Memphis Public Records Directory

All links go directly to official Memphis, Tennessee government websites.

  About Memphis City Government
Government Type City Council

Memphis, Tennessee is known for its rich musical heritage, particularly in the genres of blues, soul, and rock and roll. It is also known for its barbecue, its historic sites, and its vibrant nightlife. The Memphis City Council is the legislative body of the City of Memphis, Tennessee. It consists of thirteen members, nine of whom are elected from single-member districts and four of whom are elected at-large. The council sets the city's tax rate, approves the city's operating and capital budgets, and sets policies and initiatives for the city.

  About Memphis, Tennessee

With its rich tapestry of musical heritage, cultural diversity, and historical significance, the vibrant city of Memphis occupies a strategic position along the Mississippi River in Shelby County, Tennessee. Established in 1819 by John Overton, James Winchester, and Andrew Jackson, Memphis has evolved into a bustling metropolis that, according to recent U.S. Census estimates, is home to approximately 650,000 residents, making it the largest city on the Mississippi River and the second-largest in Tennessee. The city is characterized by its distinct neighborhoods, each offering a unique flavor—from the historic charm of Midtown to the bustling Beale Street, renowned for its live music scene. Memphis serves as an economic hub with a workforce drawn from various sectors, including transportation, healthcare, and education, bolstered by major employers such as FedEx and International Paper. This eclectic blend of industry, culture, and heritage sets Memphis apart as a city that thrives on its rich traditions while embracing modernity.

Law enforcement in Memphis is primarily served by the Memphis Police Department, which is responsible for maintaining public safety and order within the city. Alongside it, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office oversees law enforcement in the surrounding areas, ensuring comprehensive coverage throughout the county. For individuals seeking to obtain arrest records, mugshots, booking records, or criminal history, the process begins with the records unit of the Memphis Police Department. Requests can be submitted in person or through written correspondence, where specific details about the incident or individual involved will be required. Additionally, the Shelby County Jail and Detention Facility, managed by the Sheriff’s Office, maintains records of individuals currently incarcerated, which can also be accessed through in-person requests. For broader statewide criminal history searches, individuals may contact the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, which serves as the state's criminal repository. The Bureau provides online lookup portals for easier access to criminal records, allowing residents to retrieve essential information conveniently.

The judicial system within Memphis is predominantly represented by the Shelby County Circuit Court, where various matters of civil and criminal law are adjudicated. For those seeking court records, requests can be made through the court's online portal, which streamlines access to case information. Alternatively, individuals can visit the in-person clerk’s office at the court to obtain necessary records. Vital records such as birth, death, and marriage certificates are managed by the Shelby County Clerk-Recorder’s Office. Requests can be made directly at this office or through Tennessee Vital Records, which provides services at the state level. Property records, vital for real estate transactions and ownership verification, are accessible through the county assessor’s office and the recorder’s office, with online portals available for added convenience. Furthermore, under the Tennessee Public Records Act, the general public can request a wide array of public records, with typical response times ranging from 5 to 10 business days, ensuring transparency and accountability within local government operations.

  Memphis, Tennessee Public Records & Government Resources

About Memphis

Nestled along the mighty Mississippi River, the city of Memphis stands as a vibrant tapestry of musical heritage, cultural diversity, and historical significance. Established in 1819 by pioneers John Overton, James Winchester, and Andrew Jackson, this Shelby County city has evolved into a bustling metropolitan area home to over 1,037,998 residents, making it the largest city on the Mississippi River and the second-largest in Tennessee.
Memphis is characterized by its distinct neighborhoods, each offering a unique flavor—from the historic charm of Midtown to the bustling Beale Street, renowned for its live music scene. This eclectic blend of industry, culture, and heritage sets Memphis apart as a city that thrives on its rich traditions while embracing modernity.

Police Department & Arrest Records

In addition to the Shelby County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is provided by several municipal police departments. The Memphis Police Department serves the city of Memphis, while other cities like Bartlett, Germantown, and Collierville have their own police departments. Each department is responsible for maintaining law and order within its jurisdiction, handling local crimes, and coordinating with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations. These agencies work collaboratively on regional issues, sharing resources and information to enhance public safety across the county.

Jail & Inmate Records

The main detention facility in Shelby County is the Shelby County Jail, which is operated by the Shelby County Sheriff's Office. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of individuals who are arrested. Inmate lookup is available through the Sheriff's Office website, allowing the public to search for current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility and typically require scheduling in advance, with certain restrictions on the number of visitors and duration of visits.

Court Records

The judicial system in Memphis is served by the Shelby County Courts, which include the Circuit Court, Chancery Court, and General Sessions Court. Residents can access case information, file documents, and find court schedules through the Tennessee Courts' online portal at tncourts.gov. The Memphis City Court Clerk's Office also maintains records for municipal-level cases, such as traffic violations and minor offenses, which can be searched through the city's website.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Shelby County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Shelby County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, which are accessible to the public under the Tennessee Public Records Act. Residents can conduct background checks through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, which provides comprehensive criminal history reports for a fee.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Shelby County are maintained by the Shelby County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, often requiring a formal request and payment of a nominal fee. Information on an arrest record typically includes the date and location of the arrest, charges, and any court dates.

Public Records Access

For those seeking property records, land ownership information, or assessor details in Memphis, the Shelby County Assessor's Office serves as the primary resource. Residents can access a wealth of data, including property values, parcel maps, and ownership history, by visiting the office's online portal at memphistn.gov. Additionally, the Shelby County Register of Deeds maintains comprehensive records of land transactions, mortgages, and other real estate-related documents, which can be searched through their website.

Economy & Demographics

As a major economic hub in the region, Memphis is home to a diverse array of industries and employers. The city's strategic location along the Mississippi River and its well-developed transportation infrastructure, including the presence of FedEx's global headquarters, have made it a hub for logistics and distribution. Additionally, the healthcare and education sectors are significant drivers of the local economy, with institutions like the University of Memphis and the Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare system serving as major employers.

Law Enforcement & Arrest Records

Public safety in Memphis is primarily overseen by the Memphis Police Department, which is responsible for maintaining order and responding to emergencies within the city limits. The department's records division manages a variety of law enforcement data, including arrest records, mugshots, and criminal histories, which can be requested through their website. For residents seeking information on missing persons or the state's sex offender registry, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation provides comprehensive resources at tn.gov/tbi.

Vital Records

The Tennessee Department of Health's Vital Records Office in Memphis is the go-to source for obtaining birth certificates, death records, and marriage licenses for local residents. Through their online portal at tn.gov/health, individuals can request certified copies of these important documents, which are essential for a variety of personal and legal purposes. The office also maintains a comprehensive database of vital statistics for the Memphis metropolitan area.

Business & Licensing Records

Entrepreneurs and business owners in Memphis can turn to the City of Memphis' Office of Business Services for all their licensing, permitting, and zoning needs. This office oversees the issuance of business licenses, construction permits, and zoning approvals, ensuring that local commerce operates within the city's regulations. The office's website, memphistn.gov, provides detailed information and online application portals for these essential business services.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What is the process for someone who is arrested in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee to go through the jail and court system?
If you are arrested in the City of Memphis, Tennessee, you will be transported to the Shelby County Jail for booking and processing. During booking, officers will record your personal information, take fingerprints and photographs, and log personal belongings. After booking, you may be held pending arraignment before the Shelby County Court. Under Tennessee law, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford legal representation, a public defender will be appointed. Bail may be set at arraignment depending on the charges, your criminal history, and flight risk. Criminal history records are maintained by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). The Shelby County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster at https://foil.tncorrections.com/ where you can look up current detainees.
The Shelby County Schools district serves the Memphis, Tennessee area. According to the Tennessee Department of Education, the district had an overall performance score of 68.7 out of 100 for the 2019-2020 school year. This score is based on a variety of factors, including student achievement, student growth, and school climate.
According to the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission, the total number of reported crimes in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee in 2019 was 33,945. This includes 8,945 violent crimes and 25,000 property crimes. The violent crime rate in Memphis was 1,845.7 per 100,000 people, and the property crime rate was 5,093.7 per 100,000 people.
The Memphis Public Library in Shelby County, Tennessee provides residents with access to public records and government document resources. Library cardholders can access online databases including genealogy services, historical newspapers, and Tennessee government records. The reference staff can assist with locating court records, property records, and vital records through the library's online catalog and interlibrary loan network. The library maintains materials on how to submit public records requests under the Tennessee Public Records Act, which governs access to government documents in Tennessee. The library also offers access to genealogy resources including the Memphis Tennessee Archives and Genealogy at https://sos.tn.gov/products/tsla/genealogy. Contact the Memphis Public Library reference desk at (901) for assistance or to confirm hours and services.
The Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee Library is located at 3030 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111.
Fingerprinting services for Memphis, Tennessee residents are provided at the Memphis Police Department, which serves Shelby County. Fingerprinting is required for a variety of purposes, including pre-employment background checks, professional licensing (nursing, teaching, law, real estate), volunteer work with children or the elderly, immigration and naturalization applications, firearm purchases, and FBI Identity History Summary requests. To schedule fingerprinting, call the Memphis Police Department at (901) or visit in person. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport) and any required agency forms. Fingerprint cards are typically forwarded to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) for processing. For statewide fingerprint-based background checks, visit the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) at https://www.tn.gov/tbi/criminal-history-records.html.
The Shelby County Register's Office is the official repository for vital records in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee. To obtain vital records, individuals must submit a written request to the Register's Office. The request must include the full name of the person whose record is being requested, the date and place of the event, the relationship of the requester to the person whose record is being requested, and the purpose for which the record is being requested.

The vital records available from the Shelby County Register's Office include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees.
A background check in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee typically includes a review of criminal history, driving records, credit history, employment verification, education verification, and sex offender registry status. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards commonly request background checks in Tennessee. Criminal background checks are processed through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), which maintains arrest records, convictions, and disposition data for Tennessee residents. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) provides official criminal history checks at https://www.tn.gov/tbi/criminal-history-records.html. Under the Tennessee Public Records Act, individuals have the right to request their own records. Federal background checks are available through the FBI's Identity History Summary program. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs how background check information may be used by employers and landlords.
  Nearby Cities in Shelby County, Tennessee

Search public records in neighboring cities within the same county:

Arlington Collierville Bartlett Germantown Lakeland Millington West Memphis, Arkansas Southaven, Mississippi