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Texas Birth Certificate Correction Application (VS-170)

Official state formCorrections and amendmentsForm VS-170Free downloadLast verified November 10, 2026

Application to correct or complete a Texas birth certificate, record a court-ordered name change, correct the child's sex when it was recorded incompletely or inaccurately, or add, remove or replace a parent. It is mailed to the Vital Statistics Section. It cannot be used for adoption changes.

Who can use this form

  • The person named on the birth certificate, if at least 18 years old
  • The parent or parents named on the birth certificate, if the child is under 18
  • A legal guardian, managing conservator or legal representative, with proof
  • The hospital or medical facility where the person was born
  • If the child is a minor and both parents are on the record, both parents must sign

What to send with it

  • The original completed application, signed before a notary public
  • A copy of the valid photo ID of everyone who signs Section 6
  • The supporting document the form's checklist requires, such as a hospital record or a certified copy of a court order
  • For a court-ordered name change: a certified copy of the court order, with all pages
  • 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
$15.00 for a correction; $25.00 to add, remove or replace a parent; $25.00 for a new birth certificate based on the child's sex or a parent's race or color; $22.00 for each certified corrected copy. 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
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Texas Birth Certificate Correction Application (VS-170) | Texas Form