Tennessee Public Records Law

The Tennessee Public Records Act (outlined in Sections 10-7-501 through 10-7-517 of the Tennessee Code) grants Tennessee citizens the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records held by governmental entities within the state. Per this law, public records refer to all documentary materials, regardless of physical form or characteristics, created or received by a government agency as part of its official duties.

Birth Records
Court Records
Criminal Records
Death Records
Divorce Records
Inmate Records
Marriage Records
Traffic Violation Records

Where Do I Submit a Public Record Request in Tennessee?

There is no central repository for Tennessee public records. Instead, each government entity that holds public records is required to appoint a Public Record Request Coordinator (PRRC), who will be responsible for ensuring that record requests made to the entity are appropriately handled.

As such, you can submit your public record request directly to the designated PRRC of the specific governmental entity holding the record(s) that you wish to access.

How Do I Request Public Records in Tennessee?

You may request public records in Tennessee by following these general steps:

  • Determine which governmental entity maintains the record(s) that you need.
  • Find the contact information for the agency's designated Public Record Request Coordinator (this is usually available on their official website).
  • Submit your request. Many agencies require requests for copies of public records to be submitted in writing, either in person, via mail, through online portals, or other available options. However, if you only wish to inspect the record, then your request may be made orally.
  • Pay any fees associated with the request. Note that you may also be required to provide a valid ID and/or other supporting documentation.

Several third-party websites also offer the option of requesting and obtaining copies of some Tennessee public records remotely. However, this option often comes with additional charges, and some of these platforms may not always have access to accurate and current records.

What Records Are Public in Tennessee?

There are different types of public records available in Tennessee. Common examples include:

  • Business Records: incorporation documents, business licenses, contractor licenses, and other similar records.
  • Government Financial Records: budgets, audits, expenditure reports, contracts, and other similar documents.
  • Judicial/Court Records: criminal and civil case files, probate records, court dockets, judgments, motions, court orders, and other records generated across the Tennessee trial court system (which includes Circuit, Chancery, General Sessions, Family, and Municipal Courts).
  • Law Enforcement Records: incident logs, police reports, arrest records, inmate/jail records, sex offender information, criminal history information, and other records maintained by law enforcement agencies across the state.
  • Property Records: deeds, mortgage records, tax assessments, and other real estate records.
  • Vital Records: while certified copies of vital records are restricted in Tennessee - 100 years for birth records, and 50 years for death, marriage, and divorce records - members of the public may still access verification of information obtained from these records.

Who Can Request Public Records in Tennessee?

Per the Tennessee Public Records Act, only citizens of Tennessee are granted the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records in the state. Notwithstanding this, governmental entities have the discretion to provide individuals who are not Tennessee citizens with access to these records.

What Is the Response Time for Public Records Requests in Tennessee?

Tennessee law mandates that public records should be provided "promptly" upon request if they are readily available. However, in situations where the records are not readily available, the record custodian must take any of the following actions within seven business days of receiving the request:

  • Provide the requested record
  • Deny the request in writing, with an explanation
  • Provide the requester with a written estimate of the time needed to fulfill the request

What Is the Fee Charged for Providing Copies of Public Records?

Per Tennessee law, governmental entities may charge a "reasonable cost" for providing copies of public records, in line with the Schedule of Reasonable Charges set forth by the state's Office of Open Records Counsel.

These costs generally amount to about 15 cents per page for black and white copies and 50 cents per page for color copies. Note that entities may charge more if their actual copying costs are higher; they can also charge a fee for the involved in locating and producing the copies, determined by the employee's hourly wages.

What Records Are Exempted Under the Tennessee Public Records Law?

While the Tennessee Public Records Act grants Tennesseans access to public records, certain records are statutorily exempt from disclosure under this law. Examples include:

  • Medical records and individually identifiable health information
  • Personal information contained in motor vehicle records
  • Proprietary information and trade secrets
  • Contact information for domestic violence and abuse shelters/centers
  • Juvenile records
  • Privileged attorney-client communications
  • Records directly related to the security of government buildings