Overton County

Overton County is located in north-central Tennessee, nestled within the scenic Upper Cumberland region. Established in 1806, the county was named after John Overton, a Tennessee Supreme Court justice and prominent political figure. The county seat is Livingston, situated approximately 90 miles east of Nashville. Overton County encompasses approximately 433 square miles and has a population of approximately 22,000 residents according to recent census estimates. The county is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and portions of the Cumberland Plateau, offering diverse natural landscapes.

• The Overton County Register of Deeds, also based at the courthouse, maintains property records, deeds, and land transaction documents.

Sheriff & Law Enforcement

The Overton County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of the county. It operates under the leadership of the elected sheriff, who oversees a range of duties including patrolling rural areas, managing the county jail, and processing arrests. The office is also tasked with maintaining criminal records and providing public safety services. The Sheriff's Office is known for its community outreach programs and efforts to engage with residents to promote safety and security.

Police Departments

In addition to the Overton County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Overton County is supported by municipal police departments, including the Livingston Police Department. These agencies are responsible for maintaining public safety within their respective jurisdictions. The Sheriff's Office primarily handles rural and unincorporated areas, while the Livingston Police Department focuses on urban law enforcement within the town limits. Coordination between these agencies ensures comprehensive coverage and response to major crimes and emergencies throughout the county.

Law Enforcement & Arrests

The Overton County Sheriff's Office serves as the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of the county, headquartered at 117 Cordell Hull Memorial Drive in Livingston, Tennessee 38570. The Sheriff's Office can be reached at (931) 823-5635 and maintains responsibility for civil process, court security, and operating the Overton County Jail. Inmate information for the Overton County Jail can be obtained by calling the jail directly at (931) 823-5635 or visiting the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours.

• Under Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-503 and § 10-7-504, arrest records and booking logs are considered public records and must be made available for inspection upon request.
• Citizens can submit public records requests to the Sheriff's Office or municipal police departments in writing, either in person or by mail.
• Mugshots and booking photographs are part of arrest records and are generally available through the Sheriff's Office, though the county does not currently maintain an online searchable mugshot database.
• Processing times for records requests vary, but agencies must respond within a reasonable timeframe under Tennessee's Public Records Act.

Criminal Records

The criminal records system in Overton County encompasses a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. The Overton County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation provides additional resources for background checks. Residents can request criminal records through the appropriate law enforcement agency or utilize the Tennessee Open Records Information Services for broader searches.

Arrest Records

Arrest records in Overton County are maintained by the Overton County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges, and any subsequent court proceedings. Residents and attorneys can request access to these records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. Under the Tennessee Public Records Act, arrest records are generally accessible to the public, although certain restrictions may apply to protect privacy or ongoing investigations.

Jail & Inmate Records

The Overton County Jail, located in Livingston, is the primary detention facility for the county. It handles the booking process for individuals arrested within the county, where they are photographed and fingerprinted. Inmate information can be accessed through the jail's administrative office, which provides details on visitation rules and schedules. The facility follows Tennessee's bond and bail procedures, allowing inmates to post bail as determined by the court.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

Mugshots in Overton County are taken and retained by the Overton County Sheriff's Office as part of the booking process. These booking photos are typically available for public viewing through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. While Tennessee does not have specific laws mandating the removal of mugshots from public records, individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of charges. Mugshots can also be accessed through third-party websites that aggregate public records, although accuracy and availability may vary.

Overton County's judicial system includes several court levels serving different jurisdictions. The Overton County Circuit Court, located at 317 East Main Street, Livingston, TN 38570, handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $25,000, divorce and family law matters, and appeals from lower courts. The court can be reached at (931) 823-2631. The Overton County General Sessions Court shares the same courthouse location and has jurisdiction over civil cases up to $25,000, preliminary hearings for felonies, misdemeanors, and serves as the county's juvenile court.

• Copy fees are generally $0.50 per page for standard documents, with certified copies costing an additional $5.00 for the certification.
• Research requests should be directed to the appropriate court clerk, and online access may be limited to in-person or telephone inquiries for case status and filing information.

Property and land records for Overton County are maintained by the Overton County Register of Deeds, located at 317 East Main Street, Livingston, TN 38570. The office can be reached at (931) 823-2516 and is responsible for recording and maintaining deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens, releases, easements, right-of-way documents, plat maps, and other instruments affecting real property. The Register of Deeds office provides public access to these records during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.

• Recording fees vary by document type: standard deeds and mortgages typically cost $12.00 for the first page and $2.00 for each additional page.
• Certified copies are available for $5.00 plus the per-page copying fee.
• The Tennessee Comptroller's Office provides a statewide property tax database at www.comptroller.tn.gov/pa that may include some Overton County data.

Vital records for Overton County, Tennessee, are managed through multiple offices depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates occurring in Overton County can be requested through the Overton County Clerk's office at 317 East Main Street, Livingston, TN 38570, phone (931) 823-2631. However, the Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, serves as the central state repository for all vital records and can be reached at Tennessee Vital Records, Central Services Building, 421 5th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37243, or by phone at (615) 741-1763.

• Birth certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $15.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.
• Death certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $15.00 for additional copies.
• Processing times typically range from 2-4 weeks for mail requests, though in-person requests at the state office may be processed same-day.
• Marriage licenses must be obtained from the Overton County Clerk's office prior to the ceremony; the fee is $99.50, reduced to $60.00 if the couple completes a premarital counseling course.
• Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com for an additional processing fee, offering expedited service.

Business and licensing records in Overton County are accessible through multiple government offices depending on the record type. The Overton County Clerk's office at 317 East Main Street, Livingston, TN 38570, (931) 823-2631, maintains filings for assumed name certificates (Doing Business As or DBA registrations) for businesses operating under names other than their legal entity name. These county-level business name registrations cost approximately $20.00 and must be filed in the county where the business operates.

Elections in Overton County, Tennessee, are administered by the Overton County Election Commission, located at 317 East Main Street, Suite 200, Livingston, TN 38570. The Election Commission can be reached at (931) 823-1291 and is responsible for voter registration, maintaining voter rolls, managing polling locations, and conducting federal, state, and local elections.

Overton County's economy reflects its rural Upper Cumberland character, combining traditional industries with growing sectors. Historically, agriculture, forestry, and timber production formed the economic foundation, and these sectors remain important today. Cattle farming, hay production, and small-scale agriculture continue throughout the county. Major employers include Livingston Regional Hospital, a significant healthcare provider employing several hundred workers; the Overton County School System; local government agencies; and various small manufacturing operations.

• The median household income in Overton County is estimated at approximately $38,000 to $42,000, below both Tennessee and national averages, reflecting the county's rural economic profile.
• The proximity to Cookeville and the I-40 corridor provides some economic connectivity, though geographic isolation remains a development challenge.
• No major corporate headquarters are located in the county, and economic development continues to emphasize quality of life, low costs, and natural resources as primary business attraction factors.

Court Records: ⚠️ In-Person/Phone | Property: ⚠️ In-Person Required | Arrest/Jail: ⚠️ Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: ✅ State Online Option | Business: ✅ State Online (Secretary of State) | Elections: ✅ Online Voter Lookup | Overall Score: 5/10 — Overton County provides limited digital access to public records, requiring in-person visits for most county-maintained documents, though state systems offer some online alternatives.

Explore public records for 9 cities and communities in Overton County, Tennessee.