Tennessee § 68-3-401 - Marriage registration.

Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-3-401 — Marriage registration., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 68-3-401. Marriage registration.

A record of each marriage performed in this state shall be filed with the office of vital records and shall be registered, if it has been completed and filed in accordance with this section. The official who issues the marriage license shall prepare the record on the form prescribed and furnished by the state registrar on the basis of information obtained from the parties to be married. The form for a certificate of marriage shall contain a place for the recording of the married persons' social security numbers, and those numbers shall be recorded on the certificate and on any forms necessary to prepare such certificate. This information shall be provided in the record submitted to the office of vital records by the county clerk. Every person who performs a marriage shall certify the fact of marriage and return the record to the official who issued the license within three (3) days after the ceremony. Every official issuing marriage licenses shall complete and forward to the office of vital records, on or before the tenth day of each calendar month, the records of marriages filed with the official during the preceding calendar month. A marriage record not filed within the time prescribed by statute may be registered in accordance with regulations of the office of vital records. If a license to marry has been obtained by incorrect identification, the fraudulent record shall be voided and a correct certificate of marriage placed on file by order of the court in the county where the license was issued, in accordance with regulations established by the department. Acts 1977, ch. 128, § 19; T.C.A., § 53-461; Acts 1997, ch. 551, § 32; 2008, ch. 924, § 15. Law Reviews. A Critical Survey of Developments in Tennessee Family Law in 1976-77, III. Marriage Formalities (Neil P. Cohen), 45 Tenn. L. Rev. 430.

Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 68-3-401

What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-3-401 cover?

Section 68-3-401 ("Marriage registration.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Tennessee § 68-3-401?

A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 68-3-401" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Tennessee law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.

How does Tennessee § 68-3-401 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.