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Tennessee Birth Certificates

Learn how to order Tennessee birth certificates from the Texas Department of Health Office of Vital Records (TDH). The processing time is approximately 4 weeks, and in-person requests are processed on the same day. The state fee for certified copies of birth records is $15.00 per certificate. Eligible individuals include the person on record, immediate family members, and authorized representatives.

How to Order State of Tennessee Birth Certificates

You can now order Tennessee birth certificates through VRO’s online filing service. VRO offers a secure and simple way to order birth certificates. We handle the entire application process, ensuring accuracy and ease. Your application is securely delivered to the Tennessee Department of Health's (TDH) Office of Vital Records for processing, allowing them to issue and mail your birth certificate to you. You can place the order yourself in person or by mail through the TDH by following the specific steps and meeting certain requirements. Before placing your order, verify the costs, eligibility, requirements, and processing times to ensure a successful application.


Person ordering a birth certificate with a phone using VRO

Ordering with VRO

Requesting a Tennessee birth certificate through our online filing service is quick and easy.

  1. Complete the online application and upload your documents.
  2. Process your order.

Starting from

$29+ state fees

Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO

  • 5 minutes process
  • No waiting in lines
  • No handling paperwork or mail
  • Simplified application process
  • 24 hour service
  • Online assistance by specialists
  • Verification and error-checking
  • Order tracking
  • Online notary
  • Pay online by credit card
  • Remote processing time

Get Started Online


required documents

What Documents Are Required to Order State of Tennessee Birth Certificates?

Applicants must provide proof of their identity to the Tennessee Department of Health when requesting certified copies of birth records. Acceptable IDs include a U.S. state-issued driver’s license, a passport, or a U.S. military ID. The table below displays the required information and acceptable documents to order a birth certificate in Tennessee. Proof of identity is mandatory unless your application is signed and notarized.


Primary ID Requirements Options

Secondary ID Requirements Options

Driver's License
Passport
US Military ID
Alien Registration Receipt
Temporary Resident Card
Permanent Residents Card
US Employment Authorization Card
US Certificate of Naturalization
Certificate of Citizenship
US Citizenship ID


Pay Stub
W-2 Form
Vehicle Registration
Voter Registration Card
Military Discharge
Utility Bill
Bank Statement
Deposit Slip
Health Care Coverage Card
Medical Record
Application Page of Insurance Policy
Social Security Card
Copy of Police Report for Stolen ID

How to Get a Tennessee Birth Certificate Without ID

If you cannot provide a copy of your valid primary ID, you can submit two forms of secondary identification to the TDH Office of Vital Records, such as a bank statement, pay stub, social security card, utility bill, or vehicle registration. You can sign and notarize your application instead of submitting your ID, but you must provide proof of identity to the notary public. Alternatively, you can have an authorized third party, such as your parent, child, or spouse, request on your behalf.

Cost & fees

What Are the Costs and Fees Associated with Replacing a Birth Certificate in Tennessee?

The total cost of requesting your birth certificate will depend on the TDH's fees and how you submit your application - in person, by mail, or online. The TDH charges a cost of $15.00 for each certified copy. When using VRO's online filing service, the fee starts at $29.00, plus the state fee. VRO provides a secure online solution for ordering birth certificates.


State Fee

$15.00


Rush Processing

Not offered.


Additional Copy

1 x $15.00

Processing time

How Long Does It Take to Process and Receive a Birth Certificate in Tennessee?

Online and mail orders take approximately 4-6 weeks, while in-person requests can be processed the same day. The total time to receive a Tennessee birth certificate replacement varies depending on the submission method and the current wait times set by the TDH. Rush processing may be available through TDH’s website. To avoid delays, we recommend using VRO’s easy online service, which helps prevent incomplete submissions and errors

Processing Time

4- weeks

Rush Processing Time

Not offered.




Authorization

Who is Authorized to Order a Tennessee Birth Certificate?

In Tennessee, birth certificates are confidential for 100 years. Certified birth record copies are available only to the individual named, their spouse, parents, legal guardians, or children. Authorized representatives may request a certificate if they have a signed permission statement, copies of their ID, and a valid ID of the person they represent. If you are requesting a birth certificate on behalf of the person on record, confirm eligibility before placing your order.


Authorized People


  • Children
  • Parents
  • Person on Record
  • Spouse

Do I Need to Notarize My Application?

In most cases, you do not need to notarize your application for a Tennessee birth certificate. However, a notarized application is required if you are unable to submit a valid primary ID (or two accepted secondary forms of identification) with your application. If you are ordering the certificate on behalf of someone else or if additional documentation is required, notarization may be necessary.

Tracking

How to Track the Status of Your Birth Certificate Replacement

When you place your order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online as we handle it. VRO verifies your documents before sending them to the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) for processing. You can also request mail tracking through VRO to monitor the progress of your application to the state health department.

If you manually mail your birth certificate request, purchasing first-class mail with tracking is recommended to know when your application is delivered to the TDH. Check the state website for specific mailing instructions. Once the TDH sends your certificate to you, they are not responsible for lost or misdirected certificates.

frequently asked questions

Other FAQs


  • How to Obtain a Tennessee Birth Certificate if Born on an Overseas Military Base

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    Individuals not born in Tennessee do not have a birth certificate on record with the state of Tennessee. If you were born overseas on a U.S. military base, your birth is recorded with the U.S. Department of State. Therefore, you do not have a birth certificate on record with the state of Tennessee.

    You must request a Consular Report of a Birth Abroad (CRBA) or Form FS-240 from the U.S. Department of State.

    The CRBA is equivalent to a U.S. birth certificate as proof of birth and U.S. citizenship and is accepted for legal purposes like passport applications and accessing social services.

  • Why Do I Need Certified Copies of My Tennessee Birth Certificate?

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    Certified copies of your birth certificate are government-issued records vital for life's most notable events. They are proof of your legal name, place, date of birth, and parents' names. These documents are essential for establishing your identity and citizenship and are widely accepted by government and commercial entities. Certified copies of your birth certificate are often required for legal proceedings, family matters, school enrollment, employment, and travel.

    Birth certificates are often useful or required for:

    Applying for a driver's license

    Applying for a new passport

    Issuing or obtaining a Social Security Card

    Applying for Social Security benefits

    Claiming pension or insurance benefits

    Genealogy research

    Claiming family inheritance

    Applying for a new job

    Enrolling in school

    Enlisting in military

    Obtaining a marriage license

  • What Does a Tennessee Birth Certificate Look Like?

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    Official birth certificates issued by the TDH exhibit distinct features to ensure authenticity. They may have variations in appearance based on the date of issue. Still, they will adhere to state guidelines, such as displaying the state seal, the individual's name, and the registrar's signature, and issuing on secure paper to avoid counterfeiting. Note that official (long-form) birth certificates serve legal purposes and are distinguishable from informational (short-form) copies intended for personal or commemorative use.

    Full Name of the Person: The full legal name of the person whose birth is being recorded.

    Date of Birth: The exact date of birth of the individual.

    Place of Birth: The city, county, and state where the birth took place.

    Parents’ Names: The full names of both parents, including the mother’s maiden name.

    State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed multicolor or black and white seal of the issuing authority, which validates the document.

    Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the state registrar or authorized official responsible for issuing the certificate.

    Date of Issuance: The date when the state officially issued the birth certificate.

    Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.

    In some instances, a certified birth certificate may also include:

    Name of the Hospital where the birth was recorded.

    Name of the Physician who attended the labor.

  • How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Tennessee Birth Certificate

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    If you lose your birth certificate:

    1. Apply for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You must complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the TDH (Tennessee Department of Health).
      a. For in-person applications: Present the completed application and required documents to the TDH Office of Vital Records or a county health department during hours of operation.
      b. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the TDH at:
      Tennessee Vital Records
      1st Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower 710 James Robertson Parkway Nashville, TN 37243
      c. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
    2. The TDH will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.
  • How to Correct or Amend a South Dakota Birth Certificate

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    The process for correcting or amending a Tennessee birth certificate can vary depending on the nature of the changes requested. An addendum is used to make corrections or alterations to the birth certificate, while the original record remains unaltered.

    Typically, amendments to Tennessee birth certificates will require:

    1. A completed amendment application: A signed and notarized affidavit showing the full name, date of birth, the information displayed on the certificate, and the corrected data as it should be listed.
    2. Supporting documentation: A copy of the parent’s birth certificate supporting the amendment request.
    3. Appropriate fee(s): A check or money order for the required amendment fee of $15.00 (required) and $15.00 for a copy of the corrected certificate (optional).

    A court order is required for name changes, adoptions, adding the father’s name, or if the record has previously been amended. Contact TDH if you have questions regarding your amendment request.

  • How to Obtain an Apostille for a Tennessee Birth Certificate

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    You can obtain an apostille by applying directly to the Tennessee Secretary of State or using VRO’s Express Apostille Service. Apostilles are explicitly issued by the Tennessee Secretary of State when submitting a birth certificate to a foreign government that is part of the 1961 Hague Convention. filed with ADHS-BVR.

    If you are manually submitting a request for an apostille, complete the following steps:

    1. Obtain a Certified Copy of your Birth Certificate: Ensure you have a recent, certified Tennessee birth certificate from the Tennessee Department of Health within the past two years.
    2. Complete the Apostille Request Form: Visit the Tennessee Secretary of State’s website to download and complete the Apostille Request Form.
    3. Gather Required Documentation: Submit the Certified Copy of the birth certificate and the completed Apostille Request Form.
    4. Pay The Specified Fee: Include a check or money order for the required fee, $2.00 per document, payable to Tennessee Secretary of State.
    5. Submit the Apostille Request: Include the completed form, certified birth certificate, and payment for the apostille fee (check or money order made payable to the Tennessee Secretary of State). Submit your request by mail or in-person to the following address: