What are Tennessee Vital Records?

In the State of Tennessee, theOffice of Vital Records is the government agency responsible for vital records. Their mission statement reads, "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 in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated." Tennessee has been keeping vital records since the 1800s. The Office of Vital Records also issues certified copies to individuals who qualify. Vital records in Tennessee are not public records, and they are kept private for 100 years. Therefore, only close family relatives and legal representatives can get copies of yours. The Office of Vital Records also handles genealogy research, health and wellness statistics, and emergency preparedness.

Tennessee Birth Records

The state of Tennessee has birth records dating back into the mid-1800s. Birth records are kept private for 100 years, then they are opened to the public and can be used for genealogy research. The Tennessee State Library and Archives set up a searchable database online for this purpose. The Tennessee Office of Vital Records is the government agency in charge of all vital records for the state, including birth records. They allow eligible applicants to get certified copies in person, through the mail, or online using the VitalChek service. Birth certificates come in handy when you need to verify your identity when applying for a passport, driver's license, government job, or attending school and signing up for sports.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Birth Records

How do I find birth records in Tennessee?

If the records you need are 100 years or younger, you must contact the Tennessee Office of Vital Records. If the records are older, you can search the online database with the Tennessee State Library and Archives.

How do I get a certified copy of my birth certificate in Tennessee?

The Tennessee Office of Vital Records allows you to get copies by downloading an application from their website and visiting in person or dropping it in the mail. They also partner with VitalChek so you can order online or by phone.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a birth certificate in Tennessee?

Each copy of a birth record in Tennessee costs $15. If you use the VitalChek service, you must pay a processing fee and if you choose rush shipping, additional fees.

Who can request birth records?

Because birth records in Tennessee are kept private, only the following list of people can get a copy of yours:

  • The person named on the certificate.
  • Spouse.
  • Parent.
  • Legal guardian.
  • Child of the person named on the certificate.

What information do I need when getting a copy of my Tennessee birth certificate?

When requesting copies of birth records, you need to provide the following information:

  • Full name on the birth certificate.
  • Date of birth.
  • Place of birth.
  • Hospital where born.
  • Gender.
  • Name change if applicable.
  • Full name of the father.
  • Full maiden name of the mother.
  • Last name of the mother at the time of birth.
  • Next older brother or sister.

As the requestor, you also need to supply your name, address, phone number, and signature. You also need to provide proper ID and documentation proving your eligibility.

Where can I find historical vital records in Tennessee for genealogy research?

For records 100 years or younger, contact the Tennessee Office of Vital Records. Otherwise, you can search the online database with the Tennessee State Library and Archives.

How can I correct an error on my birth record?

Changes to birth records are handled on a case-by-case basis, depending on the change needed. To correct an error, contact the Tennessee Office of Vital Records for instructions, paperwork and the fees.

Can I get a refund if my Tennessee birth record is not available?

No. Birth certificate search fees are not refundable.

Tennessee Death Records

Tennessee has been keeping track of death records since the 1800s. The Tennessee Office of Vital Records is the government agency in charge of death records, and they issue death certificates to eligible parties. Death records in Tennessee are not public records for 100 years, and only certain people may have access. After that, they are placed online with the Tennessee State Library and Archives in the searchable database, making it easy to perform genealogy research. Death records are necessary when you apply for death benefits, make a claim for a life insurance policy and other instances where you need to prove someone's passing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Death Records

How do I find death records in Tennessee?

If the records you need are 100 years or younger, you can contact the Tennessee Office of Vital Records. If the records are older than 100 years, you can search the online database at the Tennessee State Library and Archives website.

Are death records public in Tennessee?

No. Death records in Tennessee are not public for 100 years; then, they are opened to the public for research and other purposes.

How much does it cost to get a copy of a death certificate in Tennessee?

Each copy of a certified death certificate in Tennessee costs $15. If you order through VitalChek, you will pay extra for processing and even more if you select expedited shipping.

How long does it take to get a copy of a Tennessee death record?

If you request your certificate in person, you can get one while you wait. If you order by mail, your certificate will take six weeks. If you order through VitalCheck, the average processing time is usually 5-7 business days. However, you can request expedited shipping.

Who can request death records?

Death records are kept private for 100 years, and only the following list of people can get copies:

  • Spouse.
  • Parent.
  • Legal guardian.
  • Child of the person named on the certificate.

What information do I need when getting a copy of someone's Tennessee death certificate?

When requesting a copy of someone's death certificate, you will need to provide the following information:

  • Full name of deceased.
  • Date of death.
  • Place of death.
  • Gender.
  • Name of the funeral home.
  • Location of the funeral home.
  • Your relationship to the deceased.

As the requestor, you also need to supply your name, address, phone number, and signature. You also need to provide proper ID and documentation proving your eligibility.

Where can I find historical death records in Tennessee?

Tennessee has set up a handy searchable online database with all vital records, including deaths older than 100. This search tool is on the Tennessee State Library and Archives website.

How can I correct an error on someone's death record?

Changes to death records are handled on a case-by-case basis, depending on the change needed. To correct an error, contact the Tennessee Office of Vital Records for instructions, paperwork and the fees.

Can I get a refund if my Tennessee death record is not available?

No, all death certificate searches are non-refundable.

Tennessee Marriage Records

The state of Tennessee has been keeping marriage records since the mid-1800s. Marriage records in Tennessee are not public records for the first 100 years. Therefore, only close family and legal representatives can get copies. The State of Tennessee the Office of Vital Records is the government agency in charge of marriage records, and they issue marriage certificates upon request to eligible parties. A marriage certificate comes in handy when you want to change your name, apply for insurance, credit cards, and other situations where you need to verify your marital state. The State of Tennessee, the Office of Vital Records allows you to request records in person, through the mail or using the VitalChek service online.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Marriage Records

Are Tennessee marriage records public?

Not for the first 100 years, then they are opened up to the public.

What Tennessee marriage records are available?

Tennessee has been keeping marriage records since the 1800s. The Tennessee State Library and Archives have all vital records over 100 years old online in a searchable database.

How long does it take to get a marriage certificate in Tennessee?

If you visit in person, you can get a copy instantly. If you mail in your application, you could wait up to six weeks. If you order through VitalChek, the wait time is usually 5-7 business days, but you can ask for expedited shipping.

How much does a Tennessee marriage certificate cost?

Each copy of a Tennessee marriage certificate costs $15. However, if you order through VitalChek, you will pay processing fees and if you elect rush shipping, additional fees.

When requesting records, what information do I need?

When requesting a copy of a Tennessee marriage record, you need to supply the following information:

  • Name of spouse A.
  • Name of spouse B.
  • Date of the marriage.
  • Place of the marriage.
  • Purpose for the copy.
  • Your relationship to either party listed on the certificate.

As the requestor, you also need to supply your name, address, phone number, and signature. You also need to provide proper ID and documentation proving your eligibility.

How do I get a copy of a Tennessee marriage record?

Contact the State of Tennessee, Office of Vital Records. They have all copies dating back 100 years and can provide you with what you need.

What if I didn't get married in Tennessee?

If you were not married in Tennessee, you should contact the vital records office or Clerk of the Court in the state/county where your marriage license was filed.

Who can get a copy of my marriage certificate?

Marriage records are not public records. Therefore, only the following people may get a copy of yours:

The person named on the certificate.

  • Spouse.
  • Parent.
  • Legal guardian.
  • Child of the person named on the certificate.

How do I correct a marriage certificate in Tennessee?

Corrections to marriage records are handled on a case-by-case basis, depending on the change needed. To correct an error, contact the Tennessee Office of Vital Records for instructions, paperwork and the fees.

Tennessee Divorce Records

Tennessee has divorce records dating back to the 1900s, and most vital records older than 100 years are kept online in a searchable database with the Tennessee State Library and Archives. For divorce records younger than 100 years, the Tennessee Office of Vital Records is the government agency in charge, and they issue divorce certificates to eligible parties. Divorce records are not public until after 100 years, so only certain people can get copies. Divorce records are needed when you get remarried or have to prove your marital status. The Tennessee Office of Vital Records offers divorce certificates in person, through the mail and through the VitalChek service online and by phone.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee Divorce Records

Can I find divorce records online in Tennessee?

Yes. As long as they are 100 years old or older. The Tennessee State Library and Archives website have a searchable database of vital records where you can find old divorce certificates.

How do I find old divorce records?

If you need divorce records 100 years or younger, contact the Tennessee Office of Vital Records. If you need older records, contact the Tennessee State Library and Archives.

How do I get a copy of my divorce certificate?

Contact the Tennessee Office of Vital Records. They allow eligible parties to get copies in person, through the mail, online or by phone using VitalChek.

What information is needed to search for a Tennessee divorce record?

When requesting divorce records, you will need to provide the following information:

  • Full name of the husband.
  • Full name of wide.
  • Date of divorce.
  • Place of divorce.
  • Your relationship to the person(s) listed on the certificate.
  • The purpose of the copy.

As the requestor, you also need to supply your name, address, phone number, and signature. You also need to provide proper ID and documentation proving your eligibility.

If they can't find my divorce record, can I get a refund?

No, all search fees are non-refundable.

What if my divorce took place outside of Tennessee?

If you were not divorced in Tennessee, contact the Clerk of the Court or the vital records office in the county/state where your divorce was finalized.