Guides · Tennessee
New Baby Paperwork Checklist for Tennessee
Five things every Tennessee parent needs to handle after a birth — with official links and suggested timing. Always confirm details on the official agency pages: fees, forms, and deadlines are set by the agencies and can change.
Order the birth certificate (Tennessee)
Certified copies come from Tennessee Office of Vital Records. The published base fee is about $15 per certified copy — confirm the current fee and accepted payment methods on the official page. Order 2–3 copies: the Social Security application, insurance, and (later) a passport all depend on this document.
Apply for the Social Security number
Easiest path: check the box on the hospital's birth-registration paperwork and the SSA mails the card automatically. Otherwise, complete Form SS-5 and bring the baby's certified birth certificate plus your ID to a Social Security office. This is a federal process — it works the same in Tennessee as everywhere else.
Add the baby to health insurance
A birth opens a Special Enrollment Period: most employer plans allow 30 days from the birth date, and Marketplace plans through HealthCare.gov (federal Marketplace) allow 60 days. Miss the window and your baby could be uninsured until open enrollment. If you're income-eligible, TennCare / CoverKids (CHIP) enrolls children year-round.
Choose and register a pediatrician
Your baby's first check-up is typically 2–5 days after hospital discharge. Pick an in-network pediatrician before the birth if you can, tell the hospital, and they'll send the birth summary and newborn-screening results straight to that office.
File parental leave paperwork
Tennesseedoesn't have a statewide paid family leave program, so the foundation is federal FMLA: up to 12 weeks of job-protected (unpaid) leave if you and your employer qualify. Notify your employer in writing — 30 days ahead when foreseeable — and ask HR about employer-paid parental leave or short-term disability.
Tennessee FAQ
How much does a birth certificate cost in Tennessee?
Tennessee's published base fee is about $15 for one certified copy, ordered through Tennessee Office of Vital Records. Fees change, so confirm the current amount on the official ordering page before you submit.
Does Tennessee have paid family leave?
Tennessee does not have a statewide paid family leave program. Eligible parents get up to 12 weeks of job-protected (unpaid) leave under federal FMLA — check whether your employer offers paid parental leave or short-term disability.
How long do I have to add my baby to health insurance in Tennessee?
A birth is a Qualifying Life Event. Most employer plans allow 30 days from the birth date; Marketplace plans through HealthCare.gov (federal Marketplace) allow 60 days. If you're income-eligible, TennCare / CoverKids (CHIP) enrolls children year-round.
Don't track this by hand
FirstDays turns this checklist into a personalized task list with suggested timing for your exact dates — and drafts the letters and emails for you, signed and ready to send.
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FirstDays is an independent service and is not affiliated with any government agency. This guide is general information, not legal advice — always confirm requirements with the official agency linked above.