Washington County

Washington County, Tennessee, established in 1777, is one of the oldest counties in the state and covers approximately 330 square miles in the northeastern corner of Tennessee. Washington County seat is Jonesborough, the oldest town in Tennessee, founded in 1779 and renowned for its historic downtown and annual National Storytelling Festival. With a population of approximately 133,000 residents, Washington County is part of the Johnson City Metropolitan Statistical Area and includes portions of Johnson City, Washington County's largest municipality. Washington County sits within the Appalachian Ridge and Valley region, bordered by Sullivan County to the north, Unicoi County to the south, Carter County to the east, and Greene County to the west. Major landmarks include the Historic Jonesborough district, Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site, and Buffalo Mountain Park. Washington County government operates through various departments headquartered primarily in Jonesborough. Washington County Register of Deeds office, located at 100 East Main Street in Jonesborough, maintains land and property records. Washington County Clerk's office, also at Washington County Courthouse at 100 East Main Street, handles court records, vital records, and various administrative functions. Washington County Property Assessor, situated at 100 East Main Street, Suite 203, is responsible for property tax assessments. What makes Washington County unique is its rich historical significance as the birthplace of Tennessee statehood, its vibrant storytelling tradition, and its role as a regional healthcare and educational hub anchored by East Tennessee State University and the Johnson City Medical Center. Washington County blends Appalachian heritage with modern economic development, creating a varied community that honors its past while embracing growth.

• Washington County Register of Deeds office, located at 100 East Main Street in Jonesborough, maintains land and property records.

The Washington County Court serves Washington County and is located at 222 West Main Street in Jonesborough. The court handles civil, criminal, family, and probate cases for the county. Court records and case filings can be requested in person or through the Tennessee online court portal.

Washington County, Tennessee is located in the northeastern corner of the state and is part of the First Judicial District. The county court has jurisdiction over civil and criminal cases, including felonies, misdemeanors, and traffic violations. The court also has jurisdiction over probate matters, including wills, estates, guardianships, and conservatorships. The court is located at: Washington County Courthouse 222 West Main Street Jonesborough, TN 37659

Law Enforcement & Arrests

• There may be nominal copying fees for paper records.
• Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the detention center's online inmate roster and are considered public records under Tennessee's public records law.

Mugshots & Booking Photos

• The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts maintains an online case lookup system accessible at tncourts.gov, though not all county records may be immediately available online.
• Fees for certified copies typically run $5.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, though fees may vary by record type.
• Case files may be inspected free of charge, but copying services incur fees.
• Online access through third-party vendors may involve subscription fees or per-document charges.

• The Register of Deeds charges recording fees based on document type and page count, with standard deeds typically costing $23.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page, plus various state-mandated fees.
• Certified copies of recorded documents cost $5.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page.
• The Assessor's office provides online access to property tax records, including current and historical assessments, property characteristics, sales history, and tax amounts through their website.

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

• Birth certificates in Tennessee cost $15.00 for the first copy and $15.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
• Death certificates cost $15.00 per copy.
• Processing time for mail requests typically ranges from 4-6 weeks, though in-person requests at authorized locations may be processed more quickly.
• Eligible requesters include the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and individuals with court orders.
• Marriage licenses are issued by Washington County Clerk's office and cost $97.50, with no waiting period or blood test required.

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

• This database is free to search and provides full information on nearly all formal business entities operating in Tennessee.