About Montgomery County
Montgomery County, Tennessee is located in the northwestern portion of Middle Tennessee along the Kentucky border, encompassing approximately 539 square miles. The county seat is Clarksville, which is also the fifth-largest city in Tennessee and home to Fort Campbell, a major United States Army installation that straddles the Tennessee-Kentucky border. As of recent census estimates, Montgomery County has a population exceeding 220,000 residents, making it one of the most populous counties in the state. The county was established in 1796, named after Revolutionary War soldier John Montgomery.
- The Register of Deeds office, responsible for recording property documents, operates at 350 Pageant Lane, Suite 101.
Major landmarks include the Cumberland River, which flows through the county providing recreational opportunities and historical significance as a transportation route, Dunbar Cave State Park featuring a cave with both natural and musical history, and the Downtown Clarksville Historic District. The county's identity is closely tied to its military presence, with Fort Campbell employing tens of thousands of military personnel and civilian workers. Montgomery County government services are centralized in Clarksville, with the County Clerk located at 350 Pageant Lane, Suite 501, Clarksville, TN 37040.
The Property Assessor's office, which maintains property tax records and valuations, is located at 350 Pageant Lane, Suite 102. The county features a blend of urban development in Clarksville and rural areas in the outlying regions, with a diverse economy driven by military operations, manufacturing, education through Austin Peay State University, and growing retail sectors.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining peace and order in the county's unincorporated areas. The office is tasked with patrolling rural regions, managing the county jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records. The Sheriff's Office is known for its community outreach programs and specialized divisions such as the K-9 unit and narcotics division, which are integral to its operations. The office also collaborates with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure comprehensive public safety.
Police Departments
Montgomery County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and the Clarksville Police Department. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in unincorporated areas, while the Clarksville Police Department is responsible for the city of Clarksville. These agencies work collaboratively on major crimes, sharing resources and information to enhance public safety. The coordination between city and county law enforcement ensures a comprehensive approach to crime prevention and response.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, located at 140 Justice Drive, Clarksville, TN 37040, serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county and provides countywide services including operating the Montgomery County Jail. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (931) 648-0611 and maintains a website at mcgso.net where citizens can access various services. The Montgomery County Jail, also known as the Montgomery County Detention Facility, houses inmates awaiting trial and those serving sentences.
- To request arrest records, individuals can contact the Sheriff's Office or Clarksville Police Department directly, either in person or through written request.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through the Montgomery County Jail's online inmate search system and are considered public records unless sealed by court order.
- Processing fees for records requests vary but must be reasonable under state law.
Inmate searches can be conducted online through the Sheriff's Office website, where the public can look up current inmates by name, booking number, or date of birth, viewing booking dates, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates. The Clarksville Police Department, serving the county seat and largest county, is located at 135 Commerce Street, Clarksville, TN 37040, phone (931) 645-8477, and handles law enforcement within city limits. Arrest records in Montgomery County are public records under the Tennessee Public Records Act, codified at Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503 and § 10-7-504, which establishes the right of citizens to inspect and copy public records.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation also maintains a Tennessee Offender Registry and criminal history database. The county does not have tribal police jurisdiction, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands in Montgomery County. Additionally, Fort Campbell maintains its own military police force with jurisdiction on the installation, handling incidents involving military personnel and property on the base.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Montgomery County encompasses a range of documents including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office maintains local records, while the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation provides statewide background checks. Residents can request background checks through the TBI's online portal, which includes information on criminal history and sex offender status.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Montgomery County are maintained by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. These records document the circumstances of an individual's arrest, including charges, booking details, and personal information. Residents and attorneys can request copies of arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the guidelines set forth by the Tennessee Public Records Act. Arrest records typically include the date of arrest, charges filed, and the arresting officer's details, providing a comprehensive account of the incident.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Montgomery County Jail, located in Clarksville, is the main detention facility for the county. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, where they are photographed, fingerprinted, and held until bail is posted or they are transferred to court. The jail provides an online inmate lookup tool for the public to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific, requiring appointments and adherence to a schedule, with strict guidelines on what visitors can bring.
- The bond process follows Tennessee state law, allowing for cash, property, or bail bondsmen to secure an inmate's release.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Montgomery County are taken and retained by the Montgomery 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 Office website or by request. While Tennessee does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, individuals may petition for removal if charges are dropped or if they are acquitted. The availability of mugshots online has made it easier for the public to search for these records, although privacy concerns remain a topic of discussion.
Courts & Case Records
Montgomery County's judicial system includes the Circuit Court, Criminal Court, Chancery Court, General Sessions Court, and Juvenile Court. The Montgomery County Circuit Court, located at 2 Millennium Plaza, 3rd Floor, Clarksville, TN 37040, phone (931) 648-5710, has jurisdiction over civil cases exceeding $25,000 and various other matters. The Criminal Court, at the same address, handles felony criminal cases. The Chancery Court, also at 2 Millennium Plaza, addresses equity matters including divorces, adoptions, and probate cases.
- The General Sessions Court, located at 2 Millennium Plaza, 1st Floor, phone (931) 648-5720, handles civil cases under $25,000, misdemeanors, preliminary hearings, and serves as a small claims court.
- For certified copies of court documents, requests must be made to the Circuit Court Clerk's office at 2 Millennium Plaza, phone (931) 648-5710.
- Fees for certified copies are typically ten dollars for the first page and fifty cents for each additional page, plus a five-dollar certification fee, as established by Tennessee statute.
- The Clerk's office accepts requests in person, by mail, or by phone with payment.
- The Montgomery County courts maintain archives of historical records, and older cases may require additional processing time for retrieval.
The Juvenile Court addresses matters involving minors. Court records in Tennessee are governed by Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 30, which establishes public access to court records while protecting certain confidential information. Montgomery County provides online case lookup through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts website at tncourts.gov, where users can search civil, criminal, and traffic cases by party name, case number, or citation number at no charge for basic searches.
Some records may be restricted from public access, including adoption records, certain juvenile records, and cases sealed by court order.
Property & Public Records
The Montgomery County Register of Deeds, located at 350 Pageant Lane, Suite 101, Clarksville, TN 37040, phone (931) 648-5780, maintains and records all land records for the county. The office is responsible for recording deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, releases, assignments, easements, plats, rights-of-way, military discharges, UCC financing statements, federal and state tax liens, mechanics liens, judgments, and other documents affecting real property. These records are public and searchable under Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503.
- Certified copies can be requested in person or by mail for a fee of fifty cents per page plus a five-dollar certification fee.
- The Assessor's office provides an online GIS mapping system and property search tool through the county website, allowing users to search by owner name, address, parcel ID, or map and parcel number.
The Register of Deeds provides an online search system accessible through the county website at mcgtn.org, where users can search by grantor, grantee, book and page, instrument number, or legal description free of charge. Document images can be viewed and printed online. The office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards.
Property tax records are maintained by the Montgomery County Trustee's office at 350 Pageant Lane, Suite 301, Clarksville, TN 37040, phone (931) 648-5711, where citizens can pay property taxes and obtain tax payment histories. The Montgomery County Assessor of Property, located at 350 Pageant Lane, Suite 102, phone (931) 648-5541, maintains property assessment records including ownership information, property characteristics, assessed values, and tax maps. The system displays property details, assessment values, sales history, aerial imagery, and parcel boundaries.
This service is free and available 24/7. The Property Assessor also maintains industrial and personal property tax records for businesses.
Vital Records
Vital records for Montgomery County, Tennessee are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates are available through the Montgomery County Clerk's office at 350 Pageant Lane, Suite 501, Clarksville, TN 37040, phone (931) 648-5700, for events occurring within Montgomery County. Birth certificates cost fifteen dollars for the first copy and five dollars for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Death certificates cost seven dollars per copy.
- Processing typically takes three to five business days for in-person requests.
- State vital records can be ordered online through the VitalChek service at vitalchek.com for an additional processing fee, with expedited shipping available.
- The fee is approximately ninety-eight dollars, and applicants must provide valid photo identification and Social Security numbers.
- Certified copies of divorce decrees cost ten dollars for the first page plus fifty cents for each additional page.
Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of relationship or legal interest, as only immediate family members and legal representatives can obtain certified copies under Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-3-101 et seq. The Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, Central Services Building, 1st Floor, 421 5th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37243, phone (615) 741-1763, serves as the state repository for all Tennessee vital records and can provide certified copies of birth certificates dating back to 1914 and death certificates from 1949 forward. Marriage licenses are issued by the Montgomery County Clerk's office for couples planning to marry in Tennessee.
There is no waiting period or blood test required, and the license is valid for thirty days from issuance. Divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk or Chancery Court Clerk at 2 Millennium Plaza, depending on which court granted the divorce.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Montgomery County, Tennessee involves multiple agencies depending on the business type and location. The Montgomery County Clerk's office at 350 Pageant Lane, Suite 501, Clarksville, TN 37040, phone (931) 648-5700, accepts filings for assumed name certificates (DBA - Doing Business As) and fictitious name registrations for businesses operating under names other than the owner's legal name. The fee is currently twenty dollars, and the registration is public record searchable at the Clerk's office.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, businesses must register with the Tennessee Secretary of State, Business Services Division. The Secretary of State maintains an online business search portal at tnbear.tn.gov where anyone can search registered business entities, view formation dates, registered agents, filing histories, and current status free of charge. The Clarksville-Montgomery County Green Certification Program and local business licensing is administered through the City of Clarksville's Revenue Department for businesses operating within city limits.
Certain professional and occupational licenses are issued by state boards under the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance. Sales tax permits are required for retail businesses and are obtained through the Tennessee Department of Revenue online at tntap.tn.gov/eservices. Building permits, zoning approvals, and certificates of occupancy are processed by the Montgomery County Codes Department at 350 Pageant Lane, phone (931) 648-5786, for unincorporated areas, and by the City of Clarksville Building and Codes Department for properties within city limits.
The Clarksville-Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce, located at 25 Jefferson Street, Suite 300, Clarksville, TN 37040, phone (931) 647-2331, website clarksvillechamber.com, provides business support services, networking opportunities, and economic development resources.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Montgomery County, Tennessee are administered by the Montgomery County Election Commission, located at 350 Pageant Lane, Suite 102, Clarksville, TN 37040, phone (931) 648-5772. The Election Commission's website at montgomerycountytn.org/election-commission provides information on voter registration, polling locations, election dates, sample ballots, and results. Voter registration in Tennessee requires applicants to be United States citizens, residents of Tennessee and Montgomery County, and at least 18 years old by the next election.
- In the 2024 general election, Montgomery County reported voter turnout of approximately 64 percent of registered voters, reflecting strong civic engagement typical of counties with significant military populations.
- The Montgomery County Election Commission conducts post-election audits and maintains transparent processes with bipartisan oversight.
- Citizens can request election-related public records by contacting the Election Commission in accordance with the Tennessee Public Records Act.
Registration can be completed online at GoVoteTN.gov, the official Tennessee online voter registration portal, or by submitting a paper application to the Election Commission office, by mail, or in person. The registration deadline is thirty days before any election. Tennessee law requires voters to present valid photo identification at the polls, including Tennessee driver's licenses, photo IDs issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety, U.S.
passports, military photo IDs, or other government-issued photo identification. Voters can find their polling place by visiting GoVoteTN.gov and entering their address, or by contacting the Election Commission directly. Montgomery County operates numerous polling locations throughout the county on election days, with early voting available at multiple locations typically beginning twenty days before an election and ending five days before Election Day.
Public election records in Montgomery County include certified election results by precinct, candidate financial disclosure reports filed with the Tennessee Registry of Election Finance, voter registration statistics, and absentee ballot data. Individual voter registration records showing name, address, and voting history (which elections a person voted in, but not how they voted) are public under Tennessee Code Annotated § 2-2-108, though some information is restricted. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, Tennessee state legislative seats, county offices, and potentially state constitutional amendments or referendums. Absentee voting by mail is available for Tennessee voters who meet specific criteria including being 60 years of age or older, having a physical disability, being a caretaker of a person with a disability, being hospitalized or recovering from treatment, being a student or spouse living outside the county, being absent for government service or work, or serving as an election official in a different precinct. Absentee ballot applications are available on the Election Commission website and must be submitted by seven days before the election.
Voted absentee ballots must be received by the close of polls on Election Day.
Economy & Demographics
Montgomery County, Tennessee has a diverse economy anchored by Fort Campbell, which serves as the single largest employer in the region with over 30,000 military personnel and approximately 5,000 civilian employees. The military installation generates significant economic impact through direct employment, contracting, and spending by military families. Austin Peay State University, located in Clarksville, employs over 1,500 faculty and staff and contributes to the local economy through education, research, and cultural programming while serving approximately 10,000 students.
- The median household income in Montgomery County is approximately $59,000, slightly above the state average, reflecting the stabilizing influence of military and government employment.
Major manufacturing employers include the Hankook Tire plant in Clarksville, which represents a significant investment in advanced manufacturing, and numerous automotive suppliers serving the regional industry. Key economic sectors include defense and military services, advanced manufacturing, healthcare with Tennova Healthcare Clarksville as a major employer, retail trade concentrated along Wilma Rudolph Boulevard and Governor's Square area, education, and logistics given the county's strategic location along Interstate 24 and proximity to Nashville. The county has experienced steady population growth over the past two decades, driving expansion in construction, retail, and service industries.
The unemployment rate typically tracks close to or below state and national averages due to the consistent employment base provided by Fort Campbell. Recent economic development initiatives include expansion of industrial parks, infrastructure improvements to support business growth, and workforce development programs partnering with Tennessee College of Applied Technology Clarksville. Tourism contributes to the economy through attractions like Dunbar Cave State Park, downtown Clarksville's entertainment district, and events drawing regional visitors.
Agriculture remains economically significant in rural portions of the county, primarily focused on tobacco, soybeans, corn, and cattle operations.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ✅ Online | Property: ✅ Free Search Available | Arrest/Jail: ✅ Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: ⚠️ In-Person or Mail Required | Business: ✅ State Online Search | Elections: ✅ Online Voter Tools | Overall Score: 8.5/10 — Montgomery County provides excellent digital access to most public records including comprehensive online property searches, court case lookup, inmate information, and election resources, with vital records requiring traditional request methods.
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Cities & Towns in Montgomery County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Montgomery County, Tennessee.
Nearby Counties
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