Tennessee Guardianship Background Check: What's Required and How to Get It Done

Check Whether Your Court Requires a Background Check

Tennessee's minor-guardianship statutes do not prescribe one statewide package of TBI/FBI fingerprint checks and DCS registry checks for every proposed guardian and adult household member. Ask the court handling your case whether it requires any checks and who must complete them before scheduling or paying for one.

If the court requires a screening, follow its instructions so you obtain the correct type of check and send the results to the right place.

Background-Check Types You May Encounter

TBI/FBI Fingerprint Background Check — TBI offers the public a Tennessee-only, name-based criminal-history check and offers fingerprint-based FBI checks through its contractor, IdentoGO. These are different services. If your court orders fingerprinting, use the provider and instructions it gives you.

DCS Child Protective Services History Check — DCS says an individual request for a no-history letter is only for a person with prior CPS involvement and must not be made by a third party or used as an employment background check. A private guardian should ask the court whether a DCS check is required and who is authorized to request it.

Local Law Enforcement Records — Some courts also request a records check through the local sheriff's office or municipal police department, covering local arrest records and active warrants.

Who Needs to Be Screened

Do not assume every adult household member must be screened. Confirm with the court or the Guardian ad Litem which people, if any, must be screened in your case.

The exact requirements can vary by county and judge. Your court clerk or the Guardian ad Litem assigned to your case can confirm who needs to be screened in your specific proceeding.

How to Schedule Fingerprinting

If the court directs you to IdentoGO, follow its service code or ORI instructions and the identification requirements shown for your appointment.

Results are sent directly to the requesting agency or court. Processing time varies — allow at least two to three weeks for results to come back. If your hearing date is approaching, schedule fingerprinting as early as possible.

What If Something Shows Up

A criminal record doesn't automatically disqualify you from guardianship, but it will be reviewed by the judge. The nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and whether it relates to child safety all factor into the judge's decision.

A substantiated finding on the DCS child abuse registry is a more serious concern and may significantly impact the court's willingness to grant guardianship.

If you're uncertain about your own record, TBI offers a Tennessee-only, name-based criminal-history check to the public. Ask the court which screening it will use; a personal check may not match a check the court orders.

Don't Let the Background Check Delay Your Case

Ask whether a background check is required before paying for one. If it is, follow the court's instructions and allow the time the requesting agency specifies.

The Guardianship and Custody for Grandparents and Relatives in Tennessee guide includes a background check tracker worksheet and a timeline for completing all pre-hearing requirements.

See more Tennessee guides →