Getting a Copy of Your Tennessee Criminal Record
Which Tennessee agency keeps criminal history records, how to request your own record, and the fee.
Short answer: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is the state's central repository for criminal history and runs a name-based Tennessee criminal history check through its TORIS (Open Records) unit. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, TORIS memorandum (January 2022)
| Getting a copy of your criminal record | The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is the state's central repository for criminal history and runs a name-based Tennessee criminal history check through its TORIS (Open Records) unit. The result shows whether the person has a Tennessee record, and juvenile information is generally not included. If you checked yourself and dispute the result, send fingerprints taken by a local law enforcement agency, a letter saying you dispute the findings for a fingerprint comparison. TORIS Unit: 615-744-4057, tbi.toris@tn.gov; TBI, 901 R.S. Gass Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37216-2639. |
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| What relief the state offers | Tennessee calls record clearing "expunction." It means removing and destroying public records. It covers charges that did not end in conviction, cases dismissed after diversion, a limited list of eligible convictions, and certain pardoned nonviolent crimes. In 2025 the law was reorganized into separate sections of Title 40, Chapter 32. Only the Governor can grant clemency. Ch. 268, SB 1055) and on the Justia mirror of the 2025 Tennessee Code. Mirrors are allowed for Tennessee. |
Where to get help in Tennessee
More Tennessee expungement & criminal records
- Expunging or Sealing a Felony in Tennessee
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in Tennessee
- How to File for Expungement in Tennessee
- All Tennessee expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
How do I check my own criminal record in Tennessee?
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is the state's central repository for criminal history and runs a name-based Tennessee criminal history check through its TORIS (Open Records) unit. The result shows whether the person has a Tennessee record, and juvenile information is generally not included. If you checked yourself and dispute the result, send fingerprints taken by a local law enforcement agency, a letter saying you dispute the findings for a fingerprint comparison. TORIS Unit: 615-744-4057, tbi.toris@tn.gov; TBI, 901 R.S. Gass Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37216-2639.
Can you get a criminal record expunged in Tennessee?
Tennessee calls record clearing "expunction." It means removing and destroying public records. It covers charges that did not end in conviction, cases dismissed after diversion, a limited list of eligible convictions, and certain pardoned nonviolent crimes. In 2025 the law was reorganized into separate sections of Title 40, Chapter 32. Only the Governor can grant clemency.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.