About Davidson County
Davidson County, Tennessee, is located in the central portion of the state and is coterminous with the city of Nashville, forming a consolidated metropolitan government since 1963 known as the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. Davidson County Seat is Nashville, which also is the state capital of Tennessee. Davidson County covers approximately 526 square miles and has a population exceeding 715,000 residents, making it the most populous county in Tennessee and the second-most populous in the state.
- Davidson County Register of Deeds office, situated at 700 President Ronald Reagan Way, handles property records and land transactions.
Davidson County was established in 1783 and named after William Lee Davidson, a North Carolina general who died in the Revolutionary War. Major landmarks include the Tennessee State Capitol, the Grand Ole Opry, the Parthenon replica in Centennial Park, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Vanderbilt University. The Cumberland River flows through Davidson County, providing both historical transportation routes and modern recreational opportunities.
The Metropolitan County Clerk's office, located at 700 President Ronald Reagan Way, Nashville, TN 37210, maintains vital records and official county documents. The Metropolitan Trustee's office manages property tax collections. Davidson Property Assessor of Property, located at 700 President Ronald Reagan Way, Suite 300, is responsible for property assessments and tax mapping.
What makes Davidson County unique is its consolidated metropolitan structure, its status as Tennessee's cultural and economic hub, and its position as the heart of the American country music industry.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Davidson County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Davidson County and operates Davidson County jail system. The office handles the processing of arrests and maintains criminal records, providing essential services to ensure public safety. Notable programs within the sheriff's office include community outreach initiatives and specialized units that focus on issues such as narcotics and domestic violence. The office plays a critical role in maintaining order and supporting the judicial process in Davidson County.
Police Departments
Davidson County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Davidson County Sheriff's Office and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. The sheriff's office handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas, while the Nashville Police Department oversees the city of Nashville. Other municipal police departments within Davidson County include the Belle Meade Police Department and the Goodlettsville Police Department. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, making sure of full coverage and response across Davidson County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Davidson County is primarily handled by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD), which serves the consolidated city-county jurisdiction. The MNPD headquarters is located at 601 Korean Veterans Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37203, and can be contacted through the office’s website. The department's website at www.nashville.gov/police provides access to various public safety resources.
- Requests for arrest records can be submitted to the MNPD Records Unit at 601 Korean Veterans Boulevard or through their online portal.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the Sheriff's Office inmate search system and may also be requested directly from the detention facility.
- Processing times for arrest record requests typically range from 3 to 10 business days, and fees may apply for copies depending on the volume of records requested.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Davidson County includes documentation of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can conduct background checks through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, which provides full criminal history reports. These records are essential for legal proceedings, employment screenings, and personal inquiries.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Davidson County are maintained by Davidson County Sheriff's Office and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, often requiring identification and a processing fee. A Davidson County arrest record typically includes the individual's personal details, charges, and the circumstances of the arrest. The Tennessee Public Records Act governs the accessibility of these records, for public access and public access while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
The primary detention facility in Davidson County is Davidson County Jail, which is operated by Davidson County Sheriff's Office. The booking process at this facility involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the personal information of individuals taken into custody. Inmate lookup services are available online, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process in Tennessee allows for the release of individuals pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained through the jail's administrative office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Davidson County are taken and retained by Davidson County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's website or by submitting a request to the office. Tennessee does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals may seek removal through legal channels if the mugshot is deemed inaccurate or misleading. Mugshots are often used with arrest records to provide a full view of an individual's criminal history.
Courts & Case Records
Davidson County's court system includes multiple levels of jurisdiction. Davidson County Circuit Court, located at 1 Public Square, Suite 305, Nashville, TN 37201, handles civil cases over $25,000, criminal felony cases, and appeals from lower courts. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. Davidson County Chancery Court, at 1 Public Square, Suite 355, Nashville, TN 37201, has jurisdiction over equity cases, probate matters, divorces, and land disputes; phone.
- The General Sessions Court, located at 408 2nd Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases up to $25,000, and preliminary hearings for felonies; phone.
- Court records can be searched online through the Tennessee Court System's public access portal at www.tncourts.gov, which provides case information for all Davidson County courts.
- Fees for certified copies typically range from $5 to $15 per document, with additional fees for extensive searches.
Criminal Court, at 408 2nd Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201, has exclusive jurisdiction over felony criminal cases; phone. Probate matters are handled by the Probate Division of Chancery Court. The Juvenile Court, located at 5135 Harding Place, Nashville, TN 37211, handles matters involving minors.
Davidson County Circuit Court Clerk's office maintains an online case lookup at www.nashville.gov/courts. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503, court records are presumed to be open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. In-person searches can be conducted at the respective court clerk offices during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records in Davidson County are maintained by Davidson County Register of Deeds, located at 700 President Ronald Reagan Way, Nashville, TN 37210. The office can be contacted through the office’s website, and their website at www.nashville.gov/register-of-deeds provides full information on available services. The Register of Deeds maintains and records documents including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, assignments, liens (mechanic's liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property.
- For certified copies, the fee is $5.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
- Plat maps and surveys are also available through the Register of Deeds office.
- Walk-in requests for certified copies are processed immediately during business hours, while mail requests typically take 5-7 business days.
The office provides a free online search tool at www.nashville.gov/register-of-deeds that allows users to search recorded documents by name, book and page, instrument number, or property address dating back to the early 1900s. Images of recorded documents can be viewed and printed online at no charge. Property tax records are managed by the Metropolitan Trustee's office at 700 President Ronald Reagan Way, Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37210
Davidson Property Assessor of Property maintains property assessment records and can be contacted through the office’s website. The Assessor's website at www.padctn.org provides a full online property search tool with GIS mapping capabilities, allowing users to search by address, parcel ID, or owner name. The system displays property characteristics, assessed values, ownership history, and sales information.
Vital Records
Vital records for Davidson County, Tennessee, are maintained by the Metropolitan County Clerk's office, located at 700 President Ronald Reagan Way, Nashville, TN 37210. Birth certificates for births occurring in Davidson County can be requested from the County Clerk's office; the current fee is $15.00 for the first certified copy and $10.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate, while mail requests take approximately 2-3 weeks.
- Death certificates are available from the same office with identical fee structures.
- Davidson County Clerk can be contacted through the office’s website. Marriage licenses are issued by the Metropolitan County Clerk's office; the fee is $99.00, and there is no waiting period or blood test required in Tennessee.
- Certified copies of marriage records are available for $15.00.
- Online ordering is available through the state's vendor VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com, with additional convenience fees applied.
- Valid government-issued photo identification is required for all in-person requests, and proof of relationship or legal interest must be provided.
Divorce records are maintained by Davidson County Circuit Court Clerk's office at 1 Public Square, Nashville, TN 37201 The Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, is the state repository for vital records and can provide birth and death certificates for events occurring anywhere in Tennessee. The state office is located at Central Services Building, 421 5th Avenue North, 1st Floor, Nashville, TN 37243
Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-3-101 et seq, vital records are restricted; only eligible parties such as the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a direct and tangible interest may obtain certified copies.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Davidson County are managed through multiple agencies. The Metropolitan County Clerk's office, located at 700 President Ronald Reagan Way, Nashville, TN 37210, phone, handles business name registrations, including doing business as (DBA) and trade name filings. The fee for registering a business name in Davidson County is $20.00, and registrations must be renewed every five years. These records are available for public inspection at the County Clerk's office during regular business hours.
- The Secretary of State maintains a free online business entity search at tnbear.tn.gov, where the public can search for registered businesses, view formation documents, registered agents, and filing history.
- The Metropolitan Clerk's office also issues various business licenses for operations within Davidson County jurisdiction; requirements and fees vary by business type.
- Building permits are issued by the Metropolitan Codes Department, located at 800 2nd Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37210, phone, and their website at www.nashville.gov/codes provides permit application information.
- The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 211 Commerce Street, Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37201, phone, website www.nashvillechamber.com, provides business resources and economic development support.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Davidson County, Tennessee, are administered by Davidson County Election Commission, located at 1417 Murfreesboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37217. The office can be contacted through the office’s website, and their website at www.nashville.gov/election-commission provides full election information including voter registration, polling locations, sample ballots, and election results.
- Voters can also register in person at the Election Commission office, county clerk offices, or designated voter registration agencies.
- Citizens can request copies of voter lists, campaign finance reports, and official election results through the Election Commission, with fees varying based on format and volume.
To register to vote in Davidson County, residents must be United States citizens, residents of Tennessee and Davidson County, at least 18 years old by the next election, and not convicted of certain felonies (unless rights have been restored). Online voter registration is available through the Tennessee Secretary of State's website at ovr.govote.tn.gov. The registration deadline is 30 days before any election.
To find your polling place, voters can use the polling location lookup tool on the Election Commission website or call the office directly. Tennessee requires photo identification to vote; acceptable forms include Tennessee driver's license, U.S. Passport, federal or Tennessee government-issued photo ID, or a voter photo ID issued free by the Tennessee Department of Safety.
Election records that are public include voter registration lists (available for purchase for lawful purposes), campaign finance disclosure reports filed with the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance, candidate qualification documents, and precinct-level election results. In the November 2024 general election, Davidson County voter turnout was approximately 62-65%, consistent with typical presidential election years. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races (Tennessee has 9 congressional districts, with Davidson County in District 5 and portions in Districts 6 and 7), along with Tennessee state offices including Governor (if applicable to the cycle), state legislature seats, and various county positions. Absentee voting by mail is available for qualified voters; applications must be submitted to the Election Commission and can be downloaded from their website. Absentee ballots can be requested if you will be outside Davidson County during early voting and Election Day, are hospitalized or ill, are a caretaker, are a student, work shift hours preventing voting, or are 60 years or older.
Early voting is conducted at multiple locations throughout Davidson County for approximately two weeks before Election Day, including weekends. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 2-19-101 et seq, election records are public except for individual ballot secrecy, which is protected.
Economy & Demographics
Davidson County's economy is diverse and strong, anchored by Nashville's position as a major metropolitan center. Davidson County's economy is driven by healthcare, music and entertainment, higher education, tourism, finance, technology, and advanced manufacturing.
- The median household income in Davidson County is approximately $64,000 to $68,000, above the state average.
- Manufacturing remains important, particularly automotive parts, publishing, and food processing.
Major employers include Vanderbilt University Medical Center (one of the largest employers in Tennessee with over 25,000 employees), HCA Healthcare (headquartered in Nashville), Nissan North America (with its Americas headquarters in nearby Franklin but significant Davidson County operations), Amazon (with multiple fulfillment and operations centers), Bridgestone Americas (U.S. Headquarters in Nashville), Community Health Systems, Asurion, and the State of Tennessee government. The healthcare sector is particularly dominant, with Nashville known as a major health services management center.
The music and entertainment industry contributes significantly to the economy, with Nashville's Music Row hosting numerous recording studios, music publishing companies, and entertainment businesses. Tourism generates billions in annual economic impact, with over 15 million visitors annually to attractions including the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, and Broadway honky-tonks. The technology sector has grown substantially, earning Nashville recognition as a southeastern tech hub with concentrations in health IT, fintech, and software development.
The unemployment rate in Davidson County typically ranges from 2.5% to 3.5%, generally lower than state and national averages. Major economic development projects include the continued expansion of Nashville International Airport, redevelopment of the East Bank along the Cumberland River including a new Tennessee Titans stadium, and significant mixed-use developments throughout the metropolitan area. Higher education institutions including Vanderbilt University, Tennessee State University, Belmont University, and Lipscomb University contribute substantially to the workforce and research economy.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search Online | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail Required | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 9/10, Davidson County provides excellent digital access to most public records with online portals for property searches, court case lookup, inmate information, and election data, though vital records require direct contact with issuing offices.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Davidson County
Explore public records for 8 cities and communities in Davidson County, Tennessee.