Tennessee public records and people search guide
In Tennessee, the Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503) governs access to government records. Court cases are generally public at the court where they were filed. Searching public records for personal reasons is legal; using them to screen tenants or employees requires an FCRA-compliant report.
At a glance
What is usually public in Tennessee
- Court records: civil, criminal, small claims and most probate filings, unless sealed or confidential by law.
- Property records: owner of record, deeds and tax assessments, from the county assessor and recorder. See how to find a property owner.
- Business filings: companies registered with the Tennessee Secretary of State (or equivalent office).
- Professional licenses: through Tennessee's licensing boards. See how to verify a license.
- Sex offender registry: Tennessee's registry is included in the national search at NSOPW.gov.
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage, divorce): access rules vary; many are restricted to the people named or their families. Contact the Tennessee vital records office or the county.
How to request records from a Tennessee agency
- Identify the agency that holds the record (city, county or state).
- Send a written request that describes the records as specifically as you can, citing the Tennessee Public Records Act. Many agencies have an online portal.
- Expect a response within the statutory period: Promptly, or within 7 business days provide the records, deny in writing, or give an estimated date.
- Ask about copy fees up front.
- If denied, ask for the specific exemption relied on. Appeal options are summarized in the guide below.
Detailed, maintained legal summary: Reporters Committee Open Government Guide: Tennessee.
Searching Tennessee court records
- Tennessee Judicial Branch: court directory, forms and access policies.
- Trial court records are kept by county clerks; access methods vary by county.
- Federal cases in Tennessee: PACER.
Reading results: an arrest is not a conviction, and similar names are easy to confuse. Match the date of birth and county. See how to check criminal records legally.
Public profiles, photos and phone data. Private: nobody is notified.
Tennessee area codes
Questions
Are court records public in Tennessee?
Most Tennessee court records are open to the public unless sealed, expunged or confidential by law (for example juvenile and many family matters). Start at the Tennessee Judicial Branch website or the clerk of the court where the case was filed.
What is Tennessee's public records law?
The Tennessee Public Records Act (T.C.A. § 10-7-503) gives the public a right to inspect and copy government records, with exemptions set by law. Response time: Promptly, or within 7 business days provide the records, deny in writing, or give an estimated date.
Can I run a background check on someone in Tennessee?
You can search public records yourself for personal reasons. For hiring, renting, lending or insurance decisions, federal law (the FCRA) requires a consumer reporting agency and the person's permission, and Tennessee may add its own rules.
How do I look up a Tennessee phone number?
Enter it in a reverse phone lookup. Tennessee area codes include 423, 615, 629, 731, 865, 901 and more.
Updated 2026-10-28. Links checked 2026-10-28. General information, not legal advice; statutes change, so confirm details with the agency or the Reporters Committee guide.
TrueSearch is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Do not use TrueSearch or anything on this page to make decisions about employment, housing or tenant screening, credit, insurance, or any other FCRA-covered purpose. Results come from publicly available information and licensed telecom data and may be incomplete or out of date.