About Moore County
Moore County is located in south-central Tennessee, situated in the Highland Rim region of the state. The county seat is Lynchburg, a small town internationally famous as the home of the Jack Daniel's Distillery, the oldest registered distillery in the United States. Moore County was established in 1871 from portions of Franklin, Coffee, and Lincoln counties, and was named after Major General William Moore, a Confederate officer. The county encompasses approximately 130 square miles, making it one of the smallest counties in Tennessee by land area.
- The Moore County Register of Deeds maintains property records, while the Moore County Clerk's office handles vital records, court documentation, and various administrative functions.
As of the 2020 Census, Moore County has a population of approximately 6,500 residents, maintaining its rural character and small-town atmosphere. The county is uniquely situated in what has been a dry county for decades, creating an interesting paradox where the world's largest whiskey distillery operates in a jurisdiction that prohibits alcohol sales for consumption. The Moore County Courthouse is located at 2 Court Square in Lynchburg and houses several key county offices.
The Moore County Assessor of Property, located in the courthouse complex, manages property assessments and tax roll information. Beyond the distillery, Moore County features scenic rural landscapes, the Tims Ford Lake recreational area partially within its borders, and agricultural heritage that continues to shape the local economy and culture.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
The Moore County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the county. It patrols the unincorporated areas, manages the county jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is dedicated to community-oriented policing and often engages in programs aimed at crime prevention and public safety education. The Sheriff's Office also collaborates with local and state agencies to ensure comprehensive law enforcement coverage across the county.
Police Departments
In addition to the Moore County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in the county is supported by the Lynchburg Police Department. The Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement in the unincorporated areas, while the Lynchburg Police Department focuses on the city limits of Lynchburg. These agencies coordinate on major crimes and public safety initiatives, ensuring comprehensive coverage and quick response times across the county. Their collaboration is essential for maintaining the safety and security of Moore County residents.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
The Moore County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement agency for the county, with headquarters located at 204 East Main Street in Lynchburg, Tennessee 37352. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (931) 759-7977 and provides patrol services, criminal investigations, civil process service, and operates the Moore County Jail. Inmates housed in the Moore County detention facility can be searched through the Sheriff's Office during business hours by calling the jail directly. The facility maintains booking records, inmate rosters, and visitation schedules.
- Processing fees may apply for copies.
For municipal law enforcement, the City of Lynchburg does not maintain its own police department, with law enforcement services provided by the Moore County Sheriff's Office and the Tennessee Highway Patrol for state highway matters. Arrest records in Moore County are public records under the Tennessee Public Records Act (Tennessee Code Annotated Title 10, Chapter 7), and citizens may request copies of arrest reports, booking logs, and incident reports by submitting a written request to the Sheriff's Office. Mugshots and booking photographs are generally considered public record in Tennessee and can be requested through the Sheriff's Office, though some information may be redacted if related to ongoing investigations or juvenile matters.
The Sheriff's Office works cooperatively with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and surrounding county agencies for major investigations. Moore County does not have tribal police jurisdiction, as there are no federally recognized tribal lands within the county. Sex offender registry information for Moore County residents can be accessed through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's Sex Offender Registry website, which provides searchable records by name, address, or zip code.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Moore County encompasses a variety of documents, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Moore County Sheriff's Office, along with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), maintains these records. Residents can conduct background checks through the TBI, which provides comprehensive criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Moore County are maintained by the Moore County Sheriff's Office. These records are accessible to the public under the Tennessee Public Records Act, which ensures transparency and access to government documents. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records directly from the Sheriff's Office, which include details such as the nature of the offense, arresting officer, and date of arrest. The process typically involves submitting a formal request, either in person or via mail, and may require a nominal fee for processing.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Moore County Jail, located in Lynchburg, serves as the primary detention facility for the county. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals upon arrest, and inmates can be searched through the county's online inmate lookup tool. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments in advance and adhere to strict security protocols. The bond and bail process follows Tennessee state guidelines, allowing for release upon payment of bail set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Moore County are taken and retained by the Moore County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These booking photos are considered public records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by submitting a request. Tennessee does not have specific mugshot removal laws, meaning that once published, these images can remain accessible unless otherwise ordered by a court. The availability of mugshots online provides transparency but also raises privacy concerns for those involved.
Courts & Case Records
Moore County's judicial system operates under Tennessee's court structure with the Circuit Court and General Sessions Court serving the county. The Moore County Circuit Court has jurisdiction over civil matters exceeding $25,000, felony criminal cases, appeals from lower courts, and equity matters. The court is located at 2 Court Square, Lynchburg, TN 37352, and can be reached at (931) 759-7346. Moore County General Sessions Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, preliminary hearings for felonies, civil cases under $25,000, and serves as the county's juvenile court.
- Certified copies of court documents are available for a fee of approximately $5.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, though fees are subject to change.
The Moore County Chancery Court hears probate matters, adoptions, land disputes, and certain civil litigation. Court records in Moore County are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk's office at the courthouse. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503 and § 10-7-504, court records are presumed open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
Citizens may search court records by visiting the Clerk's office in person during business hours, Monday through Friday. Case searches can be conducted by party name or case number. While Tennessee has implemented online case access in many counties through the Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts, availability of online docket search for Moore County should be verified directly with the Circuit Court Clerk.
The court clerk's office also maintains marriage records, probate files, and land-related litigation documents. Municipal Court operations for traffic and city ordinance violations are handled through General Sessions Court given Lynchburg's small size.
Property & Public Records
The Moore County Register of Deeds maintains property and land records for the county, with offices located in the Moore County Courthouse at 2 Court Square, Lynchburg, TN 37352. The office can be contacted at (931) 759-7819. The Register of Deeds is responsible for recording and maintaining deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, releases, easements, right-of-way documents, subdivision plats, and Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings. These records date back to the county's formation in 1871 and provide a comprehensive chain of title for all real property in Moore County.
- Recording fees vary by document type, with standard deeds typically costing around $13.00 for the first page and $4.00 for each additional page.
- Certified copies can be obtained for similar fees.
- While some Tennessee counties offer online GIS mapping and property search portals, Moore County's online access capabilities should be verified by contacting the Register of Deeds or visiting the county website.
- The Tennessee Comptroller's Office provides a statewide property tax database that includes Moore County assessment data.
Under Tennessee law, these records are public and available for inspection during regular business hours. The office maintains indexed records searchable by grantor/grantee name, property address, or legal description. Moore County property tax information is maintained by the Moore County Trustee's office, which collects property taxes, and the Moore County Assessor of Property, which establishes property valuations.
The Assessor's office is located at 2 Court Square and can be reached at (931) 759-7819. Property owners can obtain current tax information, assessment values, property characteristics, and ownership history through these county offices.
Vital Records
Vital records for Moore County, Tennessee, are maintained by both county and state agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates in Tennessee are managed primarily by the Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, located at 421 5th Avenue North, 1st Floor, Nashville, TN 37243. Birth certificates for births occurring in Moore County can be ordered through the state office for a fee of $15.00 for the first copy and $15.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.
- Processing typically takes 4-6 weeks by mail, or applications can be submitted in person at regional vital records offices.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek, Tennessee's authorized vendor, at an additional convenience fee.
- Death certificates follow the same fee structure and processing procedures.
- Couples must apply in person with valid identification and pay the required fee, currently around $99.00, which is reduced to approximately $60.00 if couples complete a premarital preparation course.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record as required by Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-3-101 et seq. Marriage licenses are issued by the Moore County Clerk's office located at 2 Court Square, Lynchburg, TN 37352, phone (931) 759-7346. There is no waiting period, and licenses are valid for 30 days from issuance.
Divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk where the divorce was granted. Historical vital records may also be available through the Moore County Archives or the Tennessee State Library and Archives for genealogical research purposes. Remote online notarization has expanded access to some vital records services in Tennessee.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Moore County are maintained through multiple agencies depending on the business type and registration requirements. The Moore County Clerk's office at 2 Court Square, Lynchburg, TN 37352, phone (931) 759-7346, handles assumed name (DBA - Doing Business As) filings and fictitious name registrations for businesses operating in the county. These filings cost approximately $20.00 and must be renewed periodically according to Tennessee law.
- This database provides business status, registration date, registered agent information, and filing history.
- The Moore County Chamber of Commerce, though not a government entity, provides business support services and maintains information about local businesses.
For formal business entity registration including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, the Tennessee Secretary of State, Business Services Division, maintains the official registry. The Secretary of State's online business search portal is available at https://tnbear.tn.gov/Ecommerce/FilingSearch.aspx, where anyone can search for registered business entities by name, filing number, or registered agent. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, healthcare providers, cosmetologists, and real estate agents are issued by the respective Tennessee state licensing boards, not at the county level.
Sales tax permits are obtained through the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Building permits and zoning compliance in Moore County are handled by the Moore County Planning and Codes Department, which reviews construction plans, issues permits, and enforces county zoning ordinances. Commercial building permits require site plan review and inspection.
Contact the county trustee's office for business personal property tax requirements. Home-based businesses may require county business licenses depending on the nature of operations.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Moore County, Tennessee, are administered by the Moore County Election Commission, which is located at the Moore County Courthouse complex at 2 Court Square, Lynchburg, TN 37352. The office can be reached at (931) 759-7006 for information about voter registration, polling locations, and election procedures.
- In the 2024 general election, Moore County experienced approximately 62-65% voter turnout among registered voters, consistent with rural Tennessee county participation rates in presidential elections.
- Senate races if applicable, Tennessee state legislature seats, county offices including County Mayor and Commission seats, and constitutional offices such as County Clerk and Register of Deeds.
- Absentee ballot applications must be requested from the Moore County Election Commission and submitted with appropriate justification and signature.
- The Moore County Election Commission provides transparency in election administration and welcomes public observation of election processes in accordance with Tennessee election laws.
Voter registration in Moore County is available through multiple channels: citizens may register in person at the Election Commission office, at the County Clerk's office, at Tennessee Department of Safety driver services centers, or online through the Tennessee Online Voter Registration system at GoVoteTN.com. Tennessee requires voter registration at least 30 days before an election. Eligible voters must be United States citizens, residents of Tennessee, and at least 18 years old by the election date.
The GoVoteTN.com portal also allows Moore County residents to check registration status, find polling locations, view sample ballots, and access election information. Moore County typically operates two to three polling places depending on election type, with the primary location historically at the Moore County Senior Citizens Center in Lynchburg. Voters can verify their specific polling place through the Election Commission or the GoVoteTN website by entering their address.
Public election records in Moore County include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted per Tennessee law), campaign finance disclosures filed with the Registry of Election Finance, candidate qualifying documents, and certified election results by precinct. Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 2-2-108, voter registration records are open for public inspection with restrictions on use for commercial purposes. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring United States House of Representatives races for Tennessee's congressional districts, potential U.S.
Absentee voting by mail is available to Moore County voters who meet specific criteria under Tennessee law, including being 60 years or older, having a physical disability, being hospitalized or caring for hospitalized family, serving as a poll official, being a full-time student outside the county, or being absent from the county during early voting and Election Day. Early voting is offered at designated locations during a period typically beginning 20 days before an election and ending five days before Election Day.
Economy & Demographics
Moore County's economy is uniquely dominated by a single major employer that has international recognition: the Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg. Brown-Forman Corporation, which owns Jack Daniel's, provides hundreds of jobs directly and supports extensive indirect employment through tourism, distribution, cooperage, and supplier relationships. The distillery produces all Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey worldwide from this single location, making it a cornerstone of the county's economic base.
- The median household income in Moore County is approximately $52,000, somewhat below the Tennessee state average, reflecting the rural character and limited industrial diversification.
- The county's location along State Route 55 and proximity to Interstate 24 provides some transportation access, though the county remains relatively isolated from major metropolitan areas.
- The property tax revenue generated by the distillery operations provides significant support for county government services despite the dry county status.
Tourism represents the second major economic sector, with hundreds of thousands of visitors annually touring the distillery, visiting downtown Lynchburg's historic square, and patronizing local restaurants, shops, and attractions. Agriculture remains economically significant, with cattle farming, hay production, and timber operations providing income for many residents. The county's small geographic size and limited industrial infrastructure have constrained manufacturing growth, though some small manufacturers and service businesses operate in the area.
Tims Ford Lake, which borders Moore County, generates recreational tourism and supports related service businesses. Unemployment in Moore County typically tracks close to or slightly above the state average, ranging between 3-5% in recent years. Economic development efforts focus on tourism enhancement, small business support, and maintaining the county's rural character while seeking compatible growth opportunities.
Transparency Score
Court Records: ⚠️ In-Person Access | Property: ⚠️ Limited Online | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ⚠️ State Office/In-Person | Business: ✅ State Online Search | Elections: ✅ State Portal Access | Overall Score: 5/10 — Moore County maintains basic public records access primarily through in-person requests at county offices, with limited online portals. State-level systems provide business and election information, but local digital infrastructure remains limited.
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Cities & Towns in Moore County
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Nearby Counties
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