Cleveland residents need certified vital records for numerous purposes including passport applications for international travel, enrollment in Lee University or Cleveland City Schools, employment verification, genealogy research, insurance claims, and legal proceedings at the Bradley County Courthouse. These documents serve as official proof of identity and vital events throughout your life in this growing Tennessee community.
Vital Records & Certificates in Cleveland, TennesseeBradley County Chancery Court Clerk
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Bradley County Chancery Court Clerk. We also offer expedited passport services for Cleveland residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Cleveland residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Cleveland
Birth certificates for Cleveland residents are managed by the Bradley County Chancery Court Clerk at 155 N Ocoee St, conveniently located in the historic courthouse square downtown. Whether your child was born at SkyRidge Medical Center or Tennova Healthcare Cleveland, you’ll need to obtain certified copies from the county clerk’s office. The process requires valid identification and proof of your relationship to the person named on the certificate. Bradley County maintains birth records dating back to 1908, making it possible to obtain historical documents for genealogy research or legal purposes. Same-day service is often available for walk-in customers during regular business hours.
Requirements
Valid government ID, payment, proof of relationship to person named on certificate
Who Can Request
The person named on the certificate, their parent/legal guardian, spouse, child, grandparent, sibling, or authorized legal representative with proper documentation.
Processing Time
Common Uses
- ✓ Passport applications
- ✓ Driver’s license/State ID
- ✓ Social Security card
Marriage Licenses in Cleveland
Couples planning ceremonies at venues like the Historic Hardwick House or the scenic Cherokee Country Club can obtain marriage licenses directly from the Bradley County Chancery Court Clerk downtown. Tennessee requires a 3-day waiting period after application unless couples complete premarital counseling. The courthouse’s central location makes it easily accessible for couples residing throughout Bradley County. Marriage records are maintained permanently, allowing for certified copies to be obtained years after the ceremony for name changes, benefit applications, or other legal purposes.
Requirements
Both parties present with valid ID, certified copies of divorce decrees if previously married
Popular Wedding Venues
Waiting Period
For Passport Name Change
Need to update your passport with your new married name? We can help expedite the process.
Update Passport with New Name →Death Certificates in Cleveland
Death certificates are processed through the Bradley County Chancery Court Clerk for Cleveland residents who passed away locally. Family members can obtain certified copies needed for insurance claims, estate proceedings, and Social Security benefits. The clerk’s office maintains comprehensive death records and can provide multiple certified copies as needed. Expedited processing may be available for urgent requests involving estate settlements or insurance requirements.
Requirements
Valid ID, proof of relationship or legal authority
Who Can Request
Spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, legal representative of the estate, funeral director, or anyone with a documented legal or personal interest.
Processing Time
Special Instructions
Divorce Decrees in Cleveland
Divorce decrees from Bradley County Circuit Court proceedings can be obtained through the court clerk’s office. These certified documents are essential for remarriage, name restoration, and benefit changes. The courthouse maintains detailed records of all divorce proceedings, including final decrees and custody arrangements. Having your case number helps expedite the search process for locating specific records.
Requirements
Valid ID, case number helpful
Processing Time
Special Notes
📄 Reverting to maiden name?
You’ll need your divorce decree to update your passport with your previous name.
Name Change Process →How to Order in Cleveland
The Bradley County Chancery Court Clerk office at 155 N Ocoee St operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Free parking is available around the courthouse square, with additional spaces on Keith Street and Inman Street. The office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for payment. Walk-in service is available, though calling ahead can help confirm document availability and current fees. The courthouse is easily accessible from Highway 64 and Interstate 75, making it convenient for residents throughout Bradley County.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Bradley County Chancery Court Clerk
Address
155 N Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
The Bradley County Courthouse is located in downtown Cleveland at the intersection of Ocoee Street and 1st Street, easily accessible from all major Cleveland neighborhoods.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Bradley County Clerk (Government Service) | PassportsAndVisas.com (Expedited Service) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | Same day (in-person) 2-3 weeks (mail/online) | 3 days guaranteed |
| Certificate + Passport | ✗ Separate processes | ✓ One-stop service |
| Personal Account Manager | ✗ Not available | ✓ Dedicated support |
| Error Checking | ✗ Your responsibility | ✓ Expert review |
| Tracking | ✗ No tracking | ✓ Real-time updates |
Need to Renew Your Passport?
Got your marriage certificate for name change? Complete your passport renewal in minutes online. We serve Cleveland residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Cleveland, Tennessee
Where exactly is the Bradley County Chancery Court Clerk office located in downtown Cleveland?
▼What are the office hours for getting vital records in Cleveland?
▼Can I get same-day service for birth certificates in Cleveland?
▼How much does it cost to get a birth certificate in Bradley County?
▼Do I need an appointment to visit the clerk office in Cleveland?
▼What forms of payment does the Bradley County clerk office accept?
▼Can someone else pick up my vital records in Cleveland?
▼How far back do birth records go in Bradley County?
▼Is there parking available at the Cleveland courthouse?
▼Can I order Cleveland vital records by mail?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Cleveland residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Bradley County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs