The Tennessee Department of Health is reminding new parents and others in need of vital records to be sure to order these documents through approved channels to avoid scams or excessive fees.
"We're warning Tennesseans about purchasing birth certificates and other official records like marriage, divorce and death documents from a third-party vendor that is not approved by the state," said State Registrar Gray Bishop. "Usually the cost for this service from unauthorized vendors is substantially higher, and some customers don't receive certified copies of their documents but instead get a completed application and are directed to our Office of Vital Records and Statistics for fulfillment and additional payment."
Here are the methods Tennesseans can use to securely obtain Tennessee birth certificates and other Tennessee vital records:
Online
Place an order through VitalChek, an approved TDH partner at www.vitalchek.com.
By Telephone
VitalChek can process Tennessee certificates by phone for a processing fee of $10. The processing fee will apply for use of a credit or debit card; each certified copy is $15 with an additional one-time agency expedite fee of $5. Certified copies can be sent to requestors by mail, or for an additional fee of $19.50 can be shipped overnight by UPS. Contact VitalChek at 800-241-8322.
In Person
Visit the Office of Vital Records and Statistics at 710 James Robertson Parkway, Andrew Johnson Tower 1st Floor, Nashville, 37243. The office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central time and offers extended hours Tuesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Central time. Applications for certified Tennessee birth, death, marriage and divorce certificates can be accessed in the office or online at www.tn.gov/health/health-progr
Certified Tennessee birth and death certificates can also be obtained in person at any regional or local county health department. Find locations and contact information at www.tn.gov/health/health-progr
By Mail
Completed forms requesting Tennessee vital records, along with payment can be mailed to 710 James Robertson Parkway, Andrew Johnson Tower 1st Floor, Nashville, 37243. Make checks or money orders payable to the Division of Vital Records and Statistics. A non-refundable fee of $15 is required.
Learn more about Tennessee vital records at www.tn.gov/health/health-progr