The mission of the Knox County Register of Deeds is to accurately record, index, secure, and protect legal documents pertaining to real property for generations to come. We strive to provide excellent customer service and convenient access to these records by balancing the best available technology with sound fiscal practices.

Nick McBride was elected to serve as the Knox County Register of Deeds in August 2018. A proud Knoxville native, Nick attended Cedar Bluff and Farragut schools. He went on to attend MTSU, Roane State, and Tusculum College where he earned two Associates degrees and a Bachelor’s of Science degree.

Nick now has over 30 years of service in the office, and he remains the foremost authority on the recording of land documents in Knox County. Within his first two years as Register, Nick compiled a substantial record of accomplishments. He was instrumental in setting up E-Recording for Knox County, which bolstered his commitment to his constituents by providing the best available technology and streamlining the recording process. Nick directed the office’s internal and external software upgrade that later proved to be a critical move because it allowed members of the staff to work remotely through the COVID-19 pandemic. Determinedly and safely, Nick worked alongside his loyal staff to keep the Register’s office open so real estate transactions could continue during the pandemic.

Nick currently serves as President of the East Tennessee Register’s Association. He is the Parliamentarian of the Tennessee Register’s Association where he also serves on the Legislative Committee. Nick is a board member of the County Officials Association of Tennessee (COAT), is recognized by the University of Tennessee as a Certified Public Administrator and remains very involved with the Knox County Republican Party. Passionate about the welfare of county employees, Nick has served as Chairman of the Knox County Employees Insurance Committee and Vice-Chair of the Knox County Retirement Board. Public-spirited, Nick serves as President of the Epilepsy Foundation of East Tennessee where he also served as Treasurer. Involved in the Elks Association for 20-plus years, Nick has served as President of the Tennessee Elk’s Association and is currently the Treasurer of the Knoxville Elks Lodge.

Nick and his wife Lisa live in West Knoxville. They have one son, Austin and one grandson, Asher who keeps his grandparents on their toes! A devoted family man, Nick always makes time to hang out with his loved ones and play with his grandson.

Knox County Register of Deeds Nick McBride has chosen Barry Vest to serve as the office’s Chief Deputy. “Barry’s knowledge, professionalism and personality will enable him to help our customers and be a leader within the office. His experience in the title business and with the various documents that we record is a great asset.”

A Knoxville native, Barry graduated from Halls High School in 1994. He then spent three years in retail management before building a career in the property title business.

Barry currently lives in Fountain City where he raises his 12-year-old son, Landon. He is very involved in youth sports and for the past four years volunteered as the head football coach at Halls for the KMYFL League.