Shelby Public Records

Shelby County in Tennessee dates back to 1819 and includes the famous city of Memphis. Although some records are restricted, there are plenty of historic and recent records available to the public. Shelby County public records include access to court records and divorce records through the Circuit Court Clerk’s office. These records include both civil and criminal court records. Also available are Shelby County birth records, death, marriage and divorce records, although there are restrictions on these vital records available through the Tennessee Department of Health.

If historic records are of interest, the Tennessee State Library and Archives holds a collection of Shelby County military records, cemetery and vital records, as well as obituaries. The State Library and Archives is located in Nashville, although public records for Shelby County may be requested by mail. Statewide criminal records may be checked online through the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

Anyone may request informational copies of Shelby County vital records from the Tennessee Department of Health. Official copies of birth, death, marriage and divorce records are restricted. Order copies in person, by mail or online through VitalChek.

The Circuit Court Clerk also holds divorce records, along with civil and criminal court records. These may be searched and viewed online for free or viewed in person.

Request Shelby County military records, cemetery and vital records, and obituaries from the collection at the State Library and Archives.

To request statewide criminal records, go online to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation or request them by mail.

About Shelby County Public Records

Tennessee is mostly an open record state. However, exceptions apply to vital records. After 100 years, birth records become open record. Death, marriage and divorce records are released after 50 years. However, if you simply need unofficial Tennessee public records, anyone can obtain an informational copy of these vital records. Other Shelby, TN public records are more easily attained, such as divorce records, which are on file with the Circuit Court Clerk.

Viewing Shelby County Public Records Online

The Shelby County Circuit Court Clerk maintains an updated online database of court records, which include divorce, criminal and civil court records. Unless sealed by a judge, these are deemed public information. Viewing public records online for Shelby County through the Circuit Court Clerk is simple and free. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation also offers online public records, although these are statewide criminal records and require a fee.

Search Public Records for Shelby County

If a visit to the State Library and Archives in Nashville isn’t convenient, a member of the staff will search public records for Shelby County for a fee. Requested Shelby County military records, obituaries, cemetery and vital records can be located, copied and mailed. Certain types of records can be scanned and emailed. An in-person visit is free, however, and just might be worth it.