DeKalb County, TN Public Records
DeKalb County has an estimated population of 21,747 (2024) across 304 square miles of land. In Tennessee, deeds, mortgages and other land records are recorded by the county Register of Deeds. Court cases are handled by the Tennessee State Courts; use the official links below to find the courthouse and clerk for DeKalb County.
📍 DeKalb County at a Glance
| Population (2024 est.) | 21,747 Source: www2.census.gov ↗ |
| Land area | 304 sq mi Source: www2.census.gov ↗ |
| Largest community | SmithvillePopulation 5,546 (2024 est.) |
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🏛️ Courthouse & Records Offices in DeKalb County, TN
These are the main offices to visit in person in DeKalb County: the Circuit Court Clerk for court case files. Details come from official state and court directories; hours and services can change, so call or check the official website before you go. Anything the official source does not list is marked “Not stated”.
⚖️ DeKalb County Circuit Court Clerk (Dekalb County Courthouse)
| Address | 1 Public Square, Room 201, Smithville, TN 37166 |
| Directions | Get directions ↗ |
| Phone | (615) 597-5711 |
| Hours | Not stated |
| Records available | Circuit Court case records for the county (civil suits, divorce, and in most counties criminal cases); the Circuit Court Clerk usually also serves the General Sessions Court |
| Official website | Not stated |
| Sources | tncourts.gov/…/clerks ↗ |
| Last verified | October 17, 2026 |
⚖️ Criminal Records in DeKalb County, TN
Criminal case records for DeKalb County are kept by the court that heard each case. In Tennessee, felony cases are tried in Criminal Court or Circuit Court, depending on the county; misdemeanors and felony preliminary hearings are handled by General Sessions Court. Many court records are public and can be viewed or copied at the clerk's office of the court that heard the case. Source: tncourts.gov ↗
⚖️ Where to get criminal records for DeKalb County
| State court system | Tennessee State Courts |
🔍 Background Check in DeKalb County, TN
A people search for DeKalb County pulls together public records such as court cases, property records and address history. It is for personal use only: under the FCRA it may not be used to screen tenants, employees, or for credit or insurance decisions. The official record sources for DeKalb County are listed below.
🔍 Where to get background check for DeKalb County
| Sex offender registry | Tennessee Sex Offender Registry (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation) Source: sor.tbi.tn.gov ↗ |
| State court system | Tennessee State Courts |
📋 Arrest Records in DeKalb County, TN
Arrest and booking records for DeKalb County are created by the arresting agency — usually the local police department, the county sheriff's office or the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Once someone is charged, the case becomes a court record at the court that handles criminal cases for the area.
📋 Where to get arrest records for DeKalb County
| State court system | Tennessee State Courts |
🏛️ Court Records in DeKalb County, TN
Court records for DeKalb County include civil suits, small claims, landlord-tenant cases, criminal cases, family matters and probate (estates). Below are the courts that serve DeKalb County, with addresses from the official Tennessee State Courts directory.
🏛️ Where to get court records for DeKalb County
| State court system | Tennessee State Courts |
🏠 Property Records in DeKalb County, TN
In Tennessee, deeds, mortgages and other land records are recorded by the county Register of Deeds. Property tax assessments are kept by the county Assessor of Property.
🏠 Where to get property records for DeKalb County
| Land records | In Tennessee, deeds, mortgages and other land records are recorded by the county Register of Deeds. |
📜 Vital Records in DeKalb County, TN
In Tennessee, certified birth certificates can also be ordered from county health departments. Statewide records can also be ordered from the Tennessee Department of Health – Office of Vital Records.
📜 Where to get vital records for DeKalb County
| State vital records office | Tennessee Department of Health – Office of Vital Records Source: tn.gov ↗ |
🔒 Sex Offender Registry in DeKalb County, TN
The official sex offender registry for DeKalb County is maintained by the state. Search it directly — it is free and updated by law enforcement. Registry information may not be used to threaten, intimidate or harass anyone.
🔒 Where to get sex offender registry for DeKalb County
| Official registry | Tennessee Sex Offender Registry (Tennessee Bureau of Investigation) Source: sor.tbi.tn.gov ↗ |
📄 Divorce Records in DeKalb County, TN
Divorce cases in Tennessee are heard by the Circuit Court or Chancery Court in each county. The full divorce case file, including the final decree, is kept by the clerk of that court. Some state vital records offices also issue divorce certificates or verifications; check with the Tennessee Department of Health – Office of Vital Records.
📄 Where to get divorce records for DeKalb County
| Divorce court | Divorce cases in Tennessee are heard by the Circuit Court or Chancery Court in each county. |
| State vital records office | Tennessee Department of Health – Office of Vital Records Source: tn.gov ↗ |
| State court system | Tennessee State Courts |
Largest Communities in DeKalb County
Smithville (5,546), Alexandria (944), Dowelltown (367), Liberty (345) 2024 population estimates, U.S. Census Bureau.