The Register of Deeds files certain legal documents mainly pertaining to or affecting real estate and provides public access to these records. The register must determine whether each instrument offered for registration is entitled to registration under state laws.

The County Archives protects, preserves, and provides public access to the permanent historical records of Shelby County Government. Using no property taxes for its operation, Register Willie Brooks runs an office that is automated and is completely funded by customer fees. Original records are filed and returned within approximately 36 hours. Before automation, filing took three to six weeks.
The most common records filed by the register include:

Affidavits	Liens
Mortgages	Powers of Attorney
Property Titles	Tax Liens

 The most common materials maintained by the archives include:

Records

Chancery Court Records	Circuit Court Records
Criminal Court Records	Death Records
Maps and Aerials	Marriage Licenses

Exhibits

Buck Boshwit Civil War Stamp Collection
Dr. Martin Luther King Assassination Investigation
Health Department Milk Supply Records and Pictures
West TN Historical Society Papers 1947-2010

Documentaries

Elmwood Cemetery - Reflections of Memphis
Memphis Belle
Memphis Garage Bands
Overton Park - A Century of Change