Choose a topic below. If you are unable to find the answer to your question, you can
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Birth and Death Records
How do I get a copy of my birth certificate?
Who can request a certified copy of a birth or death certificate?
Who is considered an immediate family member?
How do I get a copy of the record if I am not an immediate family member?
Who may I authorize to pick up my birth certificate?
How can I order vital records from other states?
What are acceptable forms of ID for issuance? or What will you accept as a valid ID?
My ID is expired. Will you accept my expired ID?
What if I do not have a photo ID?
Why do I have to send a photo ID?
Can you find my birth certificate for free and tell me if it shows the correct name? Will I have to pay just to find out whether you even have my birth certificate on file?
What records are available?
What are the steps for ordering online (Texas.gov)?
What is the quickest way to order my birth certificate?
How do I purchase a long form birth certificate for my passport?
Where do I mail my application?
If I come/walk into the office, can I leave the same day with my birth record?
Can I place an order over the phone?
How much does a birth certificate cost?
Who do I make the check or money order out to?
Do I need to send a separate check for each fee?
What forms of payment do you accept?
How long will it take to receive my birth certificate?
Can you please check to see if my request has arrived?
Can I track the status of my request online? Can you check the status?
What is the difference between a short form and a long form?
What do I do if I need a birth certificate or death certificate to give to a foreign government (an "apostille")?
How do I get an apostille or authentication to foreign birth certificates?
Can you send my Birth Certificate to the Secretary of State for apostille?
Can we check if there is a birth/death certificate on file and what information is on there?
How do I get the hospital added to a birth record?
Does my immigration status effect my ability to obtain a birth certificate?
How do I get a copy of my birth certificate?
To get a copy of your birth certificate from Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section, you must have been born in the state of Texas. You need to submit identification that meets our
ID requirements; complete an application
online,
by mail, or
in-person; and pay the appropriate
fee.
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Who can request a certified copy of a birth or death certificate?
For births within the past 75 years and deaths within the past 25 years, only the immediate family members of the person whose name is on the birth certificate or death certificate are eligible to request a copy. Those with any other relationship must provide legal documentation, such as a court order establishing guardianship. If you are the legal representative of a qualified applicant, send us a release which documents a direct and tangible interest in the record you are requesting.
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Who is considered an immediate family member?
Any of the following relationships by blood or marriage are considered to be immediate family members:
- self
- child
- parent
- brother/sister
- grandparent
- spouse
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How do I get a copy of the record if I am not an immediate family member?
You may send in a written, notarized statement signed by an immediate family member. The statement must give permission to Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section to release a certified copy of the certificate to you and must include a photocopy of the ID of the individual granting you the authorization. The statement must also identify you by your full name, and you must present a copy of your photo ID with the notarized statement.
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Who may I authorize to pick up my birth certificate?
You may authorize anyone to pick up the certificate on your behalf. They would need to bring in a completed and notarized statement, along with a copy of your identification and a copy of their identification. The notarized statement must correctly identify the record being requested and it must specifically identify the person picking up the record. The identification must meet our
ID requirements.
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How can I order vital records from other states?
Visit the
National Center for Health Statistics website for information on requesting vital records from other states.
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What are acceptable forms of ID for issuance? or What will you accept as a valid ID?
A
list of acceptable identification can be found on our website in English and Spanish.
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My ID is expired. Will you accept my expired ID?
Acceptable forms of ID are listed on our website.
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What if I do not have a photo ID?
An ID is needed to process your application. There are 3 groups (A, B, and C) of ID's from which you could choose. Please see the
valid ID list for acceptable forms of identification. If you do not have a photo ID (Group A), you could submit 2 items from Group B or 3 items (1 item from Group B PLUS 2 items from Group C).
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Why do I have to send a photo ID?
Birth and death certificates are not open records. Access to birth certificates is restricted to qualified applicants for 75 years from the date of birth. Access to death certificates is restricted for 25 years from the date of death. A valid photo ID is required to prove your identity and to prove that you are a qualified applicant.
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Can you find my birth certificate for free and tell me if it shows the correct name? Will I have to pay just to find out whether you even have my birth certificate on file?
We cannot search records for free. Our fees are searching fees. They are not refundable or transferable, even if the record is not found or is identified incorrectly.
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What records are available?
The Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Section can provide records for births or deaths that were filed in Texas from 1903 to the present. Visit the
National Center for Health Statistics website for certificates for an out-of-state birth or death.
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What are the steps for ordering online (Texas.gov)?
To order online, you will have to be a qualified applicant (self, mother, father (if listed on the record), sibling, grandparent (birth records only) or a spouse. You will also need a
valid ID which will be verified through our online database.
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What is the quickest way to order my birth certificate?
The quickest way is to order online at
Texas.gov.
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How do I purchase a long form birth certificate for my passport?
Long-form or full-size birth certificates may be requested online, by mail or in-person. Do not ask for a standard size or short form birth certificate; this will NOT work for passport.
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Where do I mail my application?
Expedited request applications must be sent to the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Section, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756 via an overnight mail service, such as: Fedex, Lonestar, UPS. Do not send via United States Postal Service.
Regular Mail applications must be sent to:
Texas Department of State Health Services
Vital Statistics Section
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040
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If I come/walk into the office, can I leave the same day with my birth record?
Walk-in requests for birth and death certificates with no corrections needed are typically processed the same day they are submitted, and a government-issued photo ID is required. Sometimes there are exceptions to this, depending on the situation.
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Can I place an order over the phone?
We accept applications received
online, by
mail, or
in-person. We cannot accept requests by telephone. Texas Administrative Code (181.28) requires all requests for birth or death certificates to be accompanied with an
application approved by the State Registrar.
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How much does a birth certificate cost?
Texas birth certificates are $22.00 each.
Mail-in expedited requests cost an additional $5.00 expedite fee.
Overnight/expedited shipping:
- $8.00 to a physical address
- $22.95 to a PO Box
- $4.95 to a military base.
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Who do I make the check or money order out to?
Vital Statistics
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Do I need to send a separate check for each fee?
All fees can be combined in one check or money order made payable to Vital Statistics.
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What forms of payment do you accept?
For mail-in requests: Check, Cashier's Check, or Money Order
For online requests: Credit or Debit Card
For walk-in requests: Check, Cashier's Check, Money Order, Credit Card, or Debit Card
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How long will it take to receive my birth certificate?
Online requests and expedited mail-in requests are processed within 20-25 business days.
Regular (non-expedited) mail-in requests are processed within 6-8 weeks.
Walk-in requests are typically processed the same day they are submitted.
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Can you please check to see if my request has arrived?
You will need to contact our offices by calling 1-888-963-7111 or by email at
vrstatus@dshs.texas.gov.
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Can I track the status of my request online? Can you check the status?
We do not currently have an online function for checking the status of a request. You will have to contact our office by calling 1-888-963-7111 or by email at
vrstatus@dshs.texas.gov
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What is the difference between a short form and a long form?
There are three different types of birth certificates.
- "Long form" ($22 each) - This is the most comprehensive birth record. It is a copy of your original birth certificate. The "long form" will also display corrections that have been made to your birth record.
This form is often used for requesting passports
- "Short form" ($22 each) - The "short form" is an abstract of your birth record. This birth certificate will show your name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, and name of parent(s).
This form is most commonly used form
- "Heirloom" birth certificate ($60 each) - Heirloom birth certificates are abstracts of your birth certificate. They are primarily used for framing and display. The information on an "heirloom birth certificate" is similar to a "short form".
Examples of heirloom certificates can be seen on our website.
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What do I do if I need a birth certificate or death certificate to give to a foreign government (an "apostille")?
Visit our
Apostille page for instructions.
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How do I get an apostille or authentication to foreign birth certificates?
The apostille or authentication is issued by the district/state/country where the document was issued. For contact information please visit
apostilleinfo.com.
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Can you send my birth certificate to the Secretary of State for apostille?
We are unable to send records to the Texas Secretary of State.
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Can we check if there is a birth/death certificate on file and what information is on there?
We cannot release any information on a record without an
application and
ID requirements submitted by a qualified applicant (self, mother, father (if listed on the record), sibling, grandparent (birth records only) or a spouse. We can however, issue a birth/death verification letter stating whether a record of birth or death is on file with the State of Texas. If a record is filed, the verification letter will include the person's name, the date of the event, and the county where the event occurred. Verification letters are available for births or deaths that have occurred since 1903. Verification letters are not considered legal substitutes for certified copies of birth or death certificates. The Vital Statistics Section strongly recommends that applicants ensure a verification will satisfy its intended use.
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How do I get the hospital added to a birth record?
If a change or correction was made to a birth record prior to 1999, the hospital may have been left off of the revised birth certificate. To have the hospital added back to the record, you will need to order a long-form birth certificate from Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section and indicate that the certificate is being used to get a passport. Please note, in some cases, our office is not able to add a hospital to the record (e.g. no hospital was listed on the record at the time of birth).
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Does my immigration status affect my ability to obtain a copy of a birth certificate?
Your immigration status does not affect your right to obtain a birth certificate, as long as you meet the requirements.
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Marriage and Divorce Records
For legal questions about Texas vital records, please consult an attorney. For marriage and divorce questions, consult the
Texas Family Code. For questions about ordering marriage verification or divorce verification letters online, see the
Texas.gov: Frequently Asked Questions page.
I need a copy of my marriage license or my divorce decree. How can I order that?
Our office cannot issue a certified copy of a marriage license or divorce decree. You can obtain a certified copy of a marriage license from the county clerk's office in the county that issued the marriage license. You must obtain a certified copy of a divorce decree from the district clerk's office in the county where the divorce was granted.
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Can you tell me the date and place where someone was married or divorced?
The Vital Statistics Section does
maintain public indexes of Texas marriages since 1966 and Texas divorces since 1968.
On request, we provide verification letters of marriage and divorce based on these indexes. Visit the
Marriage and Divorce Verifications page for request instructions.
Verification letters of marriage are available for marriages that occurred from 1966 to present.
Verification letters of divorce are available for divorces that occurred from 1968 to present.
For records prior to those years, you must contact the county where the marriage license was issued or the district clerk in the district where the divorce was granted.
Download the
VS-141.3 Application for a Marriage or Divorce Verification (PDF). The fee to search our files and indexes is $20. The fee is retained as payment for the search, even if a record is not found.
Please note that these verification letters are not certified and are not intended to be a certification of marriage or divorce.
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I need a marriage or divorce verification. How do I get one?
Request a marriage or divorce verification letter through
Texas.gov or see the
Verification of a Marriage or Divorce page for more information.
List only yourself as the spouse. If no marriage records are found, a verification of no record found will be sent to you.
Please note that these verification letters are not certified and are not intended to be a certification of non-marriage or non-divorce.
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Correcting
a birth or death record
I need to correct a birth certificate or death certificate. How can I correct it?
I already submitted the application to correct a certificate - What is the status of my request?
How long will it take to process my application?
Do you have the application in Spanish?
Can I walk into your office and walk out with my corrected certificate?
Where do I mail my application?
Can I expedite my request?
Do I need to send a separate check for each fee?
Can I facsimile (fax) or electronically mail (email) the application(s) and supporting documents?
I resubmitted my application with additional information. How long will it take for someone to review my application?
Will my certified copies be returned to me by the state?
My application was notarized by a notary from a foreign country. Why does the notarization need an apostille or be done at a US embassy?
How do I get a court order to change my name?
I need to correct a birth certificate or death certificate. How can I correct it?
Instructions for filing corrections or amendments can be found on the
Birth and Death Amendment page.
A
VS170 Application to Amend Certificate of Birth (PDF) or a
VS172 Application to Amend Certificate of Death (PDF) must be completed, and then signed in front of a notary public. If you are a minor, both of your parents must sign the form before a notary public to show they are in agreement to the change or correction.
Some changes or corrections require a supporting document to prove that an error has been made. See page two of the application for a list of corrections that can be made and whether the correction requires documentation. A suggested list of supporting documents is also printed on page two of the application.
There is a fee to file the amendment (correction) and an additional fee to order a certified copy of the certificate after it is corrected. Send the completed application, along with the required documentation (if any) and the correct fees, to our office at:
Department of State Health Services
Vital Statistics Section – M/C 1966
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040
A specialist trained in corrections will review your application. However, we cannot file the new application until all aspects of your application have been reviewed. If filing is not possible, Texas Vital Statistics will send you a letter explaining the situation.
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I already submitted the application to correct a certificate - What is the status of my request?
Processing time for corrections and amendments sent via regular mail is approximately 60 days. Expedited requests are processed in 20-25 business days. If you have further questions regarding your request, visit our
Check Order Status page.
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How long will it take to process my application?
Current processing time for requests received via regular mail is 60 days
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Do you have the application in Spanish?
Currently, the application is only offered in English. We are working to have the application translated to Spanish.
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Can I walk into your office and walk out with my corrected certificate?
We do not offer walk-in service for corrections to birth or death records. Please see the
Birth and Death Amendment page for instructions on how to submit an application for birth or death corrections.
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Where do I mail my application?
Expedited request applications sent via an overnight mail service, such as FedEx, Lone Star, or UPS, must be sent to:
Texas Department of State Health Services
Vital Statistics Section
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, Texas 78756
Regular Mail applications sent via the United States Postal Service must be sent to:
Texas Department of State Health Services
Vital Statistics Section
PO Box 12040
Austin, Texas 78711-2040
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Can I expedite my request?
Yes, we have expedited services. There are additional fees and specific instructions when expediting a request and you must
submit your application via an overnight mail service. Current processing time for expedited requests is 20 to 25 business days.
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Do I need to send a separate check for each fee?
All fees can be combined in one check or money order made payable to Vital Statistics.
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Can I facsimile (fax) or electronically mail (email) the application(s) and supporting documents?
We must have original signatures and certifications; therefore, we must have the original documents and cannot accept documents via email or fax.
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I resubmitted my application with additional information. How long will it take for someone to review my application?
Resubmitted applications are reviewed within 15 - 20 business days.
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Will my certified copies be returned to me by the state?
Yes. Certified copies used to correct a record will be returned once the correction is completed.
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My application was notarized by a notary from a foreign country. Why does the notarization need an apostille or be done at a US embassy?
Documents signed by public notaries in foreign countries are not considered valid until they are authenticated. The apostille process authenticates the notary public's signature. For contact information please go to
apostilleinfo.com.
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How do I get a court order to change my name?
Our office cannot provide you with legal advice. You must contact an attorney for information about how to obtain a legal name change.
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What do I need to do to get a Disinterment Permit?
You will need to send in a
VS271 Application for Disinterment Permit (Word) signed by a licensed funeral director and the
VS271.1 Three Part Consent Form (Word) signed by the sexton of the cemetery where the body is currently interred, the plot owner, and the next of kin of the deceased being moved. There is a fee of $25 for the permit.
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Correcting a birth record based on paternity/parentage
Does a court order terminating the parental rights allow information to be removed from a birth certificate?
What is a "gestational agreement"?
Will my certified copy of a court order be returned to me by the state?
What if one of the parents is deceased?
What is the filing fee for a new birth certificate based on parentage?
There is no father listed on my child's birth certificate because I wasn't married to anyone when my child was born. Can I file a paternity claim to have my current husband listed as the father? He is willing to accept responsibility for my child.
Where can I get a copy of the court order that I need to send in with my application?
How do I get a court order allowing a change on a birth certificate to remove the father's name, add the father's name, or change the name of the father?
I need an Acknowledgement of Paternity form sent to me. Where can I get that form?
I was told that I need an "entity code." How do I get one?
I need a copy of the Acknowledgement of Paternity form that was filed for my child. How can I get one?
Who do I contact for questions regarding completing an Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP) form to establish paternity for my child?
I need to find out if a man has filed a paternity claim (Intent to Claim Paternity) for a child. How would I find that information?
Who is a qualified applicant that can request a Paternity Registry inquiry?
What is the time frame that a Notice of Intent to Claim Paternity needs to be submitted?
What is the time frame for completing an Inquiry on the Court of Continuing Jurisdiction for a Child (VS-168)?
Where can I find the form that I should complete for the Court of Continuing Jurisdiction (CCJ) Registry?
Can I email the Court of Continuing Jurisdiction (CCJ) form in for processing?
Does a court order terminating the parental rights allow information to be removed from a birth certificate?
Information can be removed only if the court order has stated that the father listed on the birth certificate is not the biological father or if it specifically states that a person's name and information are to be removed from the birth record
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What is a "gestational agreement"?
A gestational agreement is an agreement under which a woman agrees to bear the child of a married couple. The child being carried by its "gestational mother" does not share any of her genetic material. The baby's genetic parents are usually referred to as the "intended parents."
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Will my certified copy of a court order be returned to me by the state?
No. Evidence used to establish parentage is not returned; it is retained as part of the official, permanent record.
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What if one of the parents is deceased?
If one of the parents is deceased, a court order indicating true and correct parentage is needed to add a parent's name and information to the birth certificate.
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What is the fee for filing a new birth certificate based on parentage?
The fee for processing a new birth certificate based on parentage is $25. This does not include a certified copy of the birth certificate. To receive a certified copy of the new birth certificate, an additional $22 should be included with the processing fee, for a total of $47.
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There is no father listed on my child's birth certificate because I wasn't married to anyone when my child was born. Can I file a paternity claim to have my current husband listed as the father? He is willing to accept responsibility for my child.
No, only the biological father of the child can be added to a birth certificate by using the paternity rules and procedures. The only legal way a stepfather can have his name added to the birth certificate as the father is for him to legally adopt the child. You must consult an attorney to learn about the procedures for adoption.
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Where can I get a copy of the court order that I need to send in with my application?
You can obtain a certified copy of an existing court order from the district clerk's office in the county where the court action took place.
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How do I get a court order allowing a change on a birth certificate to remove the father's name, add the father's name, or change the name of the father?
Our office cannot provide you with legal advice. You must contact an attorney for information on the steps and procedures for petitioning a court to establish or remove paternity.
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I need an Acknowledgement of Paternity form sent to me. Where can I get that form?
Texas Vital Statistics cannot send out Acknowledgement of Paternity forms to applicants. Instead, the forms can only be obtained from someone certified by the Attorney's General Office to verbally explain to all the parties the rights and responsibilities that come with signing the form.
Please call the Paternity Opportunity Program to find such a person or "entity", who is located nearest you, or to learn about your options if you do not live in Texas. The program's telephone number is 1-866-255-2006. Please listen to all the options carefully. You must complete the most current Acknowledgement of Paternity form, and all forms must have a valid entity code before they can be accepted. The person who is certified to explain your rights and responsibilities is a "certified entity". The certified entity will provide the entity code once he or she has explained the rights and responsibilities to all parties. There is no other way to obtain the form except from a certified entity.
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I was told that I need an "entity code." How do I get one?
Only someone who has been certified to verbally explain the parental rights and responsibilities that come with signing an Acknowledgement of Paternity form can provide you with an entity code.
Please call the Paternity Opportunity Program to find such a person or "entity", who is located nearest you, or to learn about your options if you do not live in Texas. The program's telephone number is 1-866-255-2006. Please listen to all the options carefully. You must complete the most current Acknowledgement of Paternity form, and all forms must have a valid entity code before they can be accepted. The person who is certified to explain your rights and responsibilities is a "certified entity". The certified entity will provide the entity code once he or she has explained the rights and responsibilities to the parents. There is no other way to obtain the form except from a certified entity.
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I need a copy of the Acknowledgement of Paternity form that was filed for my child. How can I get one?
The Vital Statistics Section may release information relating to the Acknowledgement of Paternity or Denial of Paternity to a signatory of the acknowledgment or denial, the courts and to the Title IV-D agency of this or another state. This includes parents, presumed fathers, court-ordered attorneys and the office of attorney general.
The
Acknowledgment of Paternity Inquiry Request form (VS-134.1) (PDF) must be accurately completed. If paying by credit card, the fee is $12.25 and if paying by check or money order, the fee is $10.00. The requestor must attach a copy of their government issued photo identification. If the name of the person listed on the credit card is different from the name of the requestor, a government issued photo identification is required for the person listed on the credit card.
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Who do I contact for questions regarding completing an Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP) form to establish paternity for my child?
Parents can call the Office of Attorney General (OAG) Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP) hotline number, 866-255-2006 for assistance with locating a certified entity to assist them with completing the AOP form. The Acknowledgement of Paternity form is a form used when the biological parents of a child are not married to each other when their baby is born and once it is signed by all required parties and filed with our office, it becomes a legal finding of paternity.
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I need to find out if a man has filed a paternity claim (Intent to Claim Paternity) for a child. How would I find that information?
You can request a search of the paternity registry for a fee of $10. See the Forms page to download a copy of the Paternity Registry Inquiry Request form (VS134).
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Who is a qualified applicant that can request a Paternity Registry inquiry?
Information contained in the registry is confidential and may be released on request only to: (A) a court or person designated by the court; (B) The mother of the child; (C) An agency authorized by another law to receive the information; (D) a licensed child-placing agency; (E) A support enforcement agency; (F) a party, or the party's attorney of record, to a proceeding under this chapter or a proceeding to adopt or to terminate parental rights regarding a child who is the subject of the registration; or, (G) the registry of paternity in another state.
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What is the time frame that a Notice of Intent to Claim Paternity needs to be submitted?
The Notice of Intent to Claim Paternity (VS-130) must be filed before the birth of the child or not later than the 31st day after the date of birth of the child.
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What is the time frame for completing an Inquiry on Court of Continuing Jurisdiction for a Child (VS-168)?
Requests can be completed within 5 business days. Customers should write the date needed at the top of the request. Rush requests can be completed within 1-2 business days, depending on the total number of rush request received.
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Where can I find the form that I should complete for the Court of Continuing Jurisdiction (CCJ) Registry?
You can download the
Inquiry on Court of Continuing Jurisdiction for a Child form VS-168 (PDF).
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Can I email the Court of Continuing Jurisdiction (CCJ) form in for processing?
Completed CCJ forms must be mailed or faxed to Vital Statistics:
Texas Department of State Health Services
Vital Statistics Section – MC 1966
Attn: CCJ Registry
PO Box 149347
Austin, Texas 78714-9347
Fax Number: 512-776-7164
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adoptions
I adopted a child and would like to have the birth certificate changed to the new information. What do I need to do?
How do birth certificates identify an adopted child's parents if both parents are of the same sex?
How do I request a non-identifying (redacted) copy of my adoption record from a closed Voluntary Central Adoption Registry file that is housed with the Vital Statistics Section (VSS)?
How do I request the opening of a sealed adoption record?
I am adopted and would like to get a copy of my original birth certificate. How do I do that?
How does a person get birth parent information after an adoption has been filed?
How do adoptive parents or adoptive children obtain available Health, Social, Educational, and Genetic History information maintained by the Central Adoption Registry?
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I adopted a child and would like to have the birth certificate changed to the new information. What do I need to do?
If an adoption has been granted for a child who was born in Texas, please send in the completed
Certificate of Adoption (VS-160) form certified by the district clerk's office.
The fee to file the new birth certificate based on adoption is $25. There is an additional fee of $22 to order a certified copy of the new certificate, once it is filed.
A specialist trained in adoption issues will review your application. However, we cannot file the new application until all aspects of your application have been reviewed. If filing is not possible, Texas Vital Statistics will send you a letter explaining the situation.
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How do birth certificates identify an adopted child's parents if both parents are of the same sex?
For an adopted child whose adoptive parents are a same-sex couple, the new birth certificate based on adoption will include both parents' names - if both of the names 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 based on adoption.
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How do I request a non-identifying (redacted) copy of my adoption record from a closed Voluntary Central Adoption Registry file that is housed with the Vital Statistics Section (VSS)?
In 1984, the VSS started collecting and maintaining social and medical information on private non-relative adoptions. VSS also houses records from many out-of-business child-placing agencies. To review the list of available records that are maintained by VSS, visit the
adoption agencies page.
As required by law, specifically Texas Family Code §162-018 – Access to Information, we edit the record to protect the identity of the biological parents and any other person whose identity is confidential. Submit a
VS210 Request for Open Records Application (PDF) to the Central Adoption Registry.
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How do I request the opening of a sealed adoption record?
In order to open the sealed file, send us a certified copy of a court order granting the opening of the sealed adoption file. The court order must come from the same court that granted the adoption. The order must identify the correct sealed file by including the registrant's name as it appears on the current birth certificate, the registrant's date of birth, and the registrant's place of birth. The fee for a sealed file opening is $10.
If you do not know which court granted the adoption, you can send us a
Request for Identity of Court of Adoption (VS-143).
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I am adopted and would like to get a copy of my original birth certificate. How do I do that?
Adoptees are legally permitted to receive only a non-certified copy of their birth certificate. If you wish to obtain one, you must be able to meet all of the following criteria and submit the fee of $10:
- Identify the name of each parent listed on your original birth certificate.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Complete and submit Adult Adoptee Application for
Non-Certified Copy of Original Birth Certificate (VS-145) (Word)
- Submit a copy of a valid state-issued driver's license or government-issued photo ID.
- Provide other legal documentation if your name has changed due to marriage or other legal reasons.
Examples of legal documentation include copies of your official supplementary birth certificate based on the adoption, or your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court-ordered name change.
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How does a person get birth parent information after an adoption has been filed?
Adoption records are sealed by the court after an adoption has been granted and no identifying information about the biological family can be released without a court order. In order to obtain identifying information from the adoption file, you will need to petition the court that granted the adoption to ask that they unseal the record.
If you do not know which court granted the adoption or if the court is unable to locate the cause number, you can submit an
Application for Identity of Court of Adoption (VS-143) (Word) to get that information from our offices. The court order must contain the name of the child after adoption, the child's place of birth, and the child's date of birth. The court must also order the Vital Statistics Section to release the records, indicate what records they are ordering to be released, and the name of the person who the records are to be released to. You will need to submit a certified copy of the finalized court order to our office with a copy of your valid photo ID and a $10.00 processing fee.
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How do adoptive parents or adoptive children obtain available Health, Social, Educational, and Genetic History information maintained by the Central Adoption Registry?
Since 1995, Texas Family Code 162.005 has required that a Health, Social, Educational, and Genetic History report be completed on all private, non-relative adoptions and filed with the Department of State Health Services –
Central Adoption Registry. The Central Adoption Registry also maintains health information on adoptees whose adoptions were completed by child-placing agencies that have closed and transferred their records to our offices.
Adoptees over the age of 18, adoptive parents, and children of an adoptee who has died can request a copy of the Health, Social, Educational, and Genetic History on file. All identifying information on the record will be removed. You will need to submit a
Request for Open Records form to the Central Adoption Registry with a copy of your valid government-issued photo ID. When your application is received and processed, you will be contacted with an estimated cost for processing the request. There is no charge for records requests that are 49 pages or less.
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Delayed Birth Records
How long does it take to process an application for a Delayed Certificate of Birth?
How do I get a Delayed Certificate of Birth application?
What is the fee to file a Delayed Certificate of Birth?
Can a Delayed Certificate of Birth be filed for a deceased person?
Who can sign the blue Delayed Certificate of Birth form?
How do I complete the Delayed Certificate of Birth (blue form) included in the delayed registration packet?
How many supporting documents must be sent with the Delayed Certificate of Birth Packet?
Who can sign the Affidavit of Birth Facts form?
What is the Numident Printout?
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How long does it take to process an application for a Delayed Certificate of Birth?
The processing time varies because customers must submit supporting documentation from independent sources and our office then verifies documents with each source. The verification process can take several days. Documents submitted can only be original records, certified copies and/or a signed statement from the custodian of the record or document. All documents submitted must include the applicant's name, date of birth and place of birth. One of the documents must include parents' names.
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How do I get a Delayed Certificate of Birth application?
First, you need to submit an application to request a
certified copy of your birth certificate. A formal search will be conducted to determine whether or not a birth record is on file in Texas. If a record is not on file, you will receive a delayed registration packet with instructions.
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What is the fee to file a Delayed Certificate of Birth?
The fee to file a Delayed Certificate of Birth is $25.00, and the fee for ordering a certified copy of the Delayed Certificate of Birth is $22.00, for a total of $47.00. The fee can be paid by check or money order made payable to Vital Statistics.
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Can a Delayed Certificate of Birth be filed for a deceased person?
No, a Delayed Certificate of Birth cannot be filed for a deceased person.
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Who can sign the blue Delayed Certificate of Birth form?
The Delayed Certificate of Birth (blue form) included in the delayed registration packet must be completed by the applicant and signed by a Notary Public or County Clerk. If the application is approved, the blue form is completed by our office and becomes the official delayed birth certificate on file. If it is not typewritten, please clearly and neatly print in black or blue permanent ink.
The applicant must sign his/her legal name in "Signature of Registrant" before a Notary Public. When the registrant, because of age or other reason, cannot sign in "Signature of Registrant", it may be signed by a parent, legal guardian, or other legal representative such as a nonparent who was appointed as sole managing conservator of the applicant, and a line should be drawn through "of Registrant". A registrant who cannot write their signature may sign his/her signature with an "X" above their typed or clearly printed name.
The Notary Public or County Clerk must sign and date as well as print his/her name and list the date that his/her Notary Public Commission expires. Anyone signing the blue form, other than the applicant, should attach a photo copy of their identification.
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How do I complete the Delayed Certificate of Birth (blue form) included in the delayed registration packet?
The following information must be accurately completed. If the blue form is not typewritten, please clearly and neatly print in black or blue permanent ink.
- Registrant's Name: First, Middle and Last Name of the applicant at birth
- Date of Birth: Month – Date – Year (mm/dd/yyyy)
- Sex: Male or Female
- County of Birth: County of the applicant's birthplace
- City/Town of Birth: City or town of birth. If birth occurred in a rural area, write "Rural" in this item
- Mother's Name Prior to Marriage: First, Middle and Last name of applicant's mother. The maiden name of the mother should be listed. Do not list any of her married names.
- Mother's Birthplace: State, Territory or Foreign Country where the mother was born
- Father's Name: First, Middle and Last name of applicant's father at the time of the applicant's birth
- Father's Birthplace: State, Territory or Foreign Country where the father was born
- Notary Public or County Clerk's Seal/Stamp and Signature: Notary Public or County Clerk must sign and date as well as print his/her name and list the date that his/her Notary Public Commission expires
- Do not write or type below, outside of or above the borders on the blue form. Do not make any errors on the form or use correction fluid or white out.
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How many supporting documents must be sent with the Delayed Certificate of Birth Packet?
If the person who will be listed on the Delayed Certificate of Birth (blue form) is over the age of fifteen (15), submit at least three (3) originals, certified copies or signed statements from the custodian of the record or document.
- One (1) document must show the applicant's name, parent(s) name(s), date of birth and place of birth
- Two (2) documents must show the applicant's name, date of birth and place of birth.
- All documents submitted other than the Affidavit of Birth Facts must be at least 5 years old.
- At least one (1) document should have been created within the first ten (10) years of life.
- Only one (1) Affidavit of Birth Facts can be submitted as a supporting document
- A copy or abstract of a document may be accepted if certified as true and correct by the custodian of the document.
- All documents submitted must be from independent sources.
If the person who will be listed on the Delayed Certificate of Birth (blue form) is at least four (4) years but less than 15 years old:
- Submit at least two (2) originals, certified copies or signed statements from the custodian of the record or document
- One (1) document must show the parent(s) name(s), date of birth and place of birth
- One (1) document must show the applicant's name, date of birth and place of birth
- Only one (1) Affidavit of Birth Facts can be submitted as a supporting document
- A copy or abstract of a document may be accepted if certified as true and correct by the custodian of the document.
- All documents submitted must be from independent sources.
If the person who will be listed on the delayed birth certificate is between one (1) and four (4) years of age:
- Submit at least two (2) originals, certified copies or signed statements from the custodian of the record or provide supporting documents that prove evidence of pregnancy, evidence that the infant was born alive, evidence that the birth occurred in the registration district, and evidence that the birth occurred on the date stated.
- A copy or abstract of a document may be accepted, if certified as true and correct by the custodian of the document.
- All documents submitted must be from independent sources.
- An affidavit completed by the parents and the attendant, if any, stating why the certificate was not timely filed.
- Submit a copy of one of the following identifying documents with a photograph in the following order of preference
- a passport or certificate of naturalization;
- a military service or military dependent identification card;
- a United States government identification card, or national identification card issued by another country;
- a current driver's license or other state identification card;
- an alien registration receipt card; or
- an employee or student identification card, with photograph.
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Who can sign the Affidavit of Birth Facts form?
The Affidavit of Birth Facts is a form that we provide in the Delayed Certificate of Birth packet and it can be used as a supporting document. It should be completed by an immediate family member who is at least ten (10) years older than the applicant and signed by a Notary Public.
The person who completes the form should attach a copy of their unexpired government-issued photo identification.
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What is the Numident Printout?
If you have a social security card, the Numident Printout from the Social Security Administration (SSA) is a document than you may be able to use to support your delayed birth certificate. It is a history of your name, date of birth, place of birth, mother's maiden name, and father's name from the time that you were issued a social security number (SSN). The Numident Printout can only be ordered from the main office of the SSA in Baltimore, Maryland. It can take several days or longer to receive it from the SSA and when you receive it, please forward all pages of it and the cover letter to our office.
It is not required that you obtain or submit the Numident Printout, as you may submit other supporting documentation.
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