Obtaining a birth certificate is a crucial step for various life events, from enrolling in school to applying for a passport or social security benefits. If you were born in Tennessee and need to get a copy of your birth certificate, this guide will walk you through the different methods available to you. Whether you prefer to apply in person, by mail, or online, Tennessee Vital Records offers several convenient options to obtain this important document.
Obtaining Your Birth Certificate In Person
For those who prefer a direct, in-person approach, visiting the Tennessee Vital Records office in Nashville is a viable option.
Location and Hours:
The Tennessee Vital Records office is located in downtown Nashville at the Andrew Johnson Tower.
| Where: | Tennessee Vital Records, 1st Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower, 710 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243. Please note that the Vital Records Entrance is located on the Rosa Parks Blvd. side of the building. |
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| When: | Office and Lobby Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Parking is available on Rev. Kelly M Smith Way, off Rosa Parks Blvd. |
Applying at the Office of Vital Records:
At the office, you can request your birth certificate by completing a paper order form, available as you enter the office. You will need to present valid photo identification. If you are not the person named on the certificate, or their parent, child, or spouse, you’ll need to provide documentation proving your legal right to the record. Acceptable forms of payment at the customer service window include cash, checks, credit/debit cards, and money orders. Be sure to check the current fee schedule before your visit.
Applying at a Local County Health Department:
Alternatively, you can also apply for a birth certificate at any local county health department in Tennessee. Thanks to the electronic system, these departments can issue birth certificates registered anywhere within the state. Similar to the state office, you will need to present identification and the required fees. If you are not a qualified applicant (parent, child, or spouse), you must also provide legal documentation demonstrating your entitlement to the certificate. This could include custody orders, letters of testamentary, or insurance policies showing beneficiary status. You can find the application form online to expedite your request.
Obtaining Your Birth Certificate By Mail
If visiting in person is not feasible, you can obtain a copy of your birth certificate through the mail. This method requires careful preparation to ensure your application is processed smoothly.
Required Documents:
- Completed and Signed Application: Download and complete the appropriate application form for a certified copy of a Birth Certificate.
- Identification: You must include a photocopy of a government-issued photo ID that includes your signature. Alternatively, you can submit a notarized application. For newborns, the mother’s copy of the birth certificate issued by the hospital (within the last two calendar years) can be used for identification. If none of these options are available, consult the ID requirements page for alternative forms of identification.
- Payment: Include a check or money order payable to Tennessee Vital Records for the correct fee.
Mailing Address:
Send your completed application, identification, and payment to:
| Mail Request To: Tennessee Vital Records, 1st Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower, 710 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243 |
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Obtaining Your Birth Certificate Online
For maximum convenience, ordering your birth certificate online is an option. The Tennessee Office of Vital Records partners with VitalChek, an independent company, to provide this service. VitalChek is the officially authorized vendor for online birth certificate orders in Tennessee. Please note that VitalChek charges additional fees for its services.
Online Ordering Options:
- Shipped to You: If you need the birth certificate mailed to your address, order online through VitalChek. This is the most common online order method.
- Pick Up In-Person in Nashville: If you are able to pick up your order in person in Nashville, you can also place an online order through VitalChek and select the pick-up option at Nashville Pickup Location. This option is only suitable if you are physically located in or can travel to Nashville.
Checking Your Order Status
If you have already placed an order and wish to check its status, you can contact Tennessee Vital Records for assistance. Please be ready to provide details about your order and your preferred contact method. You can reach them between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently navigate the process of obtaining your Tennessee birth certificate through the method that best suits your needs.
