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How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records (state level - Nashville) / Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) / Local County Health Departments
Details

What you need to know

Fee
$15/copy (state); $5.50 (TSLA on-site); local county varies (~$8-$20)
Processing Time
Mail: ~8 weeks; VitalChek: faster; in-person: same day
Online Option
VitalChek; vitalrecords.tn.gov
Where to Go
TN Vital Records (Nashville); TSLA; VitalChek; local county health department
Tennessee Notes

Important state-specific details

  • Death records at state level from approximately 1908-1913+; older at TSLA or county level.
  • Non-certified death records for past 50 years may be available to general public; certified copies require eligibility.
  • Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, VA each need one.
Official Source

State office contact

State Office
TN Vital Records - vitalrecords.tn.gov | (615) 741-1763 | 421 Fifth Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37243; TSLA - sos.tn.gov/library-archives | (615) 741-2764