Services:
Birth and death records can be obtained at the Knox County Health Department’s main office at 140 Dameron Ave. To obtain the requested records, please ensure you have your state issued ID and proper documentation before arriving. See below for additional details.
Birth Certificates
Birth certificates can be issued to any person born in TN for the past 100 years. At the Knox County Health Department, we can assist with birth certificates for persons born in any county of Tennessee.
Who can request/pick up a birth certificate?
- The person named on the certificate.
- Parent (Listed on birth certificate).
- Legal guardian (With proof of guardianship).
- Spouse or child of the named person.
Please note: If you are a parent trying to get a child's birth certificate, your name must be noted on the certificate. If you are a child trying to get a copy of your parent's birth certificate, their name must be on your birth certificate.
Documents needed:
- Government-issued identification card (ID)
- Any documents/proof to support your right to the certificate. Entitlement documents can include custody orders, letters or testamentary, insurance policies denoting the beneficiaries, etc. (Click here to see a list of ID requirements.)
Does it cost money to receive a copy?
- The cost is $15 per copy.
- There is a 2.5% fee ($2 minimum) for credit card and a $30 fee for any returned check.
- Payment may be by cash, money order, personal check.
- Payment can be made out to Knox County Health Department.
In person vs through the mail
You have the option to fill out a paper order form and present proper identification at the Customer Service Window at Knox County Health Department (140 Dameron Ave). If you are not a qualified applicant, you will need to support your entitlement to the record requested at the time your application is submitted or have a qualified applicant submit the application.
- To order by mail, you should print and fill out an application and mail it to: Vital Records, 140 Dameron Ave., Knoxville, TN 37917. Include a copy of your driver’s license and check or money order for $15.
- It will take appx. 1-2 business days plus shipping turnaround time.
Death Certificates
Death certificates are available for any death that occurred in Tennessee since 1967.
Who can request/pick up a death certificate?
- Parent
- Person listed as "informant" on death certificate
- Spouse or child of the named person
- Legal representative
- Funeral Home
If you are not an eligible family member, you must bring documentation of your need for the certificate.
Does it cost money to receive a copy?
- The cost is $15 per certificate.
- There is a $2 fee for credit card & a $30 fee for any returned check.
- Payment may be by cash, money order, personal check.
- Payment can be made out to Knox County Health Department.
Please allow at least two weeks for recent deaths.
*Please note that there will be an additional $2 fee for any credit card.
Documents needed:
- Government-issued identification card (ID)
- Any documents/proof to support your right to the certificate
Applications
Contact Information
Knox County Health Department Vital Records
First floor (Behind security/information desk)
140 Dameron Ave.
Knoxville, TN 37917
Phone: 865-215-5100
Fax: 865-215-5106
TDD: 865-215-5001
Email: vital.records@knoxcounty.org
Office hours: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
Tennessee Office of Vital Records
First floor, Andrew Johnson Tower
710 James Robertson Pkwy.
Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-741-1763
Email: EmailVRcustomerservice@tdhs.zendesk.com
Office hours (CT):
8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday
8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday
