📅 2026 Update: Changes in Tennessee Divorce Records Access

Since the original article was published, there have been no significant legislative changes affecting online access to Tennessee divorce records from 2024 to 2026. The process for obtaining these records remains consistent, with established fees and forms still in use. For further details, the earlier article continues further down the page.

📝 Current Fees and Costs

The fees for obtaining divorce records in Tennessee are straightforward. A certified copy costs $15.00 per copy. Additionally, there is a search fee of $15.00 for each year searched, regardless of whether the record is found.

Understanding these costs can help plan your budget accordingly.

📄 Forms and Steps

To request a certified copy of a divorce certificate, you will need to use Form PH-1671. For those who want to verify divorce facts without obtaining a certified copy, Form PH-3332 is available. Applications can be submitted in person or by mail, making the process accessible for many individuals.

⏳ Processing Times

Processing times for obtaining divorce records vary by submission method. If you visit the Tennessee Vital Records office in person, processing is immediate during office hours. However, if you submit your request by mail, you should allow up to 45 days for processing.

If you do not receive a response within this time, it is advisable to contact Tennessee Vital Records directly.

👥 Eligibility Rules

Certain individuals qualify to request divorce records. Qualified applicants include the person named in the record, immediate family members, or legal representatives. Those who do not meet these criteria must provide supporting documentation, such as custody orders or insurance policies, to prove their right to access the certificate.

📌 Key Points to Remember

  • No significant changes in access to Tennessee divorce records from 2024 to 2026.
  • A certified copy costs $15.00, with a search fee of $15.00 per year searched.
  • Use Form PH-1671 for certified copies and Form PH-3332 for verifying divorce facts.
  • Processing can be immediate in person, or up to 45 days by mail.
  • Only qualified individuals or those with proper documentation can request records.

💡 Tips for Requesting Tennessee Divorce Records

Review your specific situation with your attorney to ensure you understand the requirements for obtaining divorce records in Tennessee.

📑 Know the Forms You Need

Familiarize yourself with the forms required for your request. Form PH-1671 is necessary for a certified copy, while Form PH-3332 is for verification of facts. Having the correct form will streamline the process.

📍 Submit Requests in Person

If you need your divorce record quickly, consider visiting the Tennessee Vital Records office. You can receive immediate processing during office hours, which can save you time compared to mailing your request.

💵 Have Your Payment Ready

Be prepared to pay the required fees when you submit your application. You can pay by cash, check, credit/debit card, or money order. Ensuring you have the correct payment method will prevent delays in processing your request.

🏷️ Understand Eligibility Requirements

Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria to request a divorce record. Only individuals who are the subject of the record or their immediate family members can easily access this information. Others must provide documentation to support their requests.

📅 Be Patient with Mail Requests

If you decide to mail your request, allow up to 45 days for processing. If you do not receive a response within this timeframe, consider following up with Tennessee Vital Records for updates.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What if my divorce record is not found?

If a requested record cannot be located, you will receive a letter certifying that no record was found. The fee for this is the same as for a certified copy.

🆔 Do I need an ID to request a divorce record?

Yes, a valid government-issued ID is required when submitting a request for a divorce record. If your application is not notarized, include a photocopy of your ID.

⏳ How long does it take to get a divorce record by mail?

When requesting a divorce record by mail, allow up to 45 days for processing. If you do not hear back within that time, you should follow up with Tennessee Vital Records.

📍 Can I get a divorce record online?

As of October 2026, Tennessee divorce records are not available for online viewing. Requests must be made in person or by mail.

🗂️ Where can I find older divorce records?

For divorce records older than 50 years, contact the clerk of the court where the divorce was granted or the Tennessee State Library and Archives for assistance.

📄 What if I need to amend a divorce record?

You can amend a divorce record within the first 6 months after the event without a fee, except in cases of rescission. After this period, different rules may apply.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Related to Divorce Records

There have been recent court rulings relevant to accessing divorce records in Tennessee. These rulings can impact how individuals obtain their records and the processes involved.

For more information on recent rulings, you can check out more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update






 



All divorce records are maintained by the Department of Health, Office of Vital Records, which is located in Nashville.  It is through here that most will apply to view or receive copies of a divorce record.  Alternatively, you may use Vitalchek, which is the third party trusted by the Tennessee government to vet those that request Tennessee divorce records online and expedite the process for a fee.  You will pay to view records and there will be additional fees if you are unsure of critical information that will require a search or the archives to find the record with the incomplete information provided.



 

Tennessee Divorce Records Online


Who may view Tennessee divorce records online?



 



There are no means to view all Tennessee divorce records online, as there is personally identifiable or information that will lead to identity theft on these documents.  In general, only a party to the case or a family member of a party to the case can view these documents and in the case of divorce records, a great deal of information about the other party will be redacted to protect their private information.



Picking up records are also subject to strict regulations.  Those picking up a divorce record on behalf of another person must show ID and have a signed statement from the person making the initial request to have this information released to you.



 



Verification of divorce



 



If you do not wish to view the record and only want verification that a divorce has taken place, you may fill out the appropriate form and enclose a fee of $15, paid by check or money order.  You must provide at least the names of both spouses and the year of divorce.  If you are unsure of the year, you will have to pay $15 per year you are requesting the search for.  The form will be returned with vital information from the divorce record transcribed to a non-legal document.



 



Certified copies



 



You can order a certified copy of a divorce record for $15 from the Office of Vital Records.  This fee is charged even if a record is not located with the information you provide.  You must not the name of the spouses as well as the place and date of the divorce.  You must also note your relationship to either spouse and your reason for ordering a copy.



 



Using a third party



 



Do not trust sites not certified by the Tennessee courts system or Office of Vital Records as you will likely receive out of date or incomplete records.  Many of these records are gleaned from public procedural case files and will not have the information you need.  Statutory restrictions prohibit perfect strangers form access Tennessee divorce records online, as this would be a dangerous and egregious breach of personal information and confidentiality.



 



Any site that forces you to buy a subscription before viewing a record should be suspect and you should only use the legitimate processes described above to access a Tennessee divorce record, either online, by mail, or in person.