Guide · 5 min read
How to find someone’s current address, legally
Whether you need to serve papers, collect a debt, or reconnect with someone, finding a current address is possible with public information. The trick is knowing which sources are reliable.
- Written byOur Nashville detectives
- UpdatedOctober 25, 2026
- Reading time5 minutes
- Related serviceFind a person
- Free people-search sites are often outdated or mix up people with similar names.
- Property records, court records and business filings are reliable starting points.
- A detective confirms the address in person before you rely on it.
Public sources worth checking
- County property assessor and register of deeds records, if they own property
- Court records, which often list addresses for parties
- Business filings with the Tennessee Secretary of State, if they own or run a company
- Professional license lookups for licensed occupations
- Public social media, which often reveals neighborhoods, employers and routines
The problem with people-search websites
Online people-search sites compile data from many sources. They are useful for leads but often list old addresses, merge records from people with similar names, or miss recent moves entirely. Never serve papers or show up at an address based on one of them alone.
What is off-limits
Pretending to be someone else to get information, accessing utility or phone company records, or using a law enforcement database without authorization are all off-limits, for you and for detectives. Federal law also restricts access to driver’s license information.
A word on safety
We decline locates where we have reason to believe the person is hiding from abuse or that the requester intends harm. If you are trying to stay hidden from someone, contact a domestic violence advocate.
When to hire a detective
When the person has moved recently, uses variations of their name, or is avoiding service, a detective combines records research with field confirmation. See find a person in Nashville and witness locates.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every situation is different; talk to a Tennessee attorney about your case. Last reviewed October 25, 2026.
When you’re ready
How we can help
Licensed Tennessee private detectives, lawful methods, and reports written for the people who will read them.
Can a private investigator find someone’s address?
Yes, using lawful public records, commercial databases available to licensed investigators, and field confirmation.
Are people-search websites accurate?
They are a starting point but often outdated or mixed up with other people. Confirm before relying on them.
Talk it through with a detective.
Confidential, no-pressure. We’ll tell you honestly whether a detective is worth it for your situation.