The Office of Vital Records is required to follow Tennessee law when amending birth, death, marriage or divorce certificates. It is important to us and to you that the certificates issued by this office are accurate. For this reason, each request is given individual attention.
Generally, the documentation listed in the following frequently asked questions is adequate to make the requested correction. However, occasionally we will need additional information. We understand that each request is important, and we work diligently to complete them quickly. Please be patient as some amendment requests could take longer than others, see “How long will it take?” for an estimated time frame for completing your type of request.
*****Effective February 1, 2023, customers that walk into the Vital Records Office for assistance with changes or corrections to their vital records will be seen by appointment only. Send an email to vrappointments@tdhs.zendesk.com to schedule your appointment. Changes and corrections will not be made the same day.
Amendment Questions
My given or middle name is missing or spelled incorrectly on my birth certificate.
How do I get it corrected?
My name was legally changed. How do I get it changed on my birth certificate?
In the event of a court-ordered name change, to amend the birth certificate we require the following:
The date of birth is incorrect on my birth certificate. What is needed to correct it?
If the date of birth has never been amended on the certificate, you should submit the following:
*If the registrant is under the age of 21, the document must be dated at least 5 years prior to the request for amendment.
How do I correct the sex on my birth certificate?
Tennessee law does not allow for the amendment of a birth certificate due to gender reassignment surgery. If a mistake was made on the certificate when recording the sex of the child, the following should be submitted to this office:
A parent’s name is misspelled, date of birth or place of birth is incorrect on my birth certificate.
How do I get it corrected?
If any of the following are true, a court order would be required to amend the certificate.
1. The same information was previously amended.
2. A new certificate was created due to adoption and the request for amendment is not due to a keying error made when creating the new certificate.
3. A new certificate was created due to a court order of parentage, the requested amendment involves the father’s information, and the request was not made to correct a keying error made when creating the new certificate.
4. A new certificate was created due to a subsequent marriage of the parents, the requested amendment involves the father’s information or the child’s name, and the request was not made to correct a keying error made when creating the new certificate.
5. The certificate was previously amended by Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity, and the requested amendment involves the father’s information or the child’s name.
Otherwise please submit the following:
1. A signed and notarized affidavit showing the full name, date of birth, the data as it is shown on the certificate, and the data as it should be correctly listed.
2. A copy of the parent’s birth certificate which supports the amendment request.
3. A check or money order for the required amendment fee, and an additional fee for a copy of the corrected certificate.
If a change is needed for the mother’s legal name, you will need to speak with a representative for guidance.
What is a notarized affidavit? What should the affidavit include?
A notarized affidavit is a written statement made under oath and signed in the presence of a notary public. The notary public places his/her seal on the document to verify that the signature is authentic. The affidavit submitted to this office must be signed by one of the following persons:
The affidavit should include the name and date of the event, the incorrect data as it is listed on the certificate and the data as it should be listed.
How do I get a court order?
For instructions on obtaining a court order contact the court clerk’s office in your county of residence. Click here for Tennessee court clerks offices.
What is acceptable documentary evidence?
The documentary evidence submitted in support of an amendment should be the oldest document available. It must provide all of the following information:
What are some examples of acceptable documentary evidence?