About Carthage

Carthage, Tennessee is a community in Smith County, Tennessee. This page consolidates verified public records resources for Carthage, including law enforcement, court, vital, property, and government records.

Read more about public records in Carthage

Carthage is located in Smith County, Tennessee and had a recorded population of approximately 2,369 at the last census. County and state agencies serving Smith County are the primary source for most government records affecting Carthage residents.

Law enforcement in Carthage is served by Carthage Police Department and Smith County Sheriff's Office. Arrest records, booking information, and incident reports are maintained by these agencies and can usually be requested in person, by mail, or via online portals where available.

Court case records for civil, criminal, family, and probate matters in Smith County are maintained by the county trial court of general jurisdiction and, where applicable, by municipal or district courts. Statewide court case search tools published by the Tennessee Judicial Branch can also be used to locate cases.

Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates for Carthage residents are issued through the Tennessee Office of Vital Records, with local copies often available through the Smith County Clerk's office. Real-property records (deeds, mortgages, liens) and parcel assessments are recorded with the county Register of Deeds and the county Assessor of Property.

Most government records held by Tennessee agencies are accessible under the Tennessee Public Records Act, which sets a response window of 7 business days and requires agencies to publish procedures for written records requests. Certain records (juvenile, sealed, victim, and active investigation records) may be withheld or redacted under statutory exemptions.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement in Carthage

Carthage Police Department

USACOPS | Tennessee Agencies | Police Departments | Smith County | Carthage Police Department - Carthage, TN

https://www.tn.gov/safety/tnhp.html

Smith County Sheriff's Office

Ronnie Lankford, Sheriff Smith County Sheriff’s Office 322 Justice Drive, Suite 200 Carthage, TN 37030 Phone: 615-735-2626 · Smith County is located in Middle Tennessee. The county covers a total of 325 square miles and has a population of 20,157. There are 4 cities in the county: Carthage..

https://tennesseejailroster.com/jail/smith-county-jail/

⚖️ Courts & Case Records in Carthage

Tennessee County Clerk

Smith County Clifa Norris 122 Turner High Circle Suite 101 Carthage , TN 37030 Phone: 615-735-9833 Fax: 615-735-8252 Hours of Operation: M-Th, 8 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Fri., 8 a.m.

🔗 https://secure.tncountyclerk.com/index.php?countylist=80

🏠 Property & Public Records in Carthage

Smith County Register of Deeds

Property records for Carthage, Tennessee are maintained by the Smith County Register of Deeds. This office maintains recorded documents including deeds, mortgages, liens, and easements for properties in Smith County, including Carthage.

🔗 https://smithcountytn.gov

Public Records & Services in Carthage

Public Schools

Official source: NCES Public School District Search
  • 🎓Public schools are administered by local school districts under state Department of Education oversight.
  • 📊School performance data, enrollment, and district boundaries are published by the state Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics (nces.ed.gov).
  • 📞Contact the local district office for enrollment, transcripts, or attendance records.
Public schools in Carthage, Smith County, Tennessee are administered by the local school district. School performance data, enrollment information, and district boundaries are available through the Tennessee Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics at nces.ed.gov.

Crime Data & Statistics

Official source: FBI Crime Data Explorer Crime data for Carthage, Smith County, Tennessee is maintained by local law enforcement agencies and reported to the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Residents can access crime statistics through the FBI Crime Data Explorer or by contacting local police (where present) or the Smith County Sheriff's Office.

Public Library Records Access

Official source: IMLS Library Search & Compare
  • 📚Public libraries provide free access to online databases, historical archives, and government-document collections.
  • 🔎Many libraries offer remote access to property records, court records, and genealogy resources with a valid library card.
  • 👤Reference librarians can assist with research, document retrieval, and government-records lookups.
The Carthage Public Library provides access to public records resources including online databases, historical archives, and government document collections. The Smith County library system may offer additional resources. Contact the library for available databases and research assistance.

Fingerprinting Services

Official source: FBI Identity History Summary Checks
  • 👆Fingerprinting for background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening is offered by local police and authorized providers.
  • 📅Most agencies require appointments; walk-in hours and fees vary by location.
  • 🪪Bring valid government-issued photo ID; some agencies accept fingerprint cards mailed in for processing.
Fingerprinting services for Carthage, Tennessee residents are available through local police (where present) and authorized providers in Smith County. Services cover background checks, professional licensing, and employment screening. Contact local police (where present) or the Smith County Sheriff's Office for scheduling and fees.

About Carthage — In Depth

Jail & Inmate Records

The Smith County Jail in Carthage is the primary detention facility for anyone arrested within Smith County. During booking, staff fingerprint and photograph detainees while recording personal information into the system. Current inmates can be located through the facility's online lookup tool, which provides details on who is being held. Visitation typically requires advance scheduling, with specific rules enforced at the facility.

Arrest Records

The Smith County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for incidents throughout Smith County. Residents and attorneys can request these records, which detail the nature of arrests, charges filed, and scheduled court appearances. Each record typically contains personal information about the arrested individual, identifies the arresting officer, and describes circumstances surrounding the incident. The Tennessee Public Records Act governs public access to these documents, establishing the legal framework for how and when such information can be released to those who request it.

Criminal Records

Criminal records in Smith County cover felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks through the TBI, which offers a overview of an individual's criminal history. The TBI's services are accessible online, providing a convenient way for Smith County residents to obtain necessary information.

Vital Records

Individuals seeking vital records, such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses, can visit the Carthage office of the Smith County Clerk. This office is the central hub for maintaining and providing access to these important documents. Residents can submit requests in person or by mail, and the office staff is well-versed in guiding applicants through the process. Birth and death records for the Carthage area are also maintained by the Tennessee Department of Health, which can provide certified copies upon request.

Business & Licensing Records

The business community in Carthage ranges from independent shops to larger commercial operations that serve Smith County. Carthage City Hall, through its Planning and Zoning Department, handles the issuance of business licenses, building permits, and other regulatory approvals needed to operate within city limits. Entrepreneurs can contact the city's economic development office for assistance navigating licensing and permitting requirements.

Economy & Demographics

The local economy in Carthage is diverse, with a mix of small businesses, service industries, and larger employers contributing to the city's stability. Major industries in the area include healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. Notable employers in Carthage and the surrounding Smith County region include Tennova Healthcare, Wal-Mart, and various manufacturing facilities. The city's economic development initiatives aim to support local entrepreneurs and attract new businesses, further diversifying the employment opportunities available to residents.

Elections & Voter Records

Voters in Carthage, Tennessee fall under the jurisdiction of the Smith County Election Commission, which administers all elections for the area. The commission maintains offices at 122 Turner High Circle, Carthage, TN 37030, and can be reached by phone at (615) 735-2468. Their website is https://www.smithcountytn.gov/election-commission. Tennessee residents can register to vote online at https://ovr.govote.tn.gov/. Registration requires a Tennessee driver's license or ID card and must be completed at least 30 days before any election.
Since Carthage is an unincorporated community, there are no municipal elections for mayor or city council. The next Smith County general election is scheduled for November 5, 2024, covering county-level races that affect local voters. Looking ahead, November 2026 elections will include contests for County Mayor, County Commission, and County Clerk. Residents can locate their assigned polling place through the Tennessee Secretary of State's website at https://tnmap.tn.gov/voterlookup/. Most election records are public documents in Tennessee and can be requested from the Smith County election commission. This includes voter rolls, campaign finance reports, and election results. Residents can request an absentee ballot by contacting the Smith County Election Commission. Requests must be submitted at least 7 days before the election, and completed ballots must reach the commission before polls close on election day.

Public Records Resources for Carthage, Tennessee

Official government websites for Carthage, Tennessee and the surrounding area. We prioritize official government sources (.gov, .us, or .mil) and supplement with verified municipal, county, or statewide portals (.org or .com) where the agency uses a non-government domain.

  Nearby Cities in Smith County, Tennessee

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Brush Creek Chestnut Mound Dixon Springs Elmwood Gordonsville Hickman Lancaster Pleasant Shade
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Population2,369
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Frequently Asked Questions

To register to vote in Carthage, Tennessee, residents can register online through the Tennessee Secretary of State's website, by mail, or in person at the Smith County elections office. Tennessee requires voters to be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of the state. The registration deadline is typically 30 days before an election. Voters can verify their registration status and find polling locations through the Tennessee Secretary of State's voter lookup tool. For local municipal elections in Carthage, contact the Smith County Clerk's office for schedules and ballot information.
Property records for Carthage, Tennessee are maintained by Smith County. The county assessor's office holds property tax records, assessed values, and ownership information. Property deeds, liens, and mortgage documents are filed with the county recorder's office. Many counties in Tennessee offer online portals where residents can search property records by address or owner name. For federal property related records, the USA.gov website provides guidance on accessing land patents, federal tax liens, and other property documentation.
Birth and death certificates for Carthage, Tennessee residents are available through the Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records. Requests can typically be made online, by mail, or in person. You will need to provide identification and proof of eligibility, as vital records in Tennessee are restricted to authorized individuals such as the registrant, immediate family members, or legal representatives. Locally, the Smith County Clerk's office may also process vital record requests. Processing times and fees vary depending on the method of request and the issuing office.
Business license records for Carthage, Tennessee can be obtained through the city's municipal offices or Smith County administration. The city clerk's office or planning and development department typically handles business license applications, renewals, and public records requests. The Tennessee Secretary of State's office maintains records of registered business entities, including corporations, LLCs, and partnerships, which can be searched through their online business filing database. For federal employer identification numbers and tax related business records, the IRS website provides relevant forms and search tools.