Public Records Resources for Johnson, Tennessee

Official government websites for Johnson, Tennessee and the surrounding area. All links point to .gov, .us, or .mil domains.

About Johnson County

Population 17,900 residents
Established 1836
Named After Thomas Johnson
County Seat Mountain City
Area 298 square miles

Johnson County, Tennessee is located in the northeastern corner of the state, located in the Appalachian Mountains along the North Carolina border. With a population of approximately 17,900 residents as of recent estimates, Johnson County includes 303 square miles of mountainous terrain characterized by scenic beauty and rural character. Mountain City serves as Johnson County seat and is home to Johnson County courthouse and administrative offices located at 222 West Main Street. Johnson County was established in 1836 and named after Thomas Johnson, a prominent early settler and politician. Johnson County is known for its natural attractions including Laurel Fork Gorge, Backbone Rock Recreation Area (featuring a tunnel carved through solid rock), and portions of the Cherokee National Forest. Johnson County's economy historically centered on timber, agriculture, and Christmas tree farming, with Fraser fir production remaining a significant industry. Key county agencies include Johnson County Clerk located at the courthouse at 222 West Main Street, Mountain City, TN 37683 (423-727-9633), Johnson County Register of Deeds at the same address, and Johnson County Trustee's Office which handles property tax collection. Johnson County Assessor of Property maintains office at 222 West Main Street as well, managing property valuations and tax assessment records. Johnson County's elevation and climate make it one of Tennessee's coolest regions, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and retirees seeking mountain living. Johnson County maintains a strong sense of community identity rooted in Appalachian culture and traditions.

222 West Main Street, Mountain City, TN 37683 • Phone: (423) 727-9633

Court Records & Case Information

Johnson County Tennessee Court Address: 211 West Main Street, Mountain City, TN 37683 Phone: (423) 727-7741 Fax: (423) 727-7745 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm

Johnson County Tennessee court jurisdiction is located in Mountain City, Tennessee. The address is: Johnson County Courthouse, 203 College Street, Mountain City, TN 37683. The court has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic violations.

Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement & Arrests

  • Citizens seeking arrest records should submit written requests to the Sheriff's Office or the specific arresting agency, and reasonable fees may apply for copies.
  • Mugshot and booking photos are generally available through the Sheriff's Office as part of arrest records, though processing time varies.
  • Tennessee law requires agencies to respond to public records requests within a reasonable time frame, typically seven business days.
  • Johnson County does not maintain an online searchable database for mugshots, requiring in-person or written requests.
  • No tribal police jurisdictions exist in Johnson County, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol provides additional law enforcement presence on state highways, particularly along State Route 67 and State Route 91.
705 Sadie Carr Lane, Mountain City, TN 37683

Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records

Jail & Inmate Records

  • The bond and bail process follows Tennessee state guidelines, and information on posting bail can be obtained directly from the jail.

Courts & Case Records

  • Johnson County General Sessions Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings for felonies, civil cases up to $25,000, and landlord-tenant disputes, operating from the same courthouse facility.
  • Copy fees are typically $0.50 per page for standard documents, with certified copies costing an additional $5.00 certification fee.
  • Citizens requesting court records should provide case numbers, party names, and date ranges to help with searches, and valid photo identification is required for most record requests.
222 West Main Street, Mountain City, TN 37683 • Phone: (423) 727-9633

Property & Public Records

  • The Assessor's office provides a basic online property search tool allowing citizens to look up parcel information, ownership, assessed values, and tax information without charge.
  • Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the Register of Deeds for $1.00 per page plus a $5.00 certification fee.
  • Property record requests are subject to Tennessee's Public Records Act, and the Register of Deeds office maintains regular business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM for public access.
222 West Main Street, Mountain City, TN 37683 • Phone: (423) 727-9633

Vital Records

Vital records for this county include birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates issued under state vital statistics law.

  • Death certificates are available for deaths occurring in Johnson County with the same fee structure.
  • Processing time for vital records requests through Johnson County typically ranges from 1-2 weeks depending on volume.
  • Divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk where the divorce was granted, with certified copies available for $5.00 plus copy fees.
222 West Main Street, Mountain City, TN 37683 • Phone: (423) 727-9633

Business & Licensing

Business records, licenses, and permits for this county are processed by the County Clerk and local government offices.

  • The free online search provides entity names, registration status, registered agents, filing dates, and principal addresses.
222 West Main Street, Mountain City, TN 37683 • Phone: (423) 727-9633

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I search for someone recently arrested in Johnson County, Tennessee?
To search for someone recently arrested in Johnson County, Tennessee, you can contact the Johnson County Sheriff's Office, which manages the local jail. The jail is known as the local Jail. You can call the Sheriff's Office directly or visit their website to access the inmate lookup tool, which provides information on current detainees and recent arrests.
Mugshots and booking photos in Johnson County, Tennessee, are typically available through the Johnson County Sheriff's Office. You may visit their office in person or check their official website for any online portals that provide access to booking photos. Keep in mind that availability of these photos may be subject to privacy laws and regulations.
To obtain a criminal background check in Johnson County, Tennessee, you can request one through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). The TBI offers a fingerprint-based background check service, which can be initiated online or by visiting a local law enforcement agency. You may contact the Johnson County Sheriff's Office for guidance on the local process.
You can look up sex offenders in Johnson County, Tennessee, by accessing the Tennessee Sex Offender Registry. This registry is maintained by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and provides detailed information about registered sex offenders in the area. The registry is available online and can be searched by name, location, or other identifying factors.
To register to vote in Johnson County, you can use Tennessee's online voter registration system at ovr.govote.tn.gov if you have a valid Tennessee driver license or photo ID, or submit a paper application to the Johnson County Election Commission at 222 West Main Street, Mountain City, TN 37683, phone (423) 727-9696. You must register at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. Tennessee requires photo identification to vote, and absentee voting by mail is available for voters meeting specific criteria including those over 60, those who will be out of the county during voting periods, and other qualifying circumstances. Early voting is offered for approximately two weeks before each election at designated locations in the county.
Property records in Johnson County can be accessed through the Johnson County Register of Deeds office at 222 West Main Street, Mountain City, TN 37683, phone (423) 727-9761, which maintains land records including deeds, mortgages, liens, and plats. the local Assessor of Property at the same address (423) 727-9633) provides property tax assessment information, ownership data, and property characteristics. The region offers online search capabilities for both land records and property tax information through their website, with some detailed records requiring a paid subscription or in-person visit. The county also maintains a GIS mapping system that provides aerial imagery, parcel boundaries, and basic property information accessible to the public.
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Johnson County can be requested from the Johnson County Clerk's office at 222 West Main Street, Mountain City, TN 37683, phone (423) 727-9633, with fees of $15.00 for the first certified copy and $10.00 for additional copies ordered simultaneously. Alternatively, the Tennessee Office of Vital Records in Nashville maintains statewide records and can be contacted at (615) 741-1763, or you can order online through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com with additional service fees for expedited processing. Processing time through the county typically takes 1-2 weeks, and applicants must provide valid photo identification and demonstrate they are eligible to receive the record (registrant, immediate family, legal representative, or person with a court order) as required by Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-3-101 et seq.
Business license and registration records in Johnson County can be accessed through the Johnson County Clerk's office at 222 West Main Street, Mountain City, TN 37683, phone (423) 727-9633, which maintains fictitious name (DBA) registrations for businesses operating under assumed names. For formal business entities such as corporations and LLCs, the Tennessee Secretary of State maintains a free searchable database at tnbear.tn.gov where you can look up business names, registration status, registered agents, and filing information. Local business permits and zoning approvals may be handled by county planning and building departments, and businesses operating in incorporated areas should also check with municipal offices for additional licensing requirements.

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