Getting a death certificate in Tennessee is straightforward, with online, mail, and in-person options at both the state office in Nashville and at county and regional health departments across the state. This guide explains every option, the cost, and how many copies you'll need to settle the estate.
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Which Agency Handles Vital Records in Tennessee?
Death certificates in Tennessee are issued by the Tennessee Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, located in Nashville. County and metropolitan health departments also maintain access to records of recent deaths. Website: tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/vital-records.
How to Order a Death Certificate in Tennessee
- Online: Order through VitalChek, the state's authorized online vendor. Processing typically takes 1–3 weeks.
- By mail: Submit a completed PH-1654 application form, a copy of your government-issued ID, and a check or money order payable to "Tennessee Vital Records." Mail to: Tennessee Vital Records, Andrew Johnson Tower, 1st Floor, 710 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243. Allow 4–8 weeks.
- In person — Nashville: Walk-in service is available at the Andrew Johnson Tower in downtown Nashville. Same-day service in many cases.
- County or metropolitan health departments: Many county health departments (Davidson, Shelby, Knox, Hamilton, and others) can issue certified copies — often the fastest local option.
- Through the funeral home: The funeral home can order certified copies on your behalf in the days after death.
How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost in Tennessee?
The fee is a flat $15 per certified copy, for both the first copy and every additional copy — confirmed directly on the Tennessee Department of Health's current fee schedule. County health departments typically charge the same.
Pro tip
Your local county health department is often faster than the state office for very recent deaths. If you need copies urgently in the first weeks after death, check with the county health department where the death occurred before driving to Nashville.
What will it cost in Tennessee?
- First certified copy
- $15
- Each additional copy
- $15
- Total for 10 copies
- $150
- Typical across all states
- $137Near average
Fees come from this guide and can change. Confirm with the issuing office before paying.
How Many Copies Should You Order?
Most Tennessee families need 8–12 certified copies: each bank, life insurance policy, the Probate or Chancery Court (where Tennessee probate is filed), Social Security, real estate transfers, vehicle titles, and retirement accounts.
How many copies do I need?
Check each institution you'll need to notify in Tennessee.
Check the boxes above for a suggestion. 2 spares are included by default.
Omuna's free checklist tracks all of this for you.
Death certificates are just one of 40+ tasks families face after a loss. Omuna's After-Loss Checklist walks you through everything — bank accounts, insurance, subscriptions, and more.
See the full checklist →Who Is Eligible to Request a Death Certificate in Tennessee?
Tennessee restricts certified copies to people with a direct interest. Eligible requestors include the spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild of the deceased; the executor or personal representative; attorneys representing the estate; legal guardians; and authorized government officials. You must provide government-issued photo ID.
What to Do After You Receive Your Death Certificates
Once you have your certified copies in hand, these are the immediate next steps:
- Notify financial institutions — bring a certified copy to each bank, brokerage, and credit union where the deceased held accounts.
- File life insurance claims — each insurer needs an original certified copy.
- Contact Social Security — report the death at (800) 772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
- Begin probate if the estate requires it — not every estate does.
- Update property titles — real estate, vehicles, and other titled assets each need a certified copy.
- Send notifications — Omuna's free notification templates help you draft letters to banks, insurers, and government agencies.
- Create a memorial page — Omuna's memorial editor lets you build a lasting tribute your family can share.
Pro tip
Omuna's After-Loss Checklist tracks all 40+ post-loss tasks so nothing gets missed.
You're reading about death certificates in Tennessee. Here's what else is on the list.
- Notify close family and friends
- Select a funeral home or provider
- Apply for death certificates (Multiple copies)this guide
- Locate the Will and legal documents
- Apply for social security survivor benefits
- Find and close bank accounts
- + 62 more tasks across all four phases
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in Tennessee may change. Consult a licensed Tennessee attorney for guidance specific to your situation.