Vital Records Online is a secure, U.S.-based service for ordering TN vital records electronically. We make it easy to order birth, death, and marriage certificates online, ensuring the safe delivery of your records while keeping your private information confidential.
The Tennessee Department of Health (TDOH) is the primary agency of state government in Tennessee responsible for public health, providing services to residents in all 95 counties. An act of the State Legislature authorized the State Board of Health to collect vital statistics, but it was not until 1913 that a Bureau of Vital Statistics was placed under the supervision of the Board.
The Tennessee Office of Vital Records reviews, registers, amends, issues, and maintains the original certificates of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces that occur in Tennessee.
Why Do I Need Certified Copies of My TN Vital Records?
Vital records are significant in various life events, such as marriage, school or military enrollment, and travel, as they prove one’s identity, citizenship, and family ties. Tennessee vital records can also be valuable for settling legal disputes or claiming an inheritance, tracing family history, and revealing important details about our ancestors, such as their full names, birth and death dates, and locations.
In Tennessee, vital records are preserved and distributed at the county and state levels. Each county is responsible for certifying and issuing Tennessee vital records that occur within its jurisdiction. For example, if you need vital records in Nashville, TN, you would go through the Nashville issuing agency. You can check this comprehensive list of Tennessee’s county vital record issuing agencies, which includes locations, contact information, and online applications to request birth, marriage, and death certificates.
You can obtain your birth, marriage, or death certificate in Tennessee through your county or state. The procedure varies by county, as only some locations offer in-person applications. However, all TN vital records can be ordered online from any location through Vital Records Online.
❗️If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in Tennessee, they’re freely available from various public archives.
Vital records can be ordered online, in person, or by mail. The state Health Department offers walk-ins and can issue Tennessee vital records registered statewide from all county health departments. However, ordering vital records online is the most reliable and easy method.
The Tennessee Department of Health’s Office of Vital Records is responsible for producing and certifying birth, death, and marriage certificates. Each type of TN vital record has unique requirements, so reviewing the steps and conditions before submitting your application is essential. Once you understand the requirements, ordering your certificate becomes a straightforward process.
The associated costs, eligibility, requirements, and processing times for receiving your certificate depend on the certificate you need and how you submit your Tennessee vital records application. Confirm that your documents, application, and fees are sent to the correct office that produces certified copies of the original record.
Ordering Vital Records Online
Ordering vital records online is quick and easy and involves three simple steps:
Complete the online application.
Upload your documents.
Receive your documents by mail.
Choose additional options if you need to insure, expedite, or obtain premium customer support for your application.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can order Tennessee birth, death, or marriage certificates online. Ensure you have all the necessary documents prepared beforehand, as you’ll need to upload copies during the secure online application for Tennessee vital records.
Our simplified system ensures a quick and successful certificate request by helping generate your required documents, providing the correct application, and submitting your packet to the Health Department’s Vital Records Office, which issues the certified TN vital records.
The application process can be completed from any device with an internet connection within five minutes. We also help to prevent application rejections by ensuring that your application is free of common mistakes or missing documents. If your application requires a notary, it can be conducted virtually during the online ordering process for your Tennessee vital records.
✔︎ Our $29 processing fee includes your automated document processing and first-class shipping & handling.
✔︎ Additional copies of your certified vital records can be purchased for the state’s fee during the online application to save future costs.
✔︎ A notarized sworn statement is not required when ordering a Tennessee birth, death, or marriage certificate online, as long as you can provide a valid copy of a form of identification accepted by the TDH.
Ordering Tennessee Vital Records In-Person or By Mail
Applying in person is a viable option for individuals who live near a vital records-issuing Health Department. Before traveling to the Health Department, confirm that the office is open to the public for walk-ins. Ordering via mail or online is a more efficient method than applying in person, particularly if the local TN vital records office is closed or you prefer to avoid long queues. Those residing out of state can apply by mail or online; however, online ordering is the most convenient method for those living abroad.
The procedure is similar whether you apply for Tennessee vital records in person or by mail.
If you choose to apply in person, be prepared to complete the following steps:
Gather your documents.
Get photocopies of your documents.
Complete the correct form(s).
Obtain a notarized sworn statement (if you’re unable to provide an accepted form of identification).
Present everything to the Health Department during regular business hours.
Additionally, when ordering by mail, you’ll need to do the following:
Purchase an envelope,
Include a physical check or money order.
Issue it to the TDH.
Each type of vital record in TN has unique requirements. Vital Records Online simplifies the process and reduces errors for faster processing times. Learn more about our services for replacing Tennessee vital records such as birth, death, or marriage certificates for you or a family member.
❗️ To avoid your application being denied due to mistakes or incomplete information, review the requirements for each vital record before mailing it.
❗️ Ensure that your documents, application, and payment are submitted to the correct health department that issues certified copies of the preserved original TN vital records.
❗️ Before receiving approval, confirm if you must also have your documents and application notarized with a sworn statement for identity verification.
❗️ If you mail your application and documents manually, it’s recommended to purchase mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.
Requirements for Obtaining Tennessee Vital Records
Understanding the terms and prerequisites before collecting the documents for your vital record application is fundamental.
Proof of Identity for Verifying Authorization:
The required information, IDs, and documents for ordering certified copies of Tennessee birth, death, and marriage certificates are listed in the table below. The Tennessee Department of Health requires all applicants to prove their identity when requesting certified vital record certificates. For most types of records, a driver’s license, a passport, or a state-issued photo ID is sufficient, though checking other acceptable IDs as per certificate needed is recommended.
If your ID is expired or you don’t have it, you must submit two secondary forms of identification accepted by the TDH. Alternatively, you can sign your Tennessee vital records application at a public notary. This notarization will suffice as proof of identity, so providing primary or two secondary IDs is unnecessary if you notarize your application.
What Documents Are Required to Order TN Vital Records?
Review the eligibility conditions and requirements for obtaining certified replacement certificates for Tennessee birth, death, and marriage records, as each type of certificate and unique circumstance has specific criteria.
❗️ Without proper ID and a fully completed application, your request will be returned, causing considerable delays in processing your order for Tennessee vital records.
State ID Requirements
Certificate
Primary IDs (Need at least one)
Secondary IDs (Need at least two)
Birth Certificate
Driver's license, State Id, Military Identification Card, Us/Foreign Passport, Permanent Resident Card (green card), Birth certificate, Alien Registration Receipt, Certificate of Citizenship, Permanent Residents Card, Temporary Resident Card, US Certificate of Naturalization, US Citizenship ID, US Employment Authorization Card, US Military ID
Current student identification, Signed Social Security card, Medical/Medicare insurance card, Veterans Affairs card, Vehicle registration, Company Employment Identification card, Form I-94 - accompanied by the applicant's Visa, Foreign Identification with identifiable photo of applicant, Income tax return, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Insurance Record, Bank Statement, Copy of Police Report for Stolen ID, Address Verification Document, Health Insurance Card, Medical Records, Military Discharge, Paycheck stub with imprinted information, Utility bills, Voter Registration Card, W-2
Death Certificate
Driver's license, State Id, Military Identification Card, Us/Foreign Passport, Permanent Resident Card (green card), Birth certificate, Alien Registration Receipt, Certificate of Citizenship, Permanent Residents Card, Temporary Resident Card, US Certificate of Naturalization, US Citizenship ID, US Employment Authorization Card, US Military ID
Current student identification, Signed Social Security card, Medical/Medicare insurance card, Veterans Affairs card, Vehicle registration, Company Employment Identification card, Form I-94 - accompanied by the applicant's Visa, Foreign Identification with identifiable photo of applicant, Income tax return, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Insurance Record, Bank Statement, Copy of Police Report for Stolen ID, Address Verification Document, Health Insurance Card, Medical Records, Military Discharge, Paycheck stub with imprinted information, Utility bills, Voter Registration Card, W-2
Marriage Certificate
Driver's license, State Id, Military Identification Card, Us/Foreign Passport, Permanent Resident Card (green card), Birth certificate, Alien Registration Receipt, Certificate of Citizenship, Permanent Residents Card, Temporary Resident Card, US Certificate of Naturalization, US Citizenship ID, US Employment Authorization Card, US Military ID
Current student identification, Signed Social Security card, Medical/Medicare insurance card, Veterans Affairs card, Vehicle registration, Company Employment Identification card, Form I-94 - accompanied by the applicant's Visa, Foreign Identification with identifiable photo of applicant, Income tax return, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Insurance Record, Bank Statement, Copy of Police Report for Stolen ID, Address Verification Document, Health Insurance Card, Medical Records, Military Discharge, Paycheck stub with imprinted information, Utility bills, Voter Registration Card, W-2
Divorce Certificate
Driver's license, State Id, Military Identification Card, Us/Foreign Passport, Permanent Resident Card (green card), Birth certificate, Alien Registration Receipt, Certificate of Citizenship, Permanent Residents Card, Temporary Resident Card, US Certificate of Naturalization, US Citizenship ID, US Employment Authorization Card, US Military ID
Current student identification, Signed Social Security card, Medical/Medicare insurance card, Veterans Affairs card, Vehicle registration, Company Employment Identification card, Form I-94 - accompanied by the applicant's Visa, Foreign Identification with identifiable photo of applicant, Income tax return, Employment Authorization Document (EAD), Insurance Record, Bank Statement, Copy of Police Report for Stolen ID, Address Verification Document, Health Insurance Card, Medical Records, Military Discharge, Paycheck stub with imprinted information, Utility bills, Voter Registration Card, W-2
What Information is Required to Apply for Vital Records in Tennessee?
When applying for a vital record in Tennessee, applicants must provide key identifying information related to the record type. This may include names, dates, locations, and other relevant details to ensure accurate identification and processing of the request.
Certificate
Required Information
Birth Certificate
Date of Birth, Email, Father's Name, Full Name of Person of Record, Hospital of Birth, Mailing Address, Mother's Maiden Name, Phone Number, Place of Birth, Purpose for the Certificate, Sex, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature
Death Certificate
Age at Death, Date of Death, Email, Full Name of Person of Record, Funeral Home Address, Funeral Home Name, Mailing Address, Phone Number, Place of Death, Purpose for the Certificate, Sex, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature
Marriage Certificate
Bride Name, Bride's Name Before Marriage, Date of Marriage, Email, Groom Name, Groom Name Before Marriage, Mailing Address, Phone Number, Place of Marriage, Place where License Was Issued, Purpose for the Certificate, Your Name, Your Relationship to the Person of Record, Your Signature
Divorce Certificate
Not Restricted
The state of Tennessee requires all Tennessee vital records applications to have a wet signature (signed by hand). After your online application is complete, we will send a package to your home address containing the completed application with the required documents and a check or money order addressed to the appropriate Health Department for the state fee.
Authorized Parties
Who Is Authorized to Order TN Vital Records?
The individual on record can request their own vital record in TN and must provide proof of identity with the application or when obtaining a notarization for their application. If someone else requests Tennessee vital records on their behalf, they can ensure that they’re authorized by reviewing the eligibility requirements. In Tennessee, only the spouse, parents, legal guardian, or children of the individual on record are authorized to request certified copies of a certificate.
However, if your relationship with the person on record doesn’t qualify you as an eligible individual, it’s still possible to obtain the certificate. Ineligible applicants must provide a signed statement from the record holder or an authorized individual, giving the TDH permission to release the certificate. Photocopies of government-issued IDs of the ineligible third-party applicant and the authorized individual (or the person on record) must be included to obtain Tennessee vital records.
Certificate
Authorized People
Birth Certificate
Self, Parent, Child, Spouse, Legal Guardian
Death Certificate
Parent, Child, Spouse, Legal Guardian
Marriage Certificate
Self, Parent, Child, Spouse, Legal Guardian
Divorce Certificate
Self, Parent, Child, Spouse, Legal Guardian
Notarized Sworn Statement
Do I need a notary with my application?
The Tennessee Department of Health generally doesn’t require applicants to obtain notarized statements when requesting certified copies of birth, death, or marriage certificates, regardless of who is applying and which method they use to make their request. However, you must notarize your application to verify your identity if you cannot provide a photocopy of a valid government-issued ID or two forms of acceptable secondary identification. An online notary is included with your order when ordering Tennessee vital records through Vital Records Online — otherwise, you must bring your ID if you use a public notary,
❗️ A notarized sworn statement may be required under the following circumstances:
When submitting an application for TN vital records without a copy of a valid, government-issued ID or two forms of secondary ID.
❗️ A notary is generally not required to obtain authorized copies of Tennessee vital records. A photocopy of your ID is sufficient to verify your identity. However, a notarized application can be used instead of an ID if you sign your application before a notary; you do not need to provide a photocopy of your ID.
✔︎ VRO includes an online notary service in your application packet. Otherwise, you must bring your ID when creating this document using a local public notary.
✔︎ A notarized sworn statement is not required when requesting informational verification copies of Tennessee vital records.
Costs and Fees
The cost of obtaining certified Tennessee vital records from the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) depends on the fees for each type of certificate. The total cost will also be affected by the method you submit your application and whether a notary is required to prove your identity.
When ordering a birth, marriage, divorce, or death certificate through Vital Records Online, the online Application Filing Service starts at $29. The Tennessee Office of Vital Records charges a fee of $15.00 for each certified copy of a birth, death, or marriage certificate. If the requested TN vital records cannot be located, you will receive a letter certifying that no record was found. The fee for a “no record found” is the same as for a certified copy of Tennessee vital records.
Certificate
First Copy Fee
Additional Copy Fee
Birth Certificate
$15.00
$15.00
Death Certificate
$15.00
$15.00
Marriage Certificate
$15.00
$15.00
Divorce Certificate
$16.00
$15.00
✔︎ Additional copies can be requested during the same order to save future costs in case your vital records are lost, destroyed, or stolen.
Vital Records Online processing fee is $29.
Processing and Delivery Times
How long will it take to receive my vital records in TN?
Check the table below for the current processing time, as processing and delivery times for birth, death, or marriage certificates may vary. Be aware that processing times for Tennessee vital records may change based on the volume of requests received by the Tennessee Office of Vital Records.
The method you use to submit your application may also impact the total time until you receive your vital record. We simplify the process of gathering documents and submitting your application packet, and we offer expedited orders for faster processing so you can receive your certificates promptly. When ordering TN vital records through us, online notarization can be included during checkout — otherwise, account for additional time to obtain it from a local entity.
Certificate
Processing Time
Birth Certificate
6 to 8 weeks
Death Certificate
6 to 8 weeks
Marriage Certificate
6 to 8 weeks
Divorce Certificate
6 to 8 weeks
✔︎ All Tennessee vital records orders through Vital Records Online include an online notarization service that can be performed virtually during checkout if required.
❗️ The processing and replacement duration of birth, death, or marriage certificates by the TDH may increase based on a high volume backlog of orders.
❗️ We also advise allowing 2-3 additional days in your application process when using a local notary.
❗️ A simple error, typo, or missing document can cause wait times to double, repeat shipping costs, or expose personal information.
How Do I Track My Vital Records?
When ordering through Vital Records Online, you can monitor the order status and track its location after submitting your application with the first-class mail tracking included with your Tennessee vital records order. If you mail your application packet to the Tennessee Office of Vital Records manually, be sure to purchase first-class mail tracking to confirm your application’s successful delivery.
The Tennessee Office of Vital Records ships all vital records securely via USPS first-class mail, but they’re not responsible for any misplaced or lost certificates. If your birth certificate is lost, report it immediately. Avoiding simple errors or typos in your application reduces the potential of your personal information being sent to the wrong address.
An apostille may be required when requesting Tennessee vital records. It’s a certification that verifies the authenticity of a document and is often required when submitting a vital record to a foreign government. The Tennessee Secretary of State issues apostilles for TN vital records initially filed with the TDH.
+ How can I get an apostille for a vital record?
Apostilles can be acquired through the Tennessee Secretary of State or Vital Records Online. We offer reliable, professionally assisted services for obtaining apostilles for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates across all 50 states. We’re acknowledged by various governments with legal validity in over 100 countries.
If you need an apostille to get your Tennessee vital records, the service starts at $149 (plus government fees) and can be conveniently completed online in just three steps:
Complete the Apostille Express online application.
Submit the required documents for approval.
Receive your apostille document.
In most cases, you don’t need to obtain a hard copy of your documents, as the whole procedure can be completed online. Once the apostille documentation is ready, we’ll send it to you via FedEx or DHL. Our esteemed courier services provide reliable, worldwide delivery to ensure that your documents arrive at your doorstep, regardless of your location.
You’ll need to provide the following information:
Authentication Submittal Form
Certified vital record certificate
$2.00 per document
Self-addressed envelope only if expedited delivery is needed
You can submit requests for Tennessee vital records apostilles to the Tennessee Secretary of State at the following address:
For standard or express shipping (UPS, DHL, or Federal Express), submit the request to the physical address:
Office of Authentications Tennessee Secretary of State, Business Services Division, ATTN: ATS, Section 312 Rosa L. Parks Ave – 6th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243
Tennessee Department of Health has provided a list of common scenarios to facilitate correcting or amending Tennessee vital records. Requirements and specific forms depend on the certificate type and the information that must be corrected. In Tennessee, some amendments require a court order, which often necessitates hiring an attorney.
No entity can alter the original document; any supplemental changes become addendums to the original vital record.
Correcting or amending vital records generally requires the following information:
A completed amendment application
Supporting documentation
Appropriate fee(s)
A notarized affidavit completed by an authorized person
The REAL ID Act is a new federal law regarding driver’s licenses that may affect those individuals whose Tennessee vital records don’t match their driver’s licenses. To prevent delays when applying for your Real ID driver’s license, you’re encouraged to review your birth and/or marriage to ensure your name, sex, and date of birth are listed correctly.
The DMV prefers a birth certificate when verifying your identity for the REAL ID.
The deadline to obtain a Real ID has been extended to May 7th, 2025.
Public Records
+ Are TN vital records open to the public?
Many vital records in TN 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 Tennessee vital records. These sites aren’t 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 they’re not a minor.
+ 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 Tennessee 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.
Other
+ How can I verify that my TN Vital Records are 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 of Tennessee vital records 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,” aren’t considered legal documents in Tennessee. They’re 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 doesn’t issue non-certified copies of Tennessee vital records; 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 isn’t required to obtain verification, but you must be able to provide the information requested in the application.
Find more references regarding TN vital records in the resources section.
Find More Online Resources and Information for Vital Records
Select Certificate Type
Vital Records Online allows you to request certified copies of birth, marriage, divorce, and death certificates issued from all 50 states in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
step 2
Complete the Application Form
We have integrated all 50 states’ application forms into one streamlined process. Our user-friendly interface makes it easy to complete the application for the certificate you need, without the hassle of endless internet searches or deciphering complex documents.
step 3
Pay the Fees
Obtaining certified copies is not free. At this step, you can select the number of certified copies you need and pay the following fees:
State Fee
Additional Copy State Fee
Service Fee
Identity Verification Fee
Additionally, you can enhance your experience with:
Expedited Processing
Application Insurance
Premium Customer Support
Expedited Return Envelope
step 4
Review Your Application
Reviewing your application is crucial to avoid delays or rejections. Ensure all information is accurate and there are no typographical errors. Verify your mailing address to ensure the certificate is delivered correctly.
Sign the Application
All applications must be signed by the applicant. Most states allow electronic signatures, but some may require a wet signature.
Provide a Wet Signature (if required)
If a wet signature is required, we will mail all necessary documents, including the application form, ID documents, payment for state fees, and a mailing envelope with a shipping label. Sign the application and the check, then mail the documents to the Health Department using the provided envelope.
step 5
Verify Your Identity
Identity verification is essential as only authorized individuals can request certified copies of vital records. Each state has specific ID requirements.
Visit our website at www.vitalrecordsonline.com, scroll down to the map section, and select the state to view ID requirements. Alternatively, visit your state’s official vital statistics website.
Notarize Your Application (if required)
Some states require notarization of the application. If applicable, you can choose between:
In-Person Notary: We prepare and mail the documents to you, including a map of nearby notary locations.
Online Notary: Partnering with recognized online notarization services, you can complete the notarization process quickly online.
Additional Documents for Non-Listed Applicants
When the applicant is not the same person listed on the certificate, additional documents are required to prove identity and relationship:
Immediate Family Members: Spouses, children, and parents must provide:
• For children or parents: a certified copy of the birth certificate.
• For spouses: a certified copy of the marriage certificate.
Legal Representative/Guardian: Submit a document proving your legal relationship to the person on record.
step 6
Submit and Track Your Application
Once all steps are completed, our team will review your application, payment, signature, and ID verification within 4-5 business days (or 1-2 days with expedited processing). We ensure everything is in order before submitting it to the appropriate health department.
Electronic Filing (California Only): For California, we offer electronic filing with the Health Department database, ensuring faster processing.
Standard Filing: For other states, our team will manually prepare and mail your application documents to the Health Department Office.
Health Department Processing
The Health Department processes your application, with times varying by state. Check current processing times here. Our extensive database helps identify the fastest processing offices for quicker certificate delivery.
Receive Your Certificate
Finally, wait for your certificate to arrive. If you opted for the 2-day return envelope, expect delivery within 2 business days; otherwise, it may take up to 5 business days.