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Vital Records

Death Certificates

What is a death certificate?

Death certificates are essential documents that serve several important functions in the aftermath of an individual's passing. Death certificates provide official proof of death needed for legal and administrative purposes, such as settling estates, closing bank accounts, and claiming life insurance. Death certificates are essential for arranging funeral services, updating government records, and terminating social security benefits.

Additionally, death certificates help track mortality statistics and inform public health policies, making them crucial for managing post-death affairs and ensuring a smooth transition for surviving family members and the community.

Sullivan County Regional Health Department’s Blountville Office issues Death Certificates for those who have expired within the State of Tennessee in the last 50 years.

Please Note

Death Certificates are ONLY available at the Blountville office.

How do you request a death certificate?

In Person

Requests can be made in person during business hours. Before planning your visit, please refer to our Blountville location details for information regarding hours and availability.

By Mail

  1. Print and complete the Death Certificate Form (English)
  2. Mail the application request along with ID and payment to:

ATTN: Vital Records

154 Blountville Bypass, P.O. Box 630
Blountville, TN 37617

Online

We have partnered with an independent company (VitalChek Network, Inc.) through which you can process online requests. Simply go to VitalChek to submit your request. Please note that there is an additional fee charged by VitalChek for using their service, but all major credit cards.

Requirements to request a death certificate

Requests must include:

  • Name
  • Sex
  • Date of death
  • Place of death
  • Funeral home
  • Relationship to the decedent
  • Purpose of copy
  • Photo ID and other verifying information will be necessary if the cause of death is to show on the certificate.

Please refer to the State of Tennessee's official Identification Requirements for more information.

How long will it take?

Assuming you've met all the requirements listed above, most in-person requests for death certificate copies are able to be completed during your initial visit. If you need help at all during this process, please don't hesitate to reach out to the .

For more information regarding Vital Records go to https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/vital-records.html

Please Note

No client will be refused services based on disabilities, age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other classification protected by Federal or State law.

Here to Help

Our team is here to answer your questions and provide the support you need. If you need help regarding death certificates, please contact us.