Texas Certificate of Adoption (VS-160)
Official state formAdoptionForm VS-160Free downloadLast verified November 10, 2026
Used to amend a Texas birth certificate based on an adoption, so that a new birth certificate can be filed. Section 5 must be completed and certified by the clerk of the court. The form is mailed to the Vital Statistics Section.
Who can use this form
- The person named on the birth certificate, if at least 18 years old
- The adoptive parent or parents
- An attorney representing the adoptive parent or parents
- District clerks
What to send with it
- The original completed Certificate of Adoption, with Section 5 certified by the clerk of the court
- A certified copy of the final decree of adoption, if Section 5 is not completed or certified
- A copy of the applicant's valid photo ID
- The fees, by check or money order payable to DSHS - Vital Statistics
Where to send it
- Mail to
- DSHS - Vital Statistics Section P.O. Box 12040 Austin, TX 78711-2040 Expedited orders (overnight carrier only): DSHS - Vital Statistics Section, MC 2096 1100 W. 49th Street Austin, TX 78756
- State fee
- $25.00 filing fee; $22.00 for each certified copy; $15.00 Central Adoption Registry fee for each adoption decree granted in Texas. Optional: $25.00 expedited processing; $16.00 overnight return mail or $22.95 USPS Express return mail.
- Typical processing
- The form says 6 to 8 weeks by regular mail and about 4 weeks expedited. The office's Processing Times page lists 25 to 30 business days for mail orders.
- Form revision
- Rev. 1/26
- Source
- Official government page