Tennessee Vital Records

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.

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.

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.
• When amending a record.

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.

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 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 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.

✔︎ 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.

✔︎ 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.

❓ Find more frequently asked questions below the Tennessee counties office locations directory.