Request for Certificate of Recognition

About Requesting a Certificate

Certificates are provided by the Governor's office as a courtesy to Tennessee residents. These public service documents are strictly honorary and are not legally binding.

Please note that the Governor's office reserves the right to decline any request for a certificate.


Timing your Request

Requests will be accepted no more than six months in advance and no less than three weeks before the certificate is needed. The certificate will not be issued more than three months in advance.

Please allow three weeks for processing your request.


Choose Your Certificate

Tennessee Ambassador of Goodwill may be awarded to a Tennessee citizen or Tennessee based organization representing the State of Tennessee in another U.S. State or another around the world.


The Colonel Aide de Camp may be awarded to a Tennessee citizen for outstanding achievement. Colonel Aide de Camp will only be awarded at the request of a member of the Tennessee General Assembly.

(only elected officials may request this)


The Award of Merit recognizes state employees who are retiring from service to the State of Tennessee. Award of Merit will only be awarded at the request of a department or agency of the State of Tennessee. Constituents may request a congratulatory letter from the governor to commemorate other retirements.


Day of Recognition may be awarded to a Tennessee citizen or Tennessee based organization or business to commemorate a special accomplishment or milestone such as a major organizational anniversary or an individual winning a statewide competition. A Day of Recognition will not be issued for a birthday, wedding anniversary, graduation, retirement, etc. Constituents may request a congratulatory letter from the governor to commemorate those types of occasions.


Certificate of Appreciation may be awarded to a Tennessee citizen or Tennessee based organization or business to recognize special service on behalf of the people of Tennessee.


The Centenarian Award may be issued to a Tennessee citizen to recognize their 100th birthday or beyond. Certificates will not be issued to recognize birthdays before the age of 100, but constituents may request a congratulatory letter from the governor recognizing milestone birthdays.


The Honorary Tennessean may be awarded to a non-Tennessean in recognition of significant and outstanding service on behalf of the people of Tennessee. Honorary Tennessean will only be awarded at the request of a Tennessee citizen.