Hendersonville Birth Records

Hendersonville birth records are maintained by Sumner County and the Tennessee Office of Vital Records. Residents in Hendersonville who need a certified birth certificate can contact the Sumner County Health Department, the county clerk's office, or the state office in Nashville. This page explains the local resources, the request process, fees, and where to find older Sumner County records for genealogical research.

Which County Handles Hendersonville Birth Records

Hendersonville is in Sumner County, which means the Sumner County Health Department handles vital records for residents. Tennessee's VRISM system connects all 95 county health departments electronically, so the Sumner County office can issue a certified birth certificate for any Tennessee birth, not just Sumner County births. Whether you were born here or moved here from another county, the local office can help.

The Sumner County Clerk's office is at 355 Belvedere Drive North, Room 111, Gallatin, TN 37066, phone (615) 452-4063. Note: Gallatin is the county seat, not Hendersonville, so the Clerk's office is in Gallatin. The Clerk issues marriage licenses and maintains county records. For birth certificates, contact the health department or the state office.

Both offices are accessible through the Sumner County government website. Call ahead to confirm hours and what ID you need to bring before your visit.

How to Request a Hendersonville Birth Certificate

Three methods are available: in person, by mail, or online.

In person: Visit the Sumner County Health Department during business hours. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Fill out Form PH-1654 and pay $15.00 per certified copy. Most in-person requests are handled the same day.

By mail: Download the Form PH-1654 application. Complete it, attach a copy of your photo ID, and include a check or money order for $15.00 payable to the Tennessee Department of Health. Mail to: Tennessee Office of Vital Records, 710 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243. Allow one to three weeks for mail processing.

Online: Use VitalChek, the only vendor authorized by Tennessee for online orders. VitalChek adds a $10.00 processing fee to the $15.00 state fee. Optional $5.00 expedite service is available. See the state fee schedule for all current charges.

Tennessee State Library and Archives for Sumner County

For birth records that predate statewide registration in 1908, the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) is the primary resource. TSLA is located at 1001 Rep. John Lewis Way N., Nashville, and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The collection includes early vital records, church registers, and family papers for Sumner County. Researchers can access records in person or submit written inquiries.

The Tennessee Early Vital Records Application (TEVA) is a free online database that covers birth records from 1908 through the early 1910s. Those records are now over 100 years old and open to public access under Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-3-205. TEVA is a useful starting point for genealogical research on early Hendersonville and Sumner County families.

Who Can Request a Birth Record

Birth records less than 100 years old are restricted under Tennessee law. Not everyone qualifies for a certified copy.

Eligible requesters include the person named on the certificate (if 18 or older), a parent listed on the record, a legal guardian with court documentation, a spouse, a child, or a sibling of the named person. Legal representatives with written authorization from an eligible person may also apply. You must show a valid government-issued photo ID. If requesting on behalf of another person, bring documents that prove your relationship: a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or court order.

Records older than 100 years are in the public domain and accessible to any researcher without proof of relationship.

Tennessee Vital Records Help Resources

The Tennessee Office of Vital Records website has answers to common questions about obtaining birth certificates, understanding eligibility requirements, and correcting errors on a record. For Hendersonville residents, the state office is at 710 James Robertson Parkway, Nashville, TN 37243. Phone: (615) 741-1763. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Tuesday and Thursday until 6:00 PM).

The CDC's Tennessee vital records guide provides a plain-language overview of how to get vital records from the state. It is a good quick reference for first-time requesters.

The regulations governing Tennessee vital records are detailed in the Tennessee vital records administrative regulations available through Cornell Law School's legal information database.

Nearby Cities

These cities near Hendersonville have birth records pages with local office details and access information.