Tennessee Birth Records

Tennessee started keeping birth records for the entire state in 1908, marking the start of the formal system for collecting and preserving birth records. While the state authorized statewide record-keeping in 1908, some larger cities began recording births earlier, with cities like Memphis starting as far back as 1874.

Tennessee birth records contain key information about a person's birth. Birth records are crucial for legal identification, government benefits, and genealogical research. When you request a birth record in Tennessee, you will usually come across two main distinctions: Authorized vs. Informational copies and Long-form vs. Short-form certificates.

The authorized copies of birth certificates are the official, certified copies issued by the state. It bears an embossed seal and the signature of the issuing authority, which makes it legally valid for all official and legal transactions. Certified copies of birth records are especially useful when applying for a passport or any other situation where legal proof of birth is required.

The informational copy of the birth certificate contains the same information as the certified version but lacks the official seal and certification. It is ideal for situations where official legal validation is not necessary. Information copies of birth records are provided for informational or research purposes.

At birth, Tennessee vital records systems issue two main types of birth records: Long-form birth certificates and Short-form birth certificates. The long-form birth certificate is a comprehensive version that includes detailed information about the birth. Typically, it includes the full names of both parents, date and places of birth, parental information, physician information, and the seal of the issuing authority. The long-form birth record is ideal for legal, administrative, and official purposes.

The short-form certificate is a condensed or abridged version that summarizes the essential details, like the record holder's full name, date of birth, and place of birth, but excludes some information, such as parental details. It is useful for everyday situations where a brief proof of birth is sufficient, such as enrolling in school.

How To Order a Tennessee Birth Certificate?

You can order birth records from 1909 to the present from the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) Office of Vital Records. To order the record, complete the Application for Certified Copy of Tennessee Certificate of Birth form with the relevant details as they appear on the certificate. Include a valid government-issued ID with your application. Persons without one of the recommended means of identification may notarize the application form. You may order the record by mail, online, or in person. Use the TDH online service for quick access to your birth records.

You may visit your Local County Health Department for in-person requests. Persons ordering the record by mail may include a check or money order for the $15 fee with their application. Mail the record request to:

The Tennessee State Library and Archives maintains historical birth records for births over 100 years old. Visit the website to view the records online or visit the office to obtain copies of the records. Similarly, some local city and town offices where the birth occurred keep birth records before 1909. You may contact the city or town clerk in the area where the birth took place.

Are Birth Records Public in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, birth records are considered confidential records rather than public documents. Tennessee law limits access to birth certificates to protect individuals' privacy. Unlike some records that are freely available to the general public, birth records in Tennessee can only be obtained by specific, authorized persons. This implies that while the records are maintained by the state, they are not available to just anyone who wants to view them.

Who Can Order A Birth Certificate in Tennessee?

Birth certificates are confidential records, and the state restricts access to ensure sensitive personal information is protected. To this end, state law mandates that only those with a direct, legal relationship to the record holder may order certified copies of Tennessee birth certificates. They include:

• The individual named on the birth record
• Parents or legal guardians
• Immediate family members, including siblings, adult children, and spouses
• Authorized legal representatives, such as persons with power of attorney or court-appointed guardians
• Persons with a court order

How Long Does it Take to Get A Tennessee Birth Certificate?

When you order birth records by mail through the TDH Office of Vital Records, you can typically expect your certified copy to be processed within 4 weeks. While the state does not offer expedited services for mail requests, you may typically obtain the record the same day if you request the record in person at the TDH Office of Vital Records, at your local county health department, or at your local county or city clerk offices.

Where Can I Find Tennessee Birth Records for Free?

Access to certified copies of birth records requires eligibility and fees. To this end, there are several methods where unauthorized individuals may access free informational copies of birth records in the state. The National Vital Records Archives is a valuable resource for accessing historical vital records, including Tennessee birth records. It primarily houses older digitized and transcribed versions of Tennessee birth records.

Genealogy websites such as FamilySearch.org and Ancestry.comare free resources to look up historical Tennessee birth records. FamilySearch.org is a free genealogy website that offers a vast collection of digitized Tennessee birth records, transcriptions, and indexes. Similarly, Ancestry.com provides full access to free libraries of birth records useful for finding historical birth records and related family history information.

Reputable third-party websites, such as PublicRecords.us, aggregate public records and offer free access to basic information from Tennessee birth records. They compile and provide access to various public record information for free and serve as a good starting point for accessing both historic and current Tennessee birth records.

When Would I Need My Tennessee Birth Records?

Your Tennessee birth record is used by government agencies and institutions to verify your personal details and legal status. Generally, you may need your birth record under the following situations:

• Applying for a passport or other government-issued ID
• Applying for a visa and other citizenship purposes
• Changing your name
• Applying for Social Security benefits
• Conducting genealogical research
• Legal matters, such as divorce proceedings, custody issues, or settling estate disputes

How Much is A Replacement Birth Certificate in Tennessee?

A replacement birth certificate becomes necessary if your original document is stolen, damaged, lost, or destroyed. The process to replace your missing birth record is similar to obtaining certified copies of your birth record.

Visit the TDH Office of Vital Records website or your local county health department website to download the appropriate application form for a certified copy of a birth record. You must provide a valid, government-issued photo ID or notarize the application form in place of a valid ID. The fee for a replacement birth certificate is $15.00. You may submit the record request by mail or in person.

When Can the Public Access Tennessee Birth Certificates?

In Tennessee, birth records are considered confidential records for 100 years from the date of birth. During this time, access is restricted to the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and persons who can demonstrate a direct and tangible interest in the record.

After the 100-year confidentiality period, birth records become public and are transferred to the Tennessee State Library and Archives for public access and family research. The confidentiality period is established to protect personal privacy and sensitive information.

How To Correct an Error on a Tennessee Birth Certificate?

The TDH Office of Vital Records permits the amendment of birth certificates for various errors and omissions, including misspelled names, incorrect date of birth, incorrect gender markers, and missing parental information. However, some changes, such as adding or removing a father's name or changing the registrant's parent's last name, require a court order.

To correct the birth record, download and complete the Application to Amend a Tennessee Birth Record form. Provide acceptable documents that substantiate the correction, such as school records, marriage certificates, or medical records. Mail the completed form to the TDH Office of Vital Records. The amendment fee is $15.00.

Does Tennessee Provide Non-binary Birth Certificates?

Tennessee does not provide non-binary or gender-neutral options on birth certificates, nor does the state permit changing your gender marker on your birth certificate. In Tennessee, gender markers cannot be amended to reflect a gender identity different from the one assigned at birth.