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Where can I search for free public records?
In Tennessee, birth records are made public after 100 years, while death and marriage records are available after 50 years. Although finding free public records can be difficult, many vital records are publicly accessible. You can browse Tennessee’s archives of birth, marriage, and divorce records; however, it may take considerable time to find the information you want.
Are Tennessee Vital Records Open to the Public?
In Tennessee, many state records are public. However, access to birth, death, and marriage records depends on the type of record and the year it was recorded. Third-party websites can be helpful for researching vital records. These sites are not restricted by location and can provide a good reference point, but be mindful that the data on these sites may not coincide with official government records.
To find a record on a third-party website, you will generally need the following information:
- The location of the record you’re looking for, including the city, county, or state where it was recorded.
- The name of the person on record, if it is not a minor.
How to Verify if Your Vital Record is Official
Each Tennessee county and municipality creates distinct vital records. You can compare your copy to the official certified vital record in the county that issued yours to confirm its authenticity. Informational copies typically display a stamp or large print that reads “Informational, Not a Valid Document to Establish Identity” or something similar.
What Are the Differences between Authorized Copies Versus Informational Copies?
Authorized Copy:
Authorized copies are certified, legal documents that can be used to establish identity, while informational copies are not certified and cannot be used for official identification. Only individuals with a “direct and tangible interest” in a vital record can obtain certified copies.
Informational Copy:
Informational copies of vital records, often called “short-form, unofficial (non-certified), “heirloom,” or “commemorative certificates,” are not considered legal documents in Tennessee. They are not intended for official purposes such as identity verification, passport application, or applying for benefits. These copies are usually used for personal reference/display or genealogical research purposes only.
The Tennessee Department of Health does not issue non-certified copies of certificates; however, they can provide “verifications of a record,” which consist of a list of verified facts from the record. Proof of ID or a notarized statement is not required to obtain verification, but you must be able to provide the information requested in the application.
Find more references regarding birth, death, and marriage certificates in the resources section.