Adoption FAQs

To file a new birth certificate based on an adoption of a child who was born in Texas*, applicants must work with their attorney and/or district clerk. For complete details, view the New Birth Certificate Based on Adoption.

The new birth certificate based on adoption will include both parents' names as long as both parents are listed on the court order or formal certificate of adoption as the adoptive parents. Each parent listed can elect to be referenced as "mother," "father," or "parent" on the new birth certificate.

For complete instructions and eligibility requirements, visit the HSEGH webpage.

For information, visit the Closed Child-Placing Agencies webpage.

For complete instructions and eligibility requirements, visit the Requesting Sealed Adoption Records webpage.

For complete instructions and eligibility requirements, view the Adult Adoptee Application for Non-Certified Copy of Original Birth Certificate.