How Do I Find Birth Certificates?

The Tennessee State Library and Archives holds birth records statewide beginning in 1908 and earlier records from four cities.  Birth records are confidential for 100 years under state law.

Statewide Birth Records

  • 1908-1912 – Records are available at the Library & Archives and on FamilySearch.org
  • 1913 – Records not created due to a change in state law
  • 1914-1923 – Records are available at the Library & Archives
  • Records less than 100 years old are available under restrictions from the Office of Vital Records.

Early City Birth Records

The following records are available at the Library & Archives: 

  • Memphis beginning in 1874 (also on Shelby County Register of Deeds)
  • Chattanooga beginning in 1879 (also on Ancestry.com)
  • Nashville beginning in 1871 (also on Ancestry.com)
  • Knoxville beginning in 1871 (also on Ancestry.com)

Delayed Birth Records
If a person’s birth was not recorded, they could apply for a delayed birth record. The Library & Archives has the following records:

  • 1868-1909 – Records available at the Library & Archives and on Ancestry.com
  • 1910-1923 – Records available at the Library & Archives
  • Records less than 100 years old are available under restrictions from the Office of Vital Records

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