case style, and party name.

Interested persons should note that certain court records may be subject to restrictions or redactions, including juvenile records or sealed or expunged cases. Access to these records by the public is limited. The contact information of the AOC is below:

Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

511 Union Street, Suite 600

Nashville, TN 37219

(615) 741-2687

(800) 448-7970

Tennessee Public Criminal Records

Criminal records in Tennessee contain documents and information related to a person’s criminal history in the state. This includes basic information on the individual, mugshots, arrests, charges, convictions, and sentencing.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is the custodian agency of criminal records in Tennessee. Criminal records may be obtained by background checks. Background checks enable the public to get information about an individual’s criminal history in the state. They can be conducted online or by mail at $29 per check. Online background checks can be done using the criminal history information portal.

Mail requests are made by filling out the application form (English) or (Spanish) and forwarding it with payment and a government-issued ID to:

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation – TORIS Unit

901 R.S. Gass Blvd.

Nashville, TN  37216

(615) 744-4057

(615) 744-4000

Note: Exempt criminal records, such as juvenile records and redacted, sealed, or expunged records, are not accessible to the public.

Tennessee Public Arrest Records

Arrest records in Tennessee are available to the public (except those exempted by law). Citizens can obtain public arrest records by requesting the custodial law enforcement agency. Arrest records include information about individuals who have been apprehended or taken into the custody of law enforcement officers based on an alleged crime. It consists of the arrested person’s name, date of birth, race, physical description, and fingerprint.

Tennessee arrest records are maintained by the local law enforcement agencies or county sheriff where the arrest took place. Some counties provide an online arrest search tool for residents. Other counties accept mail or in-person requests.

Generally, juvenile arrest records, arrest records of persons not convicted, student arrest records, and records related to ongoing investigations are not accessible to the public.

Tennessee Public Bankruptcy Records

Tennessee bankruptcy records contain details of persons, companies, or other entities that have filed for bankruptcy in Tennessee. It includes information like the chapter under which the action was filed, the case status, the debt amount, the debtor’s income, the details of existing assets, and the list of creditors and the amount owed. Bankruptcy records are considered public.

The United States Bankruptcy Courts in Tennessee maintain bankruptcy records filed in the state. Tennessee is divided into three judicial districts, each with its bankruptcy court:

• United States Bankruptcy Court - Eastern District of Tennessee, with locations at Chattanooga, Greeneville, Knoxville, and Winchester
• United States Bankruptcy Court - Middle District of Tennessee, with locations at Nashville, Columbia, and Cookeville.
• United States Bankruptcy Court - Western District of Tennessee, with locations at Jackson and Memphis.

There are multiple ways to access bankruptcy records in Tennessee. Access to records is available through PACER, a public access court electronic records tool that allows users to search for specific cases across federal courts.

Alternatively, individuals can utilize public terminals at the courthouse during operating hours, typically from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, to search for documents. Another option is to make an in-person request at the courthouse.

Tennessee Public Birth Records

Tennessee birth records contain information about individual births that occurred in the state. Birth records are kept by the Tennessee Department of Health.

Tennessee birth records are not public records. They are accessible to the person named on the certificate, their spouse, parent, legal guardian, or child. If a person acts as an authorized representative for any of the qualified persons, the record may be released if the following additional documentation is provided:

• A photocopy of a signed government identification card for the authorized representative and the person they act for, and;
• A signed statement from that qualified person granting the Tennessee Office of Vital Records permission to release the copy to the authorized representative.

You can make in-person or mail applications for birth records by filling out the Application for Birth Certificate form. The filled out form should be accompanied with payment ($15 per copy) and a valid ID and submitted in person or by mail to:

Tennessee Vital Records

1st Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower

710 James Robertson Parkway

Nashville, TN  37243

In-person requests are usually processed on the same day, while mail requests take around four weeks to process.

Tennessee Public Death Records

Death records in Tennessee contain vital information about individuals’ deaths, like their full name, date and place of death, cause of death, and additional related information.

The Tennessee Department of Health maintains death records in the state. Only the spouse, parent, legal guardian, or child of the decedent can request their death record. These persons can also use an authorized representative to obtain such records.

The authorized representative must provide a photocopy of a government-issued identification card, signed by both the representative and the individual they are acting for, along with a signed statement from the qualified person authorizing the Tennessee Office of Vital Records to release the copy to the representative.

Applications for death records in Tennessee may be made in person or by mail. Complete the Application for Death Certificate form. The completed form should be accompanied with payment ($15 per copy) and a valid ID and submitted in person or by mail to:

Tennessee Vital Records

1st Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower

710 James Robertson Parkway

Nashville, TN  37243

The Tennessee Department of Health processes in-person requests on the same day, while mail requests are processed within four weeks.

Tennessee Public Marriage Records 

Tennessee marriage records provide details about marriages in the state, such as the name of the married couple, the date and place of the marriage, and the names of the officiant and witnesses.

The Tennessee Department of Health is the state's custodian agency for marriage records. Marriage records are only available to either couple, their parents, or their child. These persons qualified to obtain marriage records may also authorize their representative to obtain the record on their behalf. The authorized representative will be required to provide the following:

• A photocopy of a signed government identification card for the authorized representative and the person they represent and;
• A signed statement from that qualified person requesting that the Tennessee Office of Vital Records release the copy to the authorized representative.

To obtain Tennessee marriage records, you can submit an in-person or mail request. Fill out the Application for Marriage Certificate form. The filled out form, along with evidence of payment ($15 per copy) and a valid ID, should be submitted in person or by mail to:

Tennessee Vital Records

1st Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower

710 James Robertson Parkway

Nashville, TN  37243

In-person requests are typically processed on the same day of the request. Mail requests may take around four weeks to be processed.

Tennessee Public Divorce Records

Public divorce records in Tennessee usually provide key details about the dissolution of a marriage. This includes the full names of the parties involved, the date of the divorce decree, the court where the divorce was finalized, and any rulings related to child custody, spousal support, or division of assets. The Tennessee Department of Health keeps divorce records in the state.

Tennessee divorce records are only available to either of the divorced couple, any of their parents, or their child. These persons qualified to obtain marriage records may also authorize their representative to obtain the record on their behalf. The authorized representative will be required to provide the following:

• A photocopy of a signed government identification card for the authorized representative and the person they represent, and;
• A signed statement from that qualified person requesting that the Tennessee Office of Vital Records release the copy to the authorized representative.

Requesters can obtain Tennessee divorce records by making an in-person or mail request by completing the Application for Divorce Certificate form. The completed form, along with evidence of payment ($15 per copy) and a valid ID, should be submitted in person or by mail to:

Tennessee Vital Records

1st Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower

710 James Robertson Parkway

Nashville, TN  37243

In-person requests are processed on the same day the request is made. Mail requests may take around four weeks to be processed.

Tennessee Public Inmate Records

Tennessee inmate records are public records typically accessible to anyone interested in obtaining information on incarcerated individuals in the state. These records are maintained by the Tennessee Department of Correction. It provides online access to inmate records through the Tennessee Felony Offender Search portal. The portal can be searched using the inmate’s name, TDOC ID, and State ID. Information provided in inmate records include the inmate’s name, age, gender, race, booking date, release date, current facility location, offense(s) committed, sentence length, parole eligibility, and any disciplinary actions taken while incarcerated.

For inmates that are in municipal facilities, you can access their inmate records by contacting the relevant municipal facility they are being kept.

The contact details of the Tennessee Department of Correction is below:

Tennessee Department of Correction

320 Sixth Avenue North,

Nashville, Tennessee,

37423-0465

(615) 741-1000

Tennessee Public Sex Offender Information

According to Tennessee’s sex offender registration law, sex offender information is available to the public. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) maintains a regularly updated online-searchable Tennessee Sex Offender Registry. Users may search for offenders by name, alias, address, city, county, zip code, offender ID, offender classification, registry status, or offense. Users can also sign up for email alerts.

Sex Offender Registry Contact in Tennessee is below:

Phone Number: (888) 837-4170

Email: tbisormgr@tbi.tn.gov

The Tennessee Sex Offender Registry serves as a public resource for citizens to enhance community safety by providing access to pertinent information. However, any misuse of the information on the registry for unlawful activities such as threats, intimidation, stalking, or harassment may result in prosecution or civil liability for the individuals or groups involved.

Tennessee Public Property Records

Tennessee property records typically include information related to real estate and land ownership in the state. This includes property ownership details, property tax assessments, legal descriptions of the property, sales history, zoning information, and any recorded easements or liens.

To access property records in Tennessee, you may need to visit the county assessor’s office or the county clerk’s office where the property is located. Some counties may offer online databases for searching property records remotely. The Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury also provides an online property search portal for property searches regarding 86 of Tennessee’s 95 counties.

You should note that although property records are generally public, there are certain restrictions to public access of property records. For example, it is possible that the personal contact details of property owners may be redacted or withheld to protect privacy. Also, accessing some property records may require paying fees, particularly for obtaining copies of documents or accessing online databases. Finally, accessing specific types of property records, such as those related to ongoing legal disputes or sealed documents, may be subject to additional restrictions or requirements.

What is Exempted Under the Tennessee Public Records Act?

Under the Tennessee Public Records Act, exemptions refer to categories of records or information that are not subject to public disclosure. These exemptions are established to protect certain interests, such as privacy, security, or ongoing investigations.

State law, common law, court rules, and federal law govern the disclosure and exemption of records in Tennessee. You can check the public records exemption database for all records that are exempt from public access in Tennessee. Some examples of records and information that are not open for public inspection may include:

• Vital records, such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce records.
• Juvenile records.
• Student personally identifiable information.
• Confidential information and trade secrets.
• Privileged communications like attorney-client and married couples.
• Identifying information, which if disclosed will lead to the identification of a victim of a violent crime.
• Expunged and sealed records.
• Proposals, bids, and other documents submitted as part of a government bidding process.

How Do I Find Public Records in Tennessee?

Public records in Tennessee are not centrally stored or maintained; therefore, requests for them should be directed to the relevant governmental entity holding the records. To find public records in Tennessee, you need to identify the custodian agency of the records.

Requests can be made in person, by phone, fax, mail, email, or online (if the agency has an online portal for requests). Some entities may require written requests or specific forms for copies of records, which can be submitted in person, by mail, email, or online.

The TPRA requires that record requests be detailed enough to enable the custodian agency to identify the specific records sought, as they are not obligated to sort through files. Accordingly, requests may be denied for lack of sufficient information or being broad that it requires a records custodian to sort through files or compile information. A government-issued photo ID may be required for access, although alternative IDs may be accepted as outlined in the agency’s policy.

Can I Find Free Public Records in Tennessee Using Third-Party Sites?

Some third-party websites offer access to free Tennessee public records. They compile public information from various agencies at municipal and state level. These records could include court records, criminal information, and inmate details. To conduct a search on these platforms, you typically need to provide specific information such as the registrant’s name, the date the record was filed, and the location. Unlike official channels, most third-party sites do not require your ID card for processing requests.

Note: It is important to verify the accuracy of information obtained from third-party sites by cross-referencing it with official government sources, as the reliability of records can vary.

How Much Do Public Records Cost in Tennessee?

Under the TPRA, custodian agencies are prohibited from charging requesters who seek to inspect public records. However, if copies of records are requested after inspection, the agency may charge costs for copies and labor associated with providing such copies.

The cost for copies is typically 15 cents per black and white copy and 50 cents per color copy, unless the agency’s production cost exceeds these rates. Additionally, labor costs may be incurred after one hour of work by the custodian, with charges based on the hourly wage of employees involved in producing the requested information. There may be charges associated with providing records in electronic format or online. Before carrying out the request, the governmental agency must provide an estimate of the reasonable costs involved.

What Happens If I Am Refused a Public Records Request in Tennessee?

If you are refused a public records request in Tennessee, it may be for reasons such as insufficient detail in the request or the records not being promptly available. In such cases, the custodian is required to provide written denial with a legal basis or indicate additional time needed to produce the record.

If the custodian fails to respond within seven business days, it constitutes a denial. The Tennessee Public Records Act does not offer administrative review for denials, but individuals can seek assistance from the Tennessee Open Records Counsel. If resolution is not achieved through that means, you can file a petition in the chancery or circuit court of the county where the records are located or in Davidson County (Nashville) if they are state records.