A complete application includes an original application with all the boxes filled out, a signature (with a notary seal if by mail), acceptable identification (photocopy if by mail and original if in person), and payment.
An application will be rejected if it is not completed properly. When an application is rejected, it is considered closed. You can resubmit the application with corrections, and the processing time will start over.
Note: These requirements only apply to ordering certified copies of birth and death records. Anyone is eligible to order a birth or death verification if able to provide the full name of the individual, date of event, and location of event.
By Mail
In-Person
Foster or Homeless Youth
SB 798
Ordering Records by Mail
To get an official certified copy of a vital record by mail, you must:
Ordering Records In-Person
To get an official certified copy of a vital record in person, you must:
Ordering in-person at the Vital Statistics headquarters is limited to our office hours. In-person services are available only for issuance of certified copies of birth and death records, and issuance of verifications of birth, death, marriage, and divorce records.
Foster or Homeless Youth
The state registrar, a local registrar, or a county clerk shall issue, without fee or parental consent, a certified copy of the child's or youth's birth record to:
- a homeless child or youth as defined by
42 U.S.C Section 11434a;
- a child in the managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services; and
- a young adult who:
- is at least 18 years of age, but younger than 21 years of age; and
- resides in a foster care placement, the cost of which is paid by the Department of Family and Protective Services.
To qualify for the waiver, include supporting documentation with your application such as:
SB 798: Victims of Family or Dating Violence
The state registrar, a local registrar, or a county clerk shall issue, without fee, a certified copy of the birth record to a victim of family or dating violence and their children as defined by
Family Code §71.0021 or
Human Resources Code §51.002, who are currently fleeing a dangerous living situation.
To qualify for the waiver include the required supporting documentation listed below with your application: