With the implementation of the REAL ID and the SAVE Act making its way through Congress, it might be time to get a certified copy of your birth certificate on hand.
The legal document showing your full name, along with you date and place of birth, is an important document to have on hand no matter what. It is an essential piece that can be used to help get a new identification card , passport and any other documentation that needs proof of your identity.
In Tennessee, there are multiple ways you can get this legal form of identification. All you need is to fill out some paperwork, a bit of money and some patience to get through the process.
Where can I get a certified copy of my birth certificate in Tennessee?
If you need a copy of a birth certificate from Tennessee, you can go about it one of three ways.
- In-person: First, you will need to fill out an application . Then you can either go to your county health department (it doesn’t need to be the county you were born in) or the office of Tennessee Vital Records, located at 710 James Robertson Parkway in Nashville.
- Online: Don’t live in Tennessee anymore or are unable to travel to your health department? You can do everything online. Visit vitalchek.com and complete the online information for a birth certificate to be shipped to you. Or you can also complete an online order to pick up at Vital Records in Nashville.
- By mail: Not a fan of the online route? You can also order a copy of your birth certificate by mail. You will need a couple of things to do this: a photocopy of a government-issued ID card that includes the signature of the requester and a notarized application for a certified copy. You can send the application and fees to: Tennessee Vital Records, 1st Floor, Andrew Johnson Tower, 710 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243
How much does it cost to get a copy of my Tennessee birth certificate?
You will have to pay $15 to get a copy of your birth certificate .
My name was legally changed. How do I get it changed on my birth certificate?
If your name was changed via a court-ordered name change, to amend the birth certificate, Tennessee requires:
- An original, certified copy of the court order that changed your name.
- A check or money order for the required amendment fee ($15), and an additional fee for a copy of the corrected certificate.
You can find out more about amending a birth certificate at tn.gov/health/health-program-areas .
Why would I need a copy of my birth certificate?
Having a copy of your birth certificate means you have a document that can help you get anything from a driver’s license to a proof of identity when signing up for government programs. Here’s what the document does, according to usbirthcertificates.com :
- Establish your identity : It proves who you are, especially to government agencies.
- Confirm place and date of birth : If you’re getting married or trying to get a passport, it helps in legal matters, school registration and travel.
- Access rights or benefits : It can help to prove your eligibility for government programs, which often depends on age or citizenship, both proven through a birth certificate.
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