Davidson County Clerk (TN): Records, Locations & Clerk Services

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Davidson County, Tennessee Clerk Guide

Davidson County Clerk (TN): Records, Locations & Clerk Services

The Davidson County Clerk is the Nashville-Davidson County office many residents need for vehicle registration renewal, title and registration, marriage licenses, business licenses, notary applications, public records requests, and county-clerk service locations.

This guide explains what the Davidson County Clerk handles, which records are available through the Clerk, where the main office and motor-vehicle branches are located, how to use online services, and when you should use a different office such as the Register of Deeds or a court clerk.

Official County Clerk Website All Clerk Services Open Google Map

Independent WordPress guide for countyclerkofcourt.us. Last reviewed: September 2026. Always confirm current fees, office hours, service rules, forms, and holiday closures on the official Nashville.gov County Clerk pages before visiting or applying.

Quick Facts: Davidson County Clerk

Official office Davidson County Clerk, Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.
Main office Howard Office Building, 700 President Ronald Reagan Way, Suite 101, Nashville, TN 37210.
Mailing address P.O. Box 196333, Nashville, TN 37219-6333.
Main phone 615-862-6050.
Main office hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:20 p.m.; closed Saturday and Sunday.
Branch hours Motor-vehicle branches are listed as Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Branch service limit Branch offices are for motor vehicle transactions only.
Common online services Plate renewals, renewal reminders, new business application, marriage application, business list, marriage lookup, and vehicle sales tax calculator.
Important routing rule: the Davidson County Clerk is not the same as the Circuit Court Clerk, Criminal Court Clerk, Chancery Clerk and Master, or Register of Deeds. Use the County Clerk for vehicle, marriage, business, notary, and County Clerk public-record matters. Use the correct court clerk for court cases and the Register of Deeds for real-property records.

Davidson County Clerk Records and Online Searches

For “Davidson County Clerk records,” most users are looking for marriage license records, business license information, motor vehicle registration records, title-related services, notary filing information, or a public-record request to the County Clerk’s Office.

If you need a court case, criminal case, civil lawsuit, probate case, deed, mortgage, lien, or property document, do not start with the County Clerk. Those records usually belong to another Davidson County office, explained later in this guide.

Official homepageDavidson County Clerk Official Website

Use this page to start from the official County Clerk service hub for Nashville and Davidson County.

After opening this link:

  1. Choose the service tile that matches your task, such as vehicle registration renewal, marriage license, business license, notary public, kiosk locator, or duplicate title.
  2. Use the contact block for the main office address, mailing address, phone number, and posted hours.
  3. Open “County Clerk Online Services” if you want to avoid visiting the office.
  4. Use “Search marriages” for marriage lookup and “Search new business listings” for business-listing searches when available.
  5. Check “Hours and Locations” before visiting, because branch offices have service limits.

Online portalTennessee County Clerk Online Services: Davidson County

After opening this link:

  1. Confirm the page is set to Davidson County.
  2. Choose the online service you need: plate renewals, renewal reminders, new business application, marriage application, new business list, marriage lookup, vehicle sales tax calculator, or minimal renewal.
  3. For vehicle services, keep your plate number, title number, renewal notice, or VIN information nearby.
  4. For marriage services, complete the application information before going to the main office.
  5. Save or print any confirmation page so you can prove the online submission or payment was completed.
Marriage lookup Use the official County Clerk online service when you need to search Davidson County marriage records available through the clerk portal.
Business listings Use the official business-listing search when checking new business license listings.
Vehicle records Use County Clerk services for vehicle registration renewal, title services, plate replacement, address changes, and related motor-vehicle tasks.
Public records policy Use the County Clerk public-records policy for records in the custody of the County Clerk’s Office.

Davidson County Clerk Google Map, Main Office, Branches, Hours, and Phone Numbers

The Davidson County Clerk’s main office is in the Howard Office Building in downtown Nashville. This is the location to check first for marriage licenses, business licenses, notary matters, and services that are not available at motor-vehicle-only branches.

The official County Clerk page warns that office lines may close earlier than posted hours if wait times extend past the end of the business day. Arrive early on busy days such as Mondays, Fridays, the first or last day of the month, and the day after a holiday.

Main Office: Howard Office Building

Address: 700 President Ronald Reagan Way, Suite 101, Davidson County Clerk, Nashville, TN 37210

Mailing address: P.O. Box 196333, Nashville, TN 37219-6333

Phone: 615-862-6050

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:20 p.m.; closed Saturday and Sunday.

Best for: marriage licenses, business licenses, notary public applications, motor vehicle services, duplicate titles, and general County Clerk help.

Open Main Office in Google Maps

Hermitage Branch

Hermitage Police Precinct
3701 James Kay Ln
Hermitage, TN 37076

Branch hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Service note: motor vehicle transactions only.

Green Hills Branch

Green Hills – Grace’s Plaza
4009 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 207
Nashville, TN 37215

Branch hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Service note: motor vehicle transactions only.

Madison Branch

501 Heritage Dr
Madison, TN 37115

Branch hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Service note: motor vehicle transactions only.

North Nashville Branch

William D. Bodenhamer Building
2231 26th Ave N
Nashville, TN 37208

Branch hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Service note: motor vehicle transactions only.

South Nashville Branch

South Police Precinct
5101 Harding Pl
Nashville, TN 37211

Branch hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Service note: motor vehicle transactions only.

Renewal Kiosks

The County Clerk lists fourteen tag renewal kiosks throughout Davidson County.

Best for: eligible vehicle registration renewals when you want to avoid a line.

Check kiosk and location details

Official locationsDavidson County Clerk Hours and Locations

After opening this link:

  1. Read the main office hours and early line-closure warning before visiting.
  2. Review the branch list and remember that branches are for motor vehicle transactions only.
  3. Use the official map link for the office you plan to visit.
  4. Check whether your task must be handled at the Howard Office Building instead of a branch.
  5. Review holiday closure information, especially before visiting near a Metro or state holiday.

Vehicle Registration Renewal in Davidson County

Vehicle registration renewal is one of the most common Davidson County Clerk services. The official clerk site says renewals may be completed online, by kiosk, by mail, or in person. Online and kiosk options are usually faster than waiting at an office.

Tennessee renewal notices are sent as a courtesy, but the owner is still responsible for renewing by the expiration date even if a notice is not received. The official Davidson County renewal page says eligible renewals may be completed up to 90 days before expiration.

Online renewal requirements You must be a Davidson County resident, know your license plate number, and be within 90 days of the expiration date.
Online mail timing The official page advises allowing about 15 business days to receive the renewed registration by mail after online renewal.
Kiosk option Kiosks can be useful for eligible renewals when you want a quick renewal option outside the main counter line.
In-person renewal Bring your renewal notice, current registration copy, or license plate number and VIN.

Official renewalDavidson County Vehicle Registration Renewal

After opening this link:

  1. Choose whether you want to renew online, by kiosk, by mail, or in person.
  2. Check whether your renewal is within the 90-day window before expiration.
  3. Keep your license plate number, renewal notice, VIN, or current registration nearby.
  4. Review any eligibility restrictions before paying online.
  5. Save your confirmation or receipt after completing the renewal.

Online renewalRenew Davidson County Vehicle Registration Online

After opening this link:

  1. Read the list of eligible and ineligible vehicle types.
  2. Click the official online renewal button.
  3. Enter the required plate, title, or renewal information requested by the system.
  4. Review the fees and confirm the mailing address before payment.
  5. Print or save the renewal receipt and watch for email confirmation.

Title, Registration, Duplicate Title, Plates, and Motor Vehicle Fees

The County Clerk handles title and registration for newly acquired vehicles, new-to-state registrations, duplicate titles, lost registrations, plate and decal replacement, dealer services, disabled placards, specialty plates, and related forms.

For many title and registration matters, paperwork must be correct before the Clerk can complete the transaction. Bring the title, bill of sale if needed, identification, lienholder information, proof of residency or eligibility when required, and payment.

$55.00 Metro Vehicle Regulatory Fee listed for private passenger vehicles.
$29.00 Registration fee listed for private passenger vehicles.
$3.00 Postage and handling for decal-only renewal.
$7.00 Postage and handling for new plate and decal.
$100.00 Additional registration fee listed for hybrid vehicles.
$200.00 Additional registration fee listed for fully electric vehicles.
Fee note: the Clerk’s fee page also lists a 2% convenience fee on credit and debit card transactions. Fees can change, so verify the current total before paying.

Official title serviceDavidson County Title and Registration

After opening this link:

  1. Choose the service that matches your situation: apply for title and registration, duplicate title, military wheel tax exemption, replacement registration/plate/decals, or sales tax calculator.
  2. Read the document list before visiting so you do not arrive with an unsigned, incomplete, or incorrectly assigned title.
  3. Use the appointment link when the official page offers appointments for the main office.
  4. Bring identification, vehicle documents, lien information, and payment.
  5. Confirm whether the transaction can be completed at a branch or must be handled at the main office.

Official feesDavidson County Vehicle Registration Fees

After opening this link:

  1. Choose the correct vehicle category: private passenger, commercial, motorcycle, specialty plate, personalized plate, hybrid, or electric.
  2. Review the Metro vehicle regulatory fee, registration fee, postage and handling, and any additional state fee.
  3. Check whether a specialty or personalized plate adds extra cost.
  4. Remember that card payments may include a third-party convenience fee.

Davidson County Marriage Licenses and Marriage Records

The Davidson County Clerk’s main office in the Howard Office Building is the only County Clerk office issuing marriage licenses. Couples must complete the online marriage license application before visiting the office.

The official page lists these common requirements: both parties must be present, the application must be completed online before the visit, valid government-issued photo identification is required, and proof of Social Security number is required if the applicant has been issued one.

Main office only Marriage licenses are issued at the Howard Office Building, not at motor-vehicle-only branches.
Fee listed Cash $99.50 or card $101.49, with checks not accepted on the official marriage page.
Premarital course savings A $60 savings is listed when a notarized premarital counseling Certificate of Completion is submitted at application.
License validity The official page states the marriage license is valid for 30 days from the date of issuance.
No civil ceremonies The Clerk states civil ceremonies are not performed at the Davidson County Clerk’s Office at this time.
Marriage and Notary Department 615-862-6256.

Official marriageDavidson County Marriage License Information

After opening this link:

  1. Complete the online Marriage License application before going to the office.
  2. Make sure both parties can be present at the Howard Office Building.
  3. Bring valid government-issued photo ID or passport.
  4. Bring acceptable proof of Social Security number if you have been issued one.
  5. Review the fee, payment method, premarital-course savings, and 30-day validity rule.
  6. Call the Marriage and Notary Department if either party cannot appear in person because of a disability or incarceration.

Marriage applicationDavidson County Online Marriage Application

After opening this link:

  1. Confirm the county is Davidson County before entering personal information.
  2. Complete the application fields carefully for both parties.
  3. Review spellings, dates, and legal names before submitting.
  4. Save any confirmation or transaction information provided by the system.
  5. Bring required identification and payment to the main office to complete issuance.

Business Licenses, Minimal Activity Licenses, and Business Listings

Davidson County Clerk business services include applying for a business tax license or minimal activity license, searching new business listings, and handling certain local business permits. The County Clerk page says a new business license application can be completed online.

The official business license page lists the local license fee as $30 for businesses located within Nashville city limits in the Urban Services District and $15 for businesses located outside Nashville city limits but inside Davidson County in the General Services District.

Urban Services District Listed local business license or minimal activity license fee: $30.
General Services District Listed local business license or minimal activity license fee: $15.
Business listing search Use the official County Clerk business listings service when checking new business listings.
State tax reminder County Clerk licensing is not the same as filing Tennessee business tax returns with the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

Official businessApply for a Davidson County Business License

After opening this link:

  1. Review whether you need a Business Tax License or Minimal Activity License.
  2. Check whether your business is inside Nashville city limits or outside city limits but inside Davidson County.
  3. Use the online application option or print the application if needed.
  4. Prepare ownership details, business address, business activity, identification, and contact information.
  5. Confirm the local County Clerk fee and any separate Tennessee Department of Revenue requirements.

Business searchDavidson County New Business Application and Business Search

After opening this link:

  1. Confirm Davidson County is selected.
  2. Choose the new business application, minimal renewal, or new business list option.
  3. For a business application, enter the legal business information exactly as it should appear on the license.
  4. For business-list searches, use the business name, date, or listing details available in the portal.
  5. Save any confirmation or receipt for your business records.

Davidson County Notary Public Application

The County Clerk assists customers applying to become a notary public. The official page says notary applications are considered by the Metropolitan Council on the first Tuesday of every other month in January, March, May, July, September, and November.

Applications must be submitted two weeks before the council meeting. After election by the Metropolitan Council, a notary must post a $10,000 bond through an authorized Tennessee surety company before beginning notary duties.

$12.00 New and renewal notary application fee listed by the Clerk.
$2.00 Bond filing fee listed by the Clerk.
$7.00 Change-of-address fee listed for certain notary address changes.
$10,000 Bond amount required after election and before beginning duties.

Official notaryDavidson County Notary Public Application

After opening this link:

  1. Read the election schedule and submit the application at least two weeks before the council meeting.
  2. Print and complete the official notary application.
  3. Prepare the listed application fee and required information.
  4. Wait for the approval letter after election by the Metropolitan Council.
  5. After receiving the approval letter, visit the main office to file bond and pay the bond filing fee.
  6. Call the Marriage and Notary Department at 615-862-6256 if you have questions.

Davidson County Clerk Public Records Requests

The Davidson County Clerk has a public-records policy under the Tennessee Public Records Act. Public records in the custody of the County Clerk’s Office are presumed open for inspection unless a state law, confidentiality rule, or exemption applies.

Requests for inspection may be made in person, by mail, by phone, or in writing. Requests for copies, or for inspection plus copies, should be made in writing so the request can be routed and fulfilled properly.

Inspection requests May be oral or written, but written requests are encouraged when follow-up or clarification may be needed.
Copy requests Requests for copies or inspection plus copies should be made in writing.
Response timing If records cannot be promptly provided, the policy describes a seven-business-day response process.
Basic black-and-white copy cost The policy lists $0.15 per page for 8½ x 11 or 8½ x 14 black-and-white copies when no other approved fee applies.

Official policyDavidson County Clerk Public Records Policy

After opening this link:

  1. Confirm that the record you need is actually in the custody of the Davidson County Clerk.
  2. For inspection only, follow the oral or written request instructions listed in the policy.
  3. For copies, prepare a written request with enough detail for the Clerk to identify the record.
  4. Include your preferred mailing address or email address if written communication may be needed.
  5. Review copy costs, redaction rules, delivery options, and the seven-business-day response process.
Privacy note: public records can still contain confidential or redacted information. Do not assume a record is fully public just because the office has custody of it.

Do You Need the County Clerk, Court Clerk, or Register of Deeds?

Davidson County has several offices with similar names. Choosing the wrong office is the main reason people waste time when searching for Nashville records.

Use the Davidson County Clerk for

  • Vehicle registration renewal
  • License plates, decals, and duplicate titles
  • Marriage license application and marriage lookup
  • Business license and minimal activity license
  • Notary public applications
  • County Clerk public-record requests

Use a different office for

  • Circuit, Probate, and General Sessions Civil cases: Circuit Court Clerk or CaseLink
  • Criminal court records: Davidson County Criminal Court Clerk
  • Chancery records: Chancery Court Clerk and Master
  • Deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and property documents: Register of Deeds
  • Property assessment questions: Metro Assessor of Property
  • Property tax payments: Metropolitan Trustee

Property recordsDavidson County Register of Deeds

After opening this link:

  1. Use the Register of Deeds for warranty deeds, deeds of trust, releases, powers of attorney, liens, plats, and other real-property recordings.
  2. Choose recording services, internet services, deed copies, fee calculator, or property alert based on your task.
  3. Use the Register’s online subscription service if you need online deed and image access.
  4. Return to the County Clerk only if your record involves vehicle, marriage, business, notary, or County Clerk records.

Court recordsDavidson County CaseLink: Circuit, Probate, and General Sessions Civil Search

After opening this link:

  1. Use this system if your record is a Circuit Court, Probate, or General Sessions Civil case rather than a County Clerk record.
  2. Choose the public case-search option when available.
  3. Search by case number or party details.
  4. For certified copies or detailed filing questions, contact the appropriate court clerk instead of the County Clerk.

Criminal recordsDavidson County Criminal Court Clerk Public Case Search

After opening this link:

  1. Use this search for Davidson County criminal court public case information.
  2. Review the public-use notice before relying on the information.
  3. Search using the available case or party details.
  4. For affidavits, judgments, dispositions, or certified copies, follow the Criminal Court Clerk’s copy-request instructions.

Chancery recordsDavidson County Chancery Clerk Public Records Search

After opening this link:

  1. Use this search for Chancery Court records, not vehicle or marriage records.
  2. Search with the party name, case details, or available court-record criteria.
  3. Contact the Clerk and Master if you need copies, file-room help, or Chancery-specific records.
  4. Return to the Davidson County Clerk page only for County Clerk services.

Before You Visit or Apply: Davidson County Clerk Checklist

For vehicle renewal Bring renewal notice, current registration, license plate number, VIN, ID, and payment.
For title work Bring title, bill of sale if needed, lienholder details, proof of eligibility, and identification.
For marriage license Complete the online application first and go to the main office with both parties present.
For business license Know whether the business is inside Nashville city limits or elsewhere in Davidson County.
For notary Submit the application at least two weeks before the applicable Metropolitan Council meeting.
For public records Identify the exact office that has custody of the record before submitting a request.

Privacy, Accuracy, and Legal Use Notice

This page is an independent guide and is not the official Davidson County Clerk website. Official instructions, fees, forms, locations, online systems, and public-record rules can change.

This website is not a consumer reporting agency. Do not use this page, linked record searches, or public-record information for employment screening, tenant screening, credit decisions, insurance eligibility, or any Fair Credit Reporting Act purpose.

Verify before acting: always confirm the current record status, filing rule, fee, deadline, office location, and confidentiality restriction directly with the official County Clerk, court clerk, Register of Deeds, or state agency.

Davidson County Clerk FAQs

1. What does the Davidson County Clerk do?

The Davidson County Clerk handles services such as vehicle registration renewal, title and registration, duplicate titles, marriage licenses, business licenses, notary public applications, renewal kiosks, and public-record matters in the custody of the County Clerk’s Office.

2. Where is the Davidson County Clerk main office?

The main office is in the Howard Office Building at 700 President Ronald Reagan Way, Suite 101, Nashville, TN 37210. The mailing address is P.O. Box 196333, Nashville, TN 37219-6333.

3. What is the phone number for the Davidson County Clerk?

The main Davidson County Clerk phone number is 615-862-6050. For marriage and notary questions, the official page lists the Marriage and Notary Department at 615-862-6256.

4. What are the Davidson County Clerk office hours?

The main office is listed as open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:20 p.m. Branch offices are listed as open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and are for motor vehicle transactions only.

5. Can I renew my Davidson County vehicle registration online?

Yes. Eligible Davidson County vehicle registrations may be renewed online. You must be a Davidson County resident, know your license plate number, and renew within the allowed period before expiration.

6. Can I get a marriage license at a Davidson County Clerk branch?

No. The official marriage page says the Howard Office Building main office is the only Davidson County Clerk office issuing marriage licenses. Branch offices are for motor vehicle transactions only.

7. How much is a Davidson County marriage license?

The official marriage page lists the fee as $99.50 cash or $101.49 card, with checks not accepted. A $60 savings is listed when a notarized premarital counseling Certificate of Completion is submitted at the time of application.

8. Does the Davidson County Clerk handle court records?

Usually no. The County Clerk handles county-clerk services such as vehicle, marriage, business, notary, and clerk public records. For court cases, use the correct Circuit Court Clerk, Criminal Court Clerk, Chancery Clerk and Master, or CaseLink resource.

9. Where do I search Davidson County deeds and property records?

Use the Davidson County Register of Deeds for real-property records such as deeds, deeds of trust, releases, powers of attorney, liens, plats, and related recorded documents.

10. Is this the official Davidson County Clerk website?

No. This is an independent guide. For official forms, fees, records, office hours, online services, maps, and public-record rules, use the official Nashville.gov Davidson County Clerk links provided in this article.

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