State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Tennessee
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Tennessee under the Tennessee Public Records Act (est. 1957).
Overview of Public Records in Tennessee
Tennessee's Public Records Act provides broad access to government records and is considered one of the stronger public records laws in the southeastern United States. The law declares that all state, county, and municipal records shall be open for personal inspection by any citizen of Tennessee. The Tennessee Office of Open Records Counsel, created in 2008, provides guidance and assistance to both citizens and government agencies. Tennessee's 95 counties maintain extensive local records, and the state has made significant progress in online records access.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Tennessee
Response Time
Agencies must respond within 7 business days. If more time is needed, the agency must communicate a reasonable timeline to the requester within the initial response period.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge reasonable copying fees as published by the Tennessee Comptroller's schedule of reasonable charges. Inspection of records in person is always free under Tennessee law.
How to Submit a Request
Requests may be made orally or in writing. Written requests, including email, are recommended for complex requests. Citizens have the right to personally inspect and copy records during business hours.
Appeal Process
The Office of Open Records Counsel provides free advisory guidance and mediation for records disputes. Requesters may also file suit in chancery court, which can order disclosure and award attorney fees.
Types of Public Records Available in Tennessee
Property Records
Property records in Tennessee include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in Tennessee contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Tennessee election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Tennessee court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in Tennessee include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
Tennessee vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in Tennessee document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access Tennessee Public Records
To request records in Tennessee, submit a request to the records custodian at the relevant government agency. While written requests are recommended, they are not required. Agencies must respond within seven business days by either providing the records or providing a written denial. If a request is denied, you can seek assistance from the Office of Open Records Counsel or file an action in chancery court. Tennessee county registers maintain property records, and the Tennessee Courts provide online case searches through the TnCourts.gov system.
Online Access
Tennessee courts provide online case access through TNCourts.gov. County register of deeds offices maintain online property records. The Secretary of State provides business entity searches.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Tennessee
While the Tennessee Public Records Act establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in Tennessee.
- Confidential investigative records in active cases
- Medical records of individuals
- Trade secrets and proprietary information submitted to government
- Attorney-client privileged records involving government counsel
- Records whose disclosure would endanger someone's life or safety
- Unpublished telephone numbers of law enforcement personnel
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Tennessee provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
Tennessee Public Records Act
Enacted: 1957
Tennessee's Public Records Act is codified in Tennessee Code Annotated Section 10-7-503 through 10-7-512. The act declares that all government records are open for inspection by any citizen. The Office of Open Records Counsel (OORC), created in 2008 and housed within the Office of the Comptroller, provides free advisory opinions, mediates disputes, and educates both the public and government employees about open records requirements.
Key Features of Tennessee's Records Law:
- Tennessee created the Office of Open Records Counsel in 2008 to provide guidance and mediation
- The law limits access to Tennessee citizens, unlike most states which allow any person to request records
- The state has a seven-business-day response requirement
Tennessee Public Records Facts
Tennessee has 95 counties maintaining local government records
The Office of Open Records Counsel handles approximately 1,000 inquiries per year
The state has approximately 4.4 million registered voters
Tennessee Secretary of State maintains records for over 500,000 business entities
Search Tennessee Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Tennessee. Enter a name below to search public records in TN.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Public Records
What is the Tennessee Office of Open Records Counsel?
How do I access Tennessee court records?
Can non-residents request Tennessee public records?
How do I search Tennessee property records?
Related Articles
Court Records Guide
How to search federal and state court records online, including PACER and state databases.
Property Records Explained
Research real estate ownership, deeds, tax assessments, and transaction history.
Voter Registration Lookup
What voter files contain, why they are public, and how to access them.
FOIA Request Guide
Step-by-step instructions for filing public records requests with government agencies.
Background Check Guide
Everything you need to know about background checks, FCRA compliance, and your options.
FCRA Compliance Guide
What the Fair Credit Reporting Act covers and how it affects people search sites.
How Public Records Work
An overview of what information is publicly available and how government records are maintained.
People Search Tips
10 practical tips to improve your people search results using public records.
Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Tennessee Public Records Act. Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Tennessee or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.