Deeds and other documents overseen by the Register of Deeds tell much of the story of Washington County's long history.
The Function of the Register of Deeds
According to Tennessee state statute, the primary function of the Register of Deeds is to make and preserve a record of instruments required or allowed by law to be filed or recorded, including:
- Contracts
- Deeds
- Deeds of trust
- Leases
- Liens
- Mortgages
- Plats
- Powers of attorney
- Other types of documents
These records provide public notice of property ownership, liens, contracts and other transactions that affect the public interest. The register has specific directions on how to index, record and maintain the records.
Public Records Commission
Additionally, registers are required to hold a seat on a county's Public Records Commission, as ex officio members.
Open Records
Washington County's records are open to the public. For more information, call the Register of Deeds office at 423-753-1644.
