Shelby County Clerk (TN): Records, Forms, Fees & Office Details

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Shelby County, Tennessee Clerk Guide

Shelby County Clerk (TN): Records, Forms, Fees & Office Details

The Shelby County Clerk in Tennessee is the office many Memphis-area residents use for vehicle title and registration, license plate renewals, marriage licenses, business licenses, notary applications, returned checks, and several county clerk records and forms.

This guide explains the main Shelby County Clerk services, where to find forms, how to use official online services, what fees to expect, which branch office to visit, and when you should use a separate court clerk instead of the County Clerk.

Official County Clerk Website Online Clerk Services Office Locations & Hours Open Google Map

Independent guide last reviewed September 2026. Always confirm current hours, closures, accepted payment methods, and document requirements on the official Shelby County Clerk or Tennessee state website before visiting or filing.

Quick Facts: Shelby County Clerk in Memphis, Tennessee

Official office Shelby County Clerk’s Office, Shelby County, Tennessee.
Current Clerk listed online The official Shelby County Clerk page currently lists Dr. La Sonya Hall as County Clerk.
Main office address 150 Washington Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103.
Main phone 901-222-3000.
Downtown hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.; driver license department only 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Online services Plate renewals, renewal reminders, new business applications, marriage applications, new business lists, returned checks, and Drive Insured Tennessee.
Main service area Motor vehicles, marriage licenses, business tax, notary commissions, beer permits, and clerk forms.
Important distinction Court case records are usually handled by Shelby County court clerks, not the County Clerk’s motor vehicle or business office.
Start here: use the Shelby County Clerk for title, tag, registration, marriage license, business license, notary, and related county clerk services. Use the Circuit Court Clerk, General Sessions Court Clerk, Criminal Court Clerk, Probate Court Clerk, or Juvenile Court Clerk when your task is about a court case.

What the Shelby County Clerk Does

The Shelby County Clerk’s Office is a high-use local office because many residents and businesses need it for everyday legal and vehicle transactions. The office’s largest job is vehicle license plate work, but it also handles several other county clerk services.

Common services include vehicle license plates, title and registration transactions, new business licenses, marriage licenses, notary public commissions, beer permits in unincorporated Shelby County, returned checks, renewal reminders, and access to state or county forms.

Motor vehicle division Vehicle titles, registration, plate renewals, replacement titles, liens, disabled placards, and title/registration forms.
Marriage licenses Marriage license applications, premarital preparation fee discount, certified marriage-license copies, and recording after the ceremony.
Business tax division New business licenses, business tax forms, minimal activity licenses, standard licenses, and business-license account updates.
Notary public Notary applications, renewals, oath and bond steps, name changes, address changes, and Shelby County notary certifications.
Beer permits Beer permits for qualifying businesses located in Shelby County outside any municipality.
Online clerk tools Renew plates, sign up for renewal email reminders, start a marriage application, file a new business application, and search new business lists.

Official office pageShelby County Clerk Official Website

After opening this link:

  1. Review the County Clerk responsibilities and services section.
  2. Use the branch office list to confirm which location handles your service.
  3. Check announcements for renewal reminders, online renewal updates, e-check availability, or temporary changes.
  4. Open the related service link for vehicle title/registration, business tax, marriage license, notary public, or available online services.
  5. Call 901-222-3000 before visiting if your transaction is unusual, time-sensitive, or document-heavy.

Shelby County Clerk Google Map, Main Office, Branches, and Hours

The main Shelby County Clerk office is in Downtown Memphis at 150 Washington Avenue. Branches are located across the county, but not every location handles every service, so it is important to check the service notes before you travel.

Main Shelby County Clerk Office

Address: 150 Washington Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103

Phone: 901-222-3000

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Driver License Department only: 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Extra note: the downtown office also issues marriage licenses and business licenses.

Open Main Office in Google Maps

Downtown

150 Washington Avenue
Memphis, TN 38103

Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Also issues marriage licenses and business licenses.

Whitehaven Plaza

4122 Elvis Presley Boulevard
Memphis, TN

Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Kiosk location is also listed by the Clerk.

Millington

4836 Navy Road
Millington, TN

Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Also issues marriage licenses.

Raleigh–Frayser

3616 Austin Peay Highway, Suite 4
Memphis, TN

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Riverdale

3785 Riverdale Road
Memphis, TN 38115

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Kiosk location is also listed by the Clerk.

Mullins Station

1075 Mullins Station Road, West Wing
Memphis, TN 38134

Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.

Also issues marriage licenses and business licenses.

Official directoryShelby County Clerk Office Locations and Hours

After opening this link:

  1. Review the list of branch offices and hours.
  2. Look for service notes such as “also issues marriage licenses” or “also issues business licenses.”
  3. Use the official map/directions link for the location you plan to visit.
  4. Call the main office if you are unsure whether your preferred branch can complete the exact transaction.
  5. Check for holiday closures or temporary service updates before leaving home.

Shelby County Clerk Online Services

The Tennessee County Clerk online system provides Shelby County residents with several online tools. These include plate renewals, renewal reminders, new business applications, marriage applications, new business list search, returned-check information, and Drive Insured Tennessee links.

Online tools are convenient, but they do not replace every in-person service. New title transfers, lien issues, missing documents, name changes, inherited vehicles, underage marriage applications, and notary oath/bond steps may require office contact or an in-person visit.

Official online servicesTennessee County Clerk Online Services for Shelby County

After opening this link:

  1. Confirm that the page shows Shelby County before entering information.
  2. Select the service you need, such as Plate Renewals, Renewal Reminders, New Business Application, Marriage Application, New Business List, or Returned Checks.
  3. For plate renewals, have your license plate number and title number ready.
  4. For a renewal email reminder, enter the title number, plate number, email address, and confirmation email.
  5. For marriage or business applications, complete the online form first, then follow the County Clerk’s in-person or payment instructions.
  6. Save confirmation numbers, receipts, emails, and screenshots for your records.
Plate renewal Use when your vehicle registration is eligible for online renewal.
Renewal reminder Sign up for email reminders before your registration expires.
New business application Start a Shelby County business license application online.
Marriage application Complete the pre-application before visiting an eligible office.

Vehicle Title, Registration, Plates, Liens, and Replacement Titles

Motor vehicle work is one of the Shelby County Clerk’s biggest service areas. Tennessee requires vehicles operated on state roads to be properly titled, registered, and taxed when ownership transfers. The Clerk’s office began issuing titles on most vehicles in July 1993.

For title transfers, registration, replacement titles, lien notation, disability placards, and plate renewal questions, prepare documents before visiting. The Clerk recommends calling the information line if you are unsure what documents are required.

Common title documents Valid certificate of title, completed title application, proof of identification, bill of sale when applicable, current registration if transferring a plate, lien release if needed, and power of attorney if someone else appears for you.
Replacement title or lien note The Clerk lists a $13 fee to replace a title or note a lien. Replacement titles and lien notation may be processed and picked up or mailed in about three business days.
Title mailing estimate Titles are usually printed and mailed to the new owner or lien holder within about two weeks from the application date.
Sales tax reminder Vehicle transfer tax depends on Tennessee rules and local Shelby County or municipal rates; the Clerk’s title page explains the local calculation.

Official title guideShelby County Title and Registration

After opening this link:

  1. Review the title transfer, new vehicle title, replacement title, and lien instructions.
  2. Check whether you need a Tennessee title application, power of attorney, lien release, odometer statement, or proof of identification.
  3. Review the sales tax section for Shelby County and municipality-specific local tax notes.
  4. Call 901-222-3000 before visiting if your vehicle was purchased out of state, inherited, gifted, bought without clear title, or has a lien issue.
  5. Bring original or certified documents when required; photocopies may not be accepted for some transactions.

State formsTennessee Title and Registration Forms

After opening this link:

  1. Search the form list for your transaction, such as duplicate title, power of attorney, gift or low selling price affidavit, odometer disclosure, plate cancellation, or title-only application.
  2. Download the official Tennessee Department of Revenue form, not a third-party version.
  3. Read the form instructions before signing because some forms require notarization.
  4. Bring the completed form and supporting documents to the Shelby County Clerk if the transaction cannot be completed online.

State ID rulesAcceptable Identification and Residency for Tennessee Vehicle Title and Registration

After opening this link:

  1. Check which photo ID or primary identification is accepted for vehicle title and registration work.
  2. If your ID is not Tennessee-issued, review whether additional proof of residency is needed.
  3. For business or fleet registration, review proof of business operations requirements.
  4. Bring original documents or the exact proof type listed by the state to avoid a second visit.

Shelby County Marriage Licenses and Certified Marriage Copies

Shelby County marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk. Both parties must appear for issuance. The rules depend on age, identification, premarital preparation, and whether the license is used within the allowed time.

Marriage licenses are good for 30 days from the date of issuance. The Clerk lists a $37.50 cost for couples who complete four hours of premarital preparation with a qualified instructor and submit the notarized premarital preparation form. Without that form, the listed cost is $97.50.

Both applicants appear Both parties must appear for issuance of a Shelby County marriage license.
License validity The marriage license is valid for 30 days from the issuance date.
Age 21 and older A picture ID is required for verification.
Age 18 to 20 A certified birth certificate is required for verification.
Age 17 rules Special restrictions, consent rules, and a three-day approval waiting period may apply.
Certified copy Certified marriage-license copies may be requested in person or by mail with the exact marriage date and full names of both parties.

Official marriage pageShelby County Marriage Licenses

After opening this link:

  1. Read the age and identification requirements before starting the application.
  2. Complete the online marriage application if you want to save time before visiting.
  3. Prepare a picture ID, certified birth certificate, or additional documents depending on the applicant age.
  4. If using the premarital preparation discount, bring the notarized form signed by the qualified instructor.
  5. Visit an eligible office: Downtown, Shelby East / Mullins Station, or Millington as listed by the Clerk.
  6. After the ceremony, make sure the officiant returns the required forms to the County Clerk so the marriage can be recorded.

Online applicationShelby County Online Marriage Application

After opening this link:

  1. Confirm you are on the Shelby County marriage application screen.
  2. Enter both applicants’ information exactly as it appears on identification documents.
  3. Submit the pre-application and save any confirmation shown by the system.
  4. Bring required identification and payment to an eligible Clerk office to complete issuance.
  5. Do not treat the online application alone as the final marriage license; issuance must be completed through the Clerk.
Certified copy by mail: the Clerk’s marriage page says to mail a $10 check or money order with the exact marriage date and full names of both parties to Shelby County Clerk, Attn: Marriage Department, Suite 201, 150 Washington Ave., Memphis, TN 38103.

Business Licenses, Business Tax, Short-Term Rentals, and Beer Permits

Businesses operating in Shelby County generally register with the County Clerk within 20 days after beginning business to receive a business license, unless an exemption applies. If the business operates inside a municipality, a separate city business license may also be required.

The Shelby County Business Tax Division lists a $15 application fee with each application. Business-license forms include the business license application, business tax account change form, short-term rental application, transient vendor forms, going out of business permit, and related information sheets.

Business Tax Division phone 901-222-3059.
Downtown business office 150 Washington Avenue, Second Floor, Memphis, TN 38103. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
East branch business office 1075 Mullins Station Road, West Wing, Memphis, TN 38134. Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Minimal activity license The business application distinguishes minimal activity businesses from standard businesses based on gross receipts ranges.
Municipal businesses A business inside a Shelby County municipality may need both county and city licensing steps.
Beer permits Businesses outside any Shelby County municipality that sell, distribute, manufacture, or store beer may need a beer permit from the County Clerk.

Official business pageShelby County Business Tax Division

After opening this link:

  1. Review the business license requirements and exemptions.
  2. Check whether your business must register with the County Clerk within 20 days after starting operations.
  3. Determine whether the business also needs a municipal city business license.
  4. Use the online application link if starting a new business license application.
  5. Call 901-222-3059 if you are unsure about business location, license type, short-term rental requirements, or account changes.

Business formsShelby County Business Tax Forms Page

After opening this link:

  1. Choose the form that matches your task: business license application, account change, short-term rental, transient vendor, beer permit, or notary application.
  2. Download the official PDF form and read every instruction line before signing.
  3. Do not leave required fields blank; incomplete or unsigned applications can delay processing.
  4. Prepare payment payable to the Shelby County Clerk when the form instructions require it.
  5. Use the Business Tax Division contact details for questions before mailing or visiting.

Beer permitShelby County Beer Permits

After opening this link:

  1. Confirm that the business is located in Shelby County outside any municipality.
  2. Review whether your business sells, distributes, manufactures, or stores beer.
  3. Download and complete the beer permit application packet.
  4. Review the annual beer privilege tax note and display requirements.
  5. Contact the Business Tax Division if your business location or license category is unclear.

Notary Public Applications, Bonds, Oaths, and Certifications

The Shelby County Clerk processes notary public applications and related notary services. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and either a resident of Shelby County or maintain a principal place of business in the county.

The Clerk states the entire notary application process can take up to 10 weeks. After county commission approval and Secretary of State processing, the applicant must secure a $10,000 notary surety bond and appear with picture ID to complete the oath and bond step.

Notary application fee $16.00 application fee payable to “Shelby County Clerk.”
Notary department phone 901-222-3043.
Surety bond $10,000 notary public surety bond payable to the State of Tennessee.
Term A Tennessee notary term is four years from the commission issuance date.
Certification fee The Clerk lists a $5 fee for certain notary certifications.
Name or address changes The Clerk lists a $7 fee for notary change of address or change of name filings.

Official notary pageShelby County Notary Public Information

After opening this link:

  1. Review the qualifications before completing the application.
  2. Download or obtain the Notary Public Application from the County Clerk.
  3. Complete and notarize the application, then submit it with the $16 fee payable to Shelby County Clerk.
  4. Wait for county commission and Secretary of State processing; the Clerk says the process can take up to 10 weeks.
  5. After approval, obtain the $10,000 surety bond.
  6. Appear in person with picture ID and the bond at the Downtown Business Tax Department or East Office to take the oath.

Shelby County Clerk Fees Checklist

Fees can change, and the amount owed may depend on the transaction, municipality, tax calculation, form type, or payment method. Use this checklist as a planning guide, then confirm the exact fee on the official Clerk or Tennessee state page.

$13 Replacement title or noting of lien fee listed by the Clerk.
$37.50 Marriage license cost listed for couples who complete qualifying premarital preparation.
$97.50 Marriage license cost listed when the premarital preparation form is not completed.
$10 Certified copy of marriage license by mail as listed on the marriage-license page.
$15 Shelby County business license application fee listed by the Business Tax Division.
$15 Additional city license fee may apply if the business is located in Memphis, according to the business license application.
$16 Notary public application fee listed by the Clerk.
$10,000 bond Notary surety bond amount required before a notary begins official duties.
$5 Fee listed for certain Shelby County notary certifications.
$7 Fee listed for notary name-change or address-change filings.
Do not rely on this fee checklist alone: vehicle taxes, municipal business fees, service charges, penalties, renewal costs, and special processing fees can change. Verify the final amount before mailing payment or standing in line.

If You Need Shelby County Court Records, Use the Correct Court Clerk

Many people search “Shelby County Clerk records” when they actually need court case records. In Tennessee, the County Clerk is not the same as every court clerk. For lawsuits, divorces, criminal cases, civil sessions, probate, or case filings, you may need a separate court clerk office.

Use Shelby County Clerk for

  • Vehicle title and registration.
  • License plate renewals and renewal reminders.
  • Marriage license applications and marriage-license certified copies.
  • Business licenses and business tax forms.
  • Notary public applications, renewals, bonds, and oath steps.
  • Beer permits and certain county clerk forms.

Use a court clerk for

  • Circuit civil case records and filings.
  • Divorce and domestic-relations court filings.
  • General Sessions civil and criminal cases.
  • Criminal court case records and hearings.
  • Probate records, estates, wills, and guardianship.
  • Juvenile court records, where access is legally allowed.
Circuit Court Clerk 140 Adams Avenue, Room 324, Memphis, TN 38103. Phone: 901-222-3800. Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
General Sessions Criminal Division 201 Poplar, Suite LL-81, Memphis, TN 38103. Phone: 901-222-3500.
General Sessions Civil Division 140 Adams Avenue, Room 106, Memphis, TN 38103. Phone: 901-222-3400.
Mullins Station court satellite 1075 Mullins Station Road, Room W 115, Memphis, TN 38134. Phone: 901-222-7900.

Court records helpShelby County Court Clerk Location and Records Resources

After opening this link:

  1. Look for the court clerk office that matches your case type.
  2. Use the court case lookup link for current General Sessions or Criminal Court cases if that is your need.
  3. Check the physical address, room number, and office hours before visiting.
  4. Call the listed court clerk office if you need certified court copies, case balance information, or filing-fee details.
  5. Do not bring court-case questions to the County Clerk motor vehicle counter unless the official site specifically directs you there.

Circuit feesShelby County Circuit Court Clerk Filing Fees

After opening this link:

  1. Use this only for Circuit Court Clerk filing-fee questions, not County Clerk title or marriage license fees.
  2. Find the case category that matches the filing, such as divorce, petition, subpoena, appeal, garnishment, copy, or file-room service.
  3. Confirm whether sheriff service, technology fees, appeal bonds, or post-judgment fees apply.
  4. Contact the Circuit Court Clerk if the filing type is unclear or if you need a certified court copy.

Before You Visit: Documents to Bring

The exact documents depend on your service, but most Shelby County Clerk delays happen when a visitor brings the wrong ID, missing title paperwork, incomplete business application, unsigned form, missing notary bond, or incorrect fee.

For title or registration Title, registration, ID, proof of residency if needed, lien release, odometer form, bill of sale, power of attorney, and state-required forms.
For plate renewal Plate number, title number, renewal notice if available, payment method, emissions or insurance information if required by the system.
For marriage license Both applicants, valid ID or certified birth certificate based on age, premarital preparation form if claiming reduced fee, and payment.
For business license Legal business name, exact physical location, mailing address, tax ID or Secretary of State number if applicable, license type, signature, and fee.
For notary Completed notarized application, application fee, later $10,000 bond, picture ID, and notary certificate or rider if changing name.
For court records Use the correct court clerk and bring case number, party names, filing year, copy request details, and payment.

Official Shelby County Clerk Links Used in This Guide

Use these official links for current forms, locations, fees, branch notes, online services, vehicle title rules, marriage-license instructions, business license applications, notary public requirements, and related state resources.

Shelby County Clerk Official Website County Clerk Locations and Hours Tennessee County Clerk Online Services Shelby County Title and Registration Tennessee Title and Registration Forms Shelby County Marriage Licenses Business Tax Division Business Tax Forms Notary Public Beer Permits

Related County Clerk Guides

These internal guides may help if you are comparing Tennessee clerk services, looking for nearby county offices, or trying to understand the difference between county clerk, clerk of courts, and title-office duties.

Davidson County Clerk (TN): Records, Locations & Clerk Services Knox County Clerk (TN): Records, Services & Office Information Hamilton County Clerk (TN): Title, Tag & Registration Services Rutherford County Clerk (TN): Records, Locations & Clerk Services Sumner County Clerk (TN): Records, Locations & Clerk Services County Clerk DMV Guide: Title, Tag & Registration Services County Clerk Marriage License: Requirements, Fees & Application What Does a County Clerk Do? Duties, Records & Services Guide

Privacy, Accuracy, and Public-Records Notice

This page is an independent informational guide and is not the official Shelby County Clerk website. Office hours, officeholders, fees, branch services, payment methods, and forms can change.

Do not use this page as legal advice. For legal questions, court disputes, sealed records, expungement, title ownership problems, business licensing liability, or notary-law questions, contact the official office or a qualified professional.

Verify before acting: confirm service availability, exact fee, document requirements, and office routing directly with the Shelby County Clerk or the appropriate Shelby County court clerk before filing, paying, or visiting.

Shelby County Clerk FAQs

1. What does the Shelby County Clerk in Tennessee do?

The Shelby County Clerk handles many county clerk services, including vehicle title and registration, plate renewals, marriage licenses, business licenses, notary public applications, beer permits, returned checks, and related forms.

2. Where is the Shelby County Clerk’s main office?

The main Shelby County Clerk office is located at 150 Washington Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103. The main phone number is 901-222-3000.

3. What are the Shelby County Clerk downtown office hours?

The downtown office is generally listed as open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. The driver license department only is listed from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

4. Can I renew Shelby County license plates online?

Yes. Shelby County residents can use the Tennessee County Clerk online services page for eligible plate renewals. Have your license plate number and title number ready before starting.

5. How much is a Shelby County replacement title?

The Shelby County Clerk title and registration page lists a $13 fee to replace a title or note a lien. Confirm the current amount with the Clerk before visiting or mailing a request.

6. How do I get a marriage license in Shelby County TN?

Both parties must appear for issuance. Applicants should review age and ID requirements, complete the online marriage application if desired, and visit an eligible Clerk office such as Downtown, Mullins Station, or Millington.

7. How much is a Shelby County marriage license?

The Clerk lists $37.50 for couples who complete qualifying premarital preparation and submit the notarized form, or $97.50 without the premarital preparation form.

8. How do I apply for a Shelby County business license?

Use the Shelby County Business Tax Division page or the Tennessee County Clerk online services page. Businesses generally register with the County Clerk within 20 days after beginning business unless an exemption applies.

9. Does the Shelby County Clerk handle court records?

The County Clerk handles many clerk records and forms, but court case records usually belong to separate court clerks, such as the Circuit Court Clerk, General Sessions Court Clerk, Criminal Court Clerk, Probate Court Clerk, or Juvenile Court Clerk.

10. Is this the official Shelby County Clerk website?

No. This is an independent guide. For official forms, fees, office hours, maps, online services, and service updates, use the Shelby County Clerk and Tennessee official links provided in this article.

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