Tennessee Public Records

About Tennessee Public Records

Comprehensive Guide to Accessing Tennessee Public Records | Tennessee Public Records Act (TPRA)

Tennessee operates one of the more restrictive public records frameworks in the country, governed by the Tennessee Public Records Act (TPRA) under Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-101 through § 10-7-507. The state's commitment to transparency means that government records — from court filings and property deeds to criminal histories and vital statistics — are presumed public unless a specific exemption applies. This guide explains how to access Tennessee public records, what the law requires agencies to produce, how long you have to wait, what you can be charged, and what your options are if a request is denied.

THE LAW: Tennessee Public Records Act (TPRA)

Governing Statute: Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-101 through § 10-7-507

Tennessee's public records law establishes the legal framework for how

residents and the public can access government information. Enacted to ensure government accountability, the Tennessee Public Records Act (TPRA) establishes the right of any person to inspect and obtain copies of government records held by Tennessee state agencies, counties, municipalities, and other public bodies. The law reflects the principle that transparent government is a prerequisite for an informed citizenry and a functioning democracy.

Response Deadline

7 business days; agencies must make the record available or provide written notice of a specific date (not more than 7 days beyond the request) when records will be available

If an agency fails to respond within the required time, the request may be treated as a constructive denial — triggering the right to appeal. Always document the date of your submission and follow up in writing if no response is received.

Who Can Request Records In Tennessee

Tennessee citizens only — one of the few states with an explicit residency requirement. Non-residents do not have a right to request records, though they may be permitted access at agency discretion.

While Tennessee citizens only — one of the few states with an explicit residency requirement. Non-residents do not have a right to request records, though they may be permitted access at agency discretion., certain categories of records may impose additional eligibility requirements. Requesters are generally not required to state a reason for their request, and agencies in Tennessee are prohibited from using the requester's identity or stated purpose as a basis for denial.

How To Request Tennessee Public Records: Step-By-Step

1. 1 Identify the Records You Need

Before submitting a request, pinpoint which government agency holds the

records. Different agencies maintain different records:

1. 2 Draft Your Request

Write a specific, clearly worded request describing:

• ›Court records → Tennessee Court System
• ›Property records → County Recorder or Assessor
• ›Vital records (birth/death/marriage) → Tennessee Department of Health
• ›Criminal records → Tennessee State Police / Department of Public Safety
• ›Business filings → Tennessee Secretary of State
• ›Legislative records → Tennessee General Assembly
• ›The type of documents or records you seek
• ›The date range covered
• ›Names, case numbers, or addresses involved (if known)
• ›The format you prefer (electronic preferred to minimize fees)

Keep it specific — overly broad requests are more likely to result in delays

or fee estimates that stall the process.

1. 3 Submit to the Right Agency

Address your request to the specific agency's designated records custodian or records officer. In Tennessee, the primary oversight body is Tennessee Office of Open Records Counsel (OORC), 505 Deaderick St., Nashville, TN 37242; (615) 401-7891. Most agencies also accept requests by email — check the agency's website for the records officer's contact information.

1. 4 Track Your Request

Note the date you submitted your request. The agency must respond within

7 business days. Keep a copy of your submission and any acknowledgment

receipts.

1. 5 Review the Response

If the agency produces records: review them carefully. If records are

withheld, the agency must cite the specific statute authorizing withholding.

Request a log of all withheld records.

1. 6 Appeal If Denied

File in chancery or circuit court for the county where records are located

Fees For Tennessee Public Records

Actual cost of duplication; agencies may charge for staff time for extensive requests

Fee waivers may be available for journalists, nonprofit organizations, students, or when the disclosure serves the public interest. Always ask about fee waivers when submitting a request — agencies are not required to volunteer this information. If the fee estimate exceeds your budget, consider narrowing the scope of your request.

Key Exemptions: What Is Not Publicly Available

Personnel records, attorney-client privilege, medical records, active criminal investigation records, sealed juvenile records, trade secrets, and certain educational records

Understanding exemptions is critical before filing a request. Exempted records

include: Personnel records, attorney-client privilege, medical records, active criminal investigation records, sealed juvenile records, trade secrets, and certain educational records

If an agency cites an exemption, request that they identify the specific

statutory authority — vague or overly broad exemption claims can be successfully

challenged in district or circuit court.

Tennessee Public Records Oversight & Enforcement

Oversight Authority: Tennessee Office of Open Records Counsel (OORC), 505 Deaderick St., Nashville, TN 37242; (615) 401-7891

Tennessee's oversight authority plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with the Tennessee Public Records Act (TPRA). When agencies fail to respond or improperly withhold records, the oversight body can investigate, issue guidance, and in some cases impose penalties. Filing a complaint with the oversight authority is typically free and faster than pursuing a court action.

What Makes Tennessee'S Public Records Law Unique

Tennessee is one of only a handful of states that restricts records access to citizens — non-residents have no legal right to Tennessee public records. Tennessee also has a unique Office of Open Records Counsel (OORC) under the Comptroller of the Treasury that issues free advisory opinions, provides training, and maintains a detailed TPRA FAQ. Tennessee law also requires requesters to show proof of Tennessee residency.

Types Of Public Records Available In Tennessee

Court Records

Tennessee maintains an extensive court record system covering district,

circuit/superior, and appellate courts. Court records include civil case

filings, criminal dockets, probate records, family law cases (divorce,

custody, adoption), and small claims matters. Many Tennessee court records

are accessible through the state court's online portal or by visiting the

clerk of court's office in the relevant county.

Property Records

County-level property records in Tennessee include deeds, mortgage

documents, liens, tax assessment records, and zoning information. These are

maintained by the County Recorder (or equivalent) in each county. Property

records are among the most widely accessed public records and are often

available online through county government websites.

Vital Records (Birth, Death, Marriage, Divorce)

Vital records in Tennessee are maintained by the Tennessee Department

of Health (or equivalent). Certified copies of birth certificates, death

certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees are available to

eligible requesters upon submission of an application and required fee.

Ancestry and genealogy researchers may access historical vital records

through the Tennessee State Archives.

Criminal Records & Background Checks

Criminal history records in Tennessee are maintained by the Tennessee

Department of Public Safety or State Police. Background checks are governed

by both the Tennessee Public Records Act (TPRA) and the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

State-level criminal history includes felony and misdemeanor convictions,

arrests, and sex offender registry information.

Business & Corporation Records

All business entities formed or registered in Tennessee must file with

the Tennessee Secretary of State. Publicly available records include

articles of incorporation, registered agent information, annual reports,

officer names, and business status. These are often searchable online free

of charge through the Secretary of State's business search portal.

Voter Registration Records

Voter registration data in Tennessee is maintained by the Secretary of

State's Elections Division and county clerks. The scope of what is public

varies — names and addresses are typically public, while Social Security

numbers and driver's license numbers are withheld.

Government Contracts & Spending

Contracts between Tennessee government agencies and private vendors are

public records. These include procurement contracts, grants, professional

service agreements, and construction contracts. Many can be found through

the state's open data portal or through specific agency websites.

Environmental & Regulatory Records

Tennessee environmental agencies maintain records of permits, inspections,

violations, and remediation plans. These are public under both the Tennessee Public Records Act (TPRA)

and federal laws including the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know

Act (EPCRA).

How To Find Specific Tennessee Public Records

Birth Certificates:

Contact the Tennessee Department of Health, Vital Statistics office.

Online: Check the state health department's website for mail-in or online

ordering options. Fees apply for certified copies.

Death Records:

Available from the Tennessee Department of Health for recent deaths.

Historical death records are available through the State Archives and

genealogy platforms like FamilySearch and Ancestry.

Marriage Records:

Marriage licenses are filed with the county clerk or registrar in the county

where the marriage occurred. The state health department may maintain a

central index for certified copies.

Divorce Records:

Divorce decrees are filed in the circuit/district/superior court of the

county where the divorce was granted. Contact the clerk of that court.

Criminal Background Checks:

For a certified criminal background check, contact the Tennessee Department

of Public Safety or State Police. Online portals are available in most states.

Sex Offender Registry:

Tennessee maintains a public Sex Offender Registry available online.

The national registry is searchable at NSOPW.gov.

Property Records:

Search your county's Recorder, Register of Deeds, or Assessor website.

Most counties in Tennessee provide free online property record searches.

Court Records:

Search online through the Tennessee Courts' public case search portal.

Federal court records are available via PACER (pacer.uscourts.gov).

Important Legal Disclaimer

PublicRecordCenter.com is a privately owned, free public records directory. We

are not a government agency and not affiliated with any government body. We do

not store, sell, or provide consumer reports as defined by the federal Fair

Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Public records accessed through our directory may

not be used to determine eligibility for credit, insurance, employment, housing,

or other FCRA-regulated purposes.

All links provided lead to official Tennessee government websites and trusted

third-party resources. Information in this guide is current as of early 2026.

Verify current fees, deadlines, and procedures directly with the relevant agency

before submitting a request.

Quick Reference

Law Name: Tennessee Public Records Act (TPRA)

Statute: Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-101 through § 10-7-507

Response Deadline: 7 business days

Who Can Request: Tennessee citizens only — one of the few states with an expl

Standard Copy Fee: Actual cost of duplication; agencies may charge for staff time for extensive req

Appeal To: district or circuit court

Oversight: Tennessee Office of Open Records Counsel (OORC), 505 Deaderick St., Nashville, TN 37242; (615) 401-7891

Cite as: www.publicrecordcenter.com