OPEN PUBLIC RECORDS

Because You Need to Know
Tennessee Public Records

Use this page to find court records, arrest records, and other public records in Tennessee. Each section links to the official agency or online tool that holds the records.

⚡ At a Glance

  • State courts: 95 counties across 31 judicial districts
  • Federal courts: 3 U.S. District Courts (Eastern, Middle, Western)
  • Background checks: TBI — Tennessee Criminal History Check
  • Records law: Tennessee Public Records Act
How to use this page: Pick the type of record you need below. Court records and arrest records each have their own section with links to the agencies that hold them. Official links go to government websites — not third-party services.

Start here: Choose the type of record you need below, then follow the link to the official source.

What You Can Find Here

⚖️ State and federal court case records
🔍 Arrest records and jail bookings by county
📋 Criminal background checks through TBI
🏛️ Property, vital, and other public records
What you will need:
  • Full name of the person or business
  • Case number, if you have one
  • Approximate date or location of the record

Court Records

Tennessee has 95 counties across 31 judicial districts. Court records are maintained by each county's clerk. The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts provides directory information to find your local court.

County-level court records include circuit courts, chancery courts, criminal courts, and general sessions courts. Online availability varies by county.

Federal Courts

Federal cases in Tennessee are handled by three U.S. District Courts:

  • Eastern District — Knoxville, Chattanooga, Greeneville, Winchester
  • Middle District — Nashville, Columbia, Cookeville
  • Western District — Memphis, Jackson

Federal court records are available through the PACER system. Some records can be viewed at no cost at federal courthouse public terminals.

⚖️ Tennessee Courts Website 🏛️ Tennessee Case Management Services

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Tennessee are created and held by the arresting agency. Contact the agency directly for copies.

For statewide criminal history, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) provides criminal history checks.

🔍 TBI — Criminal History Checks 📋 Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

Use the official link above to access records or contact the office directly.

Other Public Records

Tennessee operates under the Tennessee Public Records Act (TCA §10-7-503). Any citizen can request government records. Agencies must respond promptly.

How to file a request: Write to the government body that holds the records. Include your name, contact information, and a clear description of what records you want. Requests can be sent by mail, email, fax, or hand-delivered. No special form is required.

How Records Work in Tennessee

Court records are maintained at the county level by each county's court clerk. Criminal history is centralized through the TBI. Arrest records stay with the arresting agency unless submitted to the state system.

Many records are available online for free. Certified copies, background checks, and some older records may require a fee or in-person visit.

Counties in Tennessee

Tennessee has 95 counties. Select one below to find local court, arrest, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on publicly available information from Tennessee state agencies and federal courts.

How do I search court records in Tennessee for free?
Visit the Tennessee Courts website for directory information. Online case search availability varies by county.
Are arrest records public in Tennessee?
Yes. Arrest records are public under the Tennessee Public Records Act. Contact the arresting agency directly — city police, county sheriff, or state agency — to request a copy.
How do I run a background check in Tennessee?
The TBI provides criminal history checks. Visit tn.gov/tbi for details.
What is the Tennessee Public Records Act?
It is the state law that gives citizens the right to access government records. The Office of Open Records Counsel handles disputes.
How many court systems does Tennessee have?
Tennessee has a complex court system: general sessions courts, juvenile courts, circuit courts, chancery courts, criminal courts (31 judicial districts), the Court of Appeals, Court of Criminal Appeals, and the Tennessee Supreme Court.
What this page does not show: Not all records are available online. Some require a written request, an in-person visit, or a fee. Court records and arrest data may be incomplete, delayed, or not yet entered into online systems.

This page is a guide to help you find official records — it is not the official database. All information comes from government sources. Verify details directly with the agency that holds the records.

Last updated: April 15, 2026