Vital Records Online (VRO) is a secure, US-based service for ordering Tennessee vital records electronically. VRO makes it easy to order birth, death, and marriage certificates online, ensuring the safe delivery of your records while keeping your private information confidential.
Summary:
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.
Find out how to obtain official Tennessee vital records, what information they contain, where to request them, and how they are used.
Start your application online for TN vital records
Request a certified copy of live birth for your baby or child.
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. They 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 the event of a lost birth, marriage, or death certificate, it is critical to file a police report and request a certified replacement urgently. You can find more helpful information about vital records in the frequently asked questions section for birth, death, and marriage certificates.
In Tennessee, vital records are preserved and distributed at the county and state levels. Each county is responsible for certifying and issuing vital records that occur within its jurisdiction. You can find a comprehensive list of Tennessee’s county vital record issuing agencies below, 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, any Tennessee vital record can be ordered online from any location through VRO.
❗️If you’re seeking ancestral records for genealogy research in Tennessee, they are freely available from various public archives.
Visiting Vital Records Office
Ordering Vital Records Online
Tennessee vital records can be ordered online, in person, or by mail. The state health department offers walk-ins and can issue any birth or death certificate registered statewide from all county health departments. However, online requests are the most reliable and easy method for some applicants.
The Tennessee Department of Health’s Office of Vital Records is responsible for producing and certifying birth, death, and marriage certificates. Each type of 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 application. Confirm that your documents, application, and fees are sent to the correct office that produces certified copies of the original record.
Ordering Tennessee vital records online is quick and effortless and involves two simple steps:
(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.
VRO’s 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 that issues the certified record.
The application process can be completed from any device with an internet connection within five minutes. VRO also helps prevent application rejection by ensuring 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.
✔︎ 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.
✔︎ Vital Records Online’s support team manages scanning and printing your application and documents. Learn more about how the online ordering and handling process works.
✔︎ 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.
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 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 vital records in person or by mail.
If you choose to apply in person at the vital records office, prepare to complete the following steps:
Additionally, when ordering by mail, you will need the following:
Each type of vital record certificate has unique requirements. Vital Records Online simplifies the process and reduces errors for faster processing time. Learn more about our services for replacing 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 record.
❗️ 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 is recommended to purchase mail tracking to confirm their arrival at the correct office.
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 do not have it, you must submit two secondary forms of identification accepted by the TDH – Office of Vital Records. Alternatively, you can sign your 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 Vital Records in Tennessee?
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.
| Certificate | Required Information | ID Requirements Options | Secondary IDs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Alien Registration Receipt, Certificate of Citizenship, Driver's License, Passport, Permanent Residents Card, Temporary Resident Card, US Certificate of Naturalization, US Citizenship ID, US Employment Authorization Card, US Military ID |
Application Page of Insurance Policy, Bank Statement, Copy of Police Report for Stolen ID, Deposit Slip, Health Care Coverage Card, Medical Record, Military Discharge, Pay Stub, Social Security Card, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration, Voter Registration Card, W-2 Form |
| 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 |
Alien Registration Receipt, Certificate of Citizenship, Driver's License, Passport, Permanent Residents Card, Temporary Resident Card, US Certificate of Naturalization, US Citizenship ID, US Employment Authorization Card, US Military ID |
Application Page of Insurance Policy, Bank Statement, Copy of Police Report for Stolen ID, Deposit Slip, Health Care Coverage Card, Medical Record, Military Discharge, Pay Stub, Social Security Card, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration, Voter Registration Card, W-2 Form |
| 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 |
Alien Registration Receipt, Certificate of Citizenship, Driver's License, Passport, Permanent Residents Card, Temporary Resident Card, US Certificate of Naturalization, US Citizenship ID, US Employment Authorization Card, US Military ID |
Application Page of Insurance Policy, Bank Statement, Copy of Police Report for Stolen ID, Deposit Slip, Health Care Coverage Card, Medical Record, Military Discharge, Pay Stub, Social Security Card, Utility Bill, Vehicle Registration, Voter Registration Card, W-2 Form |
Who can request vital records in Tennessee?
The individual on record can request their own certificates and must provide proof of identity with the application or when obtaining a notarization for their application. If someone else requests the certificate on their behalf, they can ensure they are 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 does not qualify you as an eligible individual, it is still possible to obtain the certificate. Ineligible applicants must provide a signed statement from the record-holder or an authorized individual, giving TDH – Office of Vital Records 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.
| Certificate | Authorized People |
|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Children, Parents, Person on Record, Spouse |
| Death Certificate | Attorneys, Children, Parents, Spouse |
| Marriage Certificate | Children, Parents, Person on Record, Spouse |
Do I need a notary with my application?
The Tennessee Department of Health generally does not 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 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:
For more information about the unique circumstance that may require a notary, view other FAQs below or visit the Tennessee Office of Vital Records website at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/vital-records.html.
❗️ 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.
The cost of obtaining a certified vital record certificate 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 Assistant 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 certificate 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.
| Certificate | Fee | Additional Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $15.00 | $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.
VitalRecordsOnline.com processing fee is $29.
How long will it take to receive my vital records from Tennessee?
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 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. VRO simplifies the process of gathering documents and submitting your application packet and offers expedited orders for faster processing so you can receive your certificates promptly. When ordering through VRO, online notarization can be included during checkout — otherwise, account for additional time to obtain it from a local entity.
| Certificate | Processing Time | Rush Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | 4 to 6 weeks | N/A |
| Death Certificate | 4 to 6 weeks | N/A |
| Marriage Certificate | 4 to 6 weeks | N/A |
| Divorce Certificate | 2 to 3 months | N/A |
✔︎ All orders through VRO 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 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.
When ordering with 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 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 are 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.
❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Tennessee counties office locations directory.
An apostille is often required when submitting a vital record to a foreign government. The Tennessee Secretary of State issues apostilles for 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. VRO offers reliable, professionally assisted services for obtaining apostilles for birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates across all 50 states and is acknowledged by various governments with legal validity in over 100 countries.
The service starts at $149 (plus government fees) and can be conveniently completed online in just three steps:
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, it will be sent 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 will need to provide the following information:
You can submit requests for vital record 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
You can reach the office at (615) 741-0536 or online at https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/vitalrecords/apostille-and-exemplified-copies.html.
Tennessee Department of Health has provided a list of common scenarios to facilitate correcting or amending a birth, marriage, or death certificate. 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:
Learn more about correcting or amending birth, death, and marriage certificates.
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:
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.
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.
Visit the official Tennessee government website at https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/vital-records.html
