Order your official Texas birth certificate online quickly and securely. Whether you need a certified copy for identification, travel, or legal purposes, our service simplifies the process. We prepare and file your application with the Texas vital records office, helping avoid errors and delays. Start today and receive your certified copy by mail.
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Learn how to order a Texas birth certificate from the DSHS-VSS. The state fee for replacement birth certificate is $22.00 per certified copy (and additional copies). The current processing time is 5 to 6 weeks, while expedited orders are processed in approximately 3 to 5 weeks for a $25.00 fee. Authorized individuals who can request certified copies of a birth record include the person on record, certain family members, and legal representatives.
You can order entirely online through VRO or apply in person or by mail through the Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section (DSHS-VSS). Before ordering, confirm the costs, eligibility, requirements, and processing times.
You can request a Texas birth certificate online through VRO in three simple steps:
Starting from
$29+ state fees
Benefits of Ordering Online with VRO
required documents
The Texas DSHS-VSS determines the required information and documents, which may vary based on individual circumstances. All applicants must provide proof of identity with a photocopy of an acceptable government-issued ID. Review the table below for the specific details when requesting a certified replacement birth certificate for yourself or on behalf of the person on record.
Primary ID Requirements Options | Secondary ID Requirements Options |
|---|---|
Advance Parole B1/B2 Visa Border Crossing Card Driver’s License Federal ID Law Enforcement ID Offender ID Permanent Residents Card Pilot’s License Re-entry Permit Refugee Travel Document SENTRI Card State ID US Citizenship ID US Employment Authorization Card US Military ID US Passport Visa Weapon Permit | Auto Insurance Bank Statement Birth Certificate Copy of Police Report for Stolen ID Court Order DD-214 Form Divorce Decree Expired Primary ID Fishing License Foreign ID Card Foreign Passport Form I-94 Health Insurance Card Hunting License Library Card Loan Payment Contract Marriage License Medicaid Card Medical Record Medicare Card Mexican Voter Registration Card Pay Stub Promissory Note Property Title Public Assistance Application Religious Record Rent Receipt Rental Agreement School Records Social Security Card Social Security Letter Tax Documents US Department of Homeland Security Notice Utility Bill Vehicle Registration Veteran Affairs Card Voter Registration Card Work ID |
The Texas DSHS-VSS provides several options for verifying identity when requesting a birth certificate. If you do not possess a valid, government-issued ID, you can submit: two forms of secondary identification, or one form of secondary ID and two forms of supporting documents.
Accepted secondary IDs include student ID cards, employee ID cards, and expired primary IDs, while documents such as utility bills and paycheck stubs are accepted as supporting documents.
Need help understanding long form vs. short form certificates, costs, or eligibility? Visit our birth certificate information page.
Cost & fees
The total costs for replacing a birth certificate in Texas can vary depending on which method you use to submit your request (in person, online, or by mail). The Texas DSHS-VSS charges a fee of $22.00 for each certified copy of a birth record and a $25.00 fee for expedited orders.
State Fee |
|---|
$22.00 |
Rush Processing |
|---|
$5.00 |
Additional Copy |
|---|
1 x $22.00 |
Processing time
The standard processing time for receiving a birth certificate replacement is 25 to 30 days, whereas rush processing takes approximately 20 to 25 business days. However, the total processing time for receiving a birth certificate replacement in Texas varies depending on the application method (in person, by mail, or online), the specific requirements, and the current wait times defined by the Texas DSHS-VSS.
Processing Time |
|---|
20-30 business days |
Rush Processing Time |
|---|
20-25 business days |
Authorization
Only the individual named on the birth certificate and eligible third parties have authorization to request certified copies. Note that all applicants must provide proof of identity. If you are requesting a birth certificate on behalf of the person on record, you must confirm your eligibility and requirements before ordering the certificate, as all Texas birth certificates are confidential under the Texas Public Information Act, with restricted access for 75 years after the record was created.
A notarized application is required for mail-in requests for a Texas birth certificate replacement for all applicants, including the person on record.
When requesting a certified Texas birth certificate replacement as an authorized third party or family member, you must sign a notarized affidavit of identity as part of the application process, regardless of the ordering method. This requirement applies to all non-registrant applicants, including immediate family members and legal representatives.
In-person requests at select county offices may waive the notarization requirement when presenting acceptable valid IDs and supporting documents as proof of relationship to the person on record.
Tracking
When you order with VRO, you can track the status of your application online as we handle it. VRO verifies your documents before sending them to the Texas Department of Social and Health Services – Vital Records Section (TDHSS-VSS) for processing. You can also request mail tracking through VRO to monitor your application's progress to the TDHSS-VSS.
If you choose to manually mail your request to the TDHSS-VSS, it is advised to use first class mail with tracking to ensure it arrives.
TDHSS-VSS allows you to track the status of your birth certificate application once it has been received. You can check the status at any time by entering your confirmation number on the check status page.
Need more than a birth certificate? VitalRecordsOnline helps you order every Texas vital record through one streamlined application. Whether you're gathering documents for a passport, name change, estate settlement, or family history project, we handle the paperwork, verify everything is complete before submission, and track your order from start to delivery.
Texas Marriage Certificate — Required for name changes, spousal benefits, visa applications, divorce filings, and proof of marital status.
Texas Death Certificate — Needed for estate settlement, life insurance claims, pension transfers, Social Security notifications, and closing accounts of a deceased loved one.
Texas Divorce Certificate — Proves the legal dissolution of a marriage. Required for remarriage in some states, name restoration, and certain immigration or legal matters.
For use abroad, ask about our apostille service — we authenticate Texas vital records for international use in Hague Convention countries.
frequently asked questions
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) charges $22.00 per certified copy of a Texas birth certificate. Every additional copy of the same record (ordered at the same time) is also $22 — Texas does not discount additional copies.
Optional fees that may apply:
• Rush processing: +$25.00 to move your application to the priority queue • Heirloom Birth Certificate: +$40.00 surcharge for the specialty 11×14" commemorative certificate ($62 total — see the Heirloom FAQ below) • Search fee if no record is found: $10.00 (non-refundable) • In-person credit card processing: +$2.25
When you order through VitalRecordsOnline you pay one flat price that covers the state fee, our application preparation and review, and shipping. No surprise fees after checkout.
Ready to order? Get your Texas birth certificate with transparent pricing.
Yes. You can order a certified Texas birth certificate online three ways: directly through DSHS’s online portal, through your County Clerk’s online service (if your county offers one), or through VitalRecordsOnline for a fully managed experience.
For most people, ordering online is the simplest path because you avoid the mail-in form, the trip to the DSHS office in Austin, and the state’s full mail-processing queue. The certified copy you receive is accepted for passport applications, REAL ID, Social Security enrollment, driver’s license applications, school enrollment, dual citizenship, and every other legal use.
VitalRecordsOnline reviews every application within 24 hours, flags any missing or incorrect details before submission, and files the request with DSHS or the appropriate County Clerk on your behalf. We also handle the Heirloom Birth Certificate order if you want the commemorative 11×14" version.
Yes, but Texas restricts access to birth records during the individual’s lifetime. Under Texas Health and Safety Code § 191.051, certified copies can only be issued to:
• The registrant (the person named on the certificate), if of legal age • The registrant’s parent(s) or legal guardian • The registrant’s adult child, grandparent, or sibling • The spouse of the registrant • A legal representative or attorney of record • Law enforcement or a government agency acting in an official capacity • Anyone presenting a court order from a Texas court of competent jurisdiction
If the person requesting the certificate is not on that list, they’ll need to submit a notarized authorization letter signed by an eligible requester, along with copies of valid photo ID for both parties and any supporting documentation.
VitalRecordsOnline can advise on eligibility before you order so there are no surprises at the state office. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, contact our support team first — we’ll verify your situation and guide you through the correct process.
Learn more about ordering a Texas birth certificate on behalf of a family member.
A Texas Heirloom Birth Certificate is a specialty 11×14-inch commemorative birth certificate authorized by the Texas Legislature to celebrate the heritage of being a native Texan. It’s printed on heirloom-quality paper with a specially designed engraved border, background security features, and a gold embossed state seal. The Heirloom certificate is an abstract of the official birth record — it’s primarily used for framing, display, gifting, and family-heritage keepsakes.
Key details:
• Cost: $62.00 total ($22 standard state fee + $40 Heirloom surcharge) • Size: 11×14 inches, suitable for framing • Use: Decorative and ceremonial only — the Heirloom certificate is NOT valid for passport, REAL ID, Social Security, school enrollment, or any legal identification purpose. For those uses, order a standard certified copy ($22). • Who can order: Same eligibility rules as the standard certified copy — the registrant, parents, grandparents, adult children, siblings, spouse, or legal representative. • Processing: Same timeline as a standard certified copy; Rush processing available for an additional $25.
Popular uses: framed nursery wall art for a newborn, milestone birthday gifts, family genealogy displays, wedding or graduation keepsakes, retirement gifts for lifelong Texans. Many Texas families order an Heirloom certificate alongside a standard certified copy — one for the wall, one for the filing cabinet.
VitalRecordsOnline handles Heirloom orders with the same managed process as standard certificates. Just note "Heirloom" on your order and we’ll route it through DSHS correctly and deliver the framed-ready 11×14 document to your address.
Want a standard certified copy instead? Order your Texas birth certificate online.
Yes — and for many Texas residents it’s the fastest path. Texas allows County Clerks (or Local Registrars) to issue certified copies of birth certificates for births recorded in their county. Often same-day walk-in.
County Clerk advantages:
• Same-day walk-in service (DSHS central office in Austin also allows walk-in, but county offices are much more convenient if you’re not in Austin) • Credit card accepted at most county offices • Fees match the state’s $22, sometimes plus a small county processing surcharge • Shorter wait times than mailing to Austin
Important limitations:
• The County Clerk can only issue certificates for births recorded in that specific county. If you were born in Houston (Harris County), Dallas County can’t help you. • Office hours, ID requirements, and payment methods vary by county — call ahead or check the county’s website. • The Heirloom Birth Certificate is only issued through DSHS, not through most County Clerks.
If you don’t want to visit a county office in person, VitalRecordsOnline handles the full application online and routes it through the correct channel for you.
Prefer to order online? Get your Texas birth certificate without visiting the county clerk.
Yes. Every major Texas city’s County Clerk issues certified copies of Texas birth certificates for births recorded in their county. Here’s where to go for each of the biggest metros:
• Houston — Harris County Clerk (201 Caroline Street, Houston, TX)
• Dallas — Dallas County Clerk (509 Main Street, Dallas, TX)
• San Antonio — Bexar County Clerk (100 Dolorosa Street, San Antonio, TX)
• Austin — Travis County Clerk (5501 Airport Boulevard, Austin, TX) — plus the DSHS central office is also in Austin at 1100 W. 49th Street
• Fort Worth — Tarrant County Clerk (100 W. Weatherford Street, Fort Worth, TX)
• El Paso — El Paso County Clerk (500 E. San Antonio Avenue, El Paso, TX)
• Plano / McKinney — Collin County Clerk (2300 Bloomdale Road, McKinney, TX)
• Corpus Christi — Nueces County Clerk (901 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi, TX)
Remember: each County Clerk only holds records for births registered in that county. If you’re not sure which county your birth was recorded in, DSHS in Austin can handle any Texas birth record (longer wait), or VitalRecordsOnline can route your request correctly based on your birthplace.
You may also need to order a Texas death certificate through our secure online service.
If you need a Texas birth certificate quickly, you have three realistic options, ranked from fastest to slowest:
1. Walk in to your County Clerk’s office (same day) — If you know which Texas county your birth was recorded in, the County Clerk is usually the fastest path. Bring valid photo ID, the fee ($22 cash/credit), and proof of eligibility. Most counties process routine requests in under an hour.
2. Order online through VitalRecordsOnline with Rush processing — Add our expedited shipping option at checkout. Our team reviews your application within 24 hours, prepares the DSHS Rush submission (+$25 fee), and ships the certified copy overnight once DSHS releases it. Typical total time: 5–7 business days door-to-door.
3. Walk in to the DSHS central office in Austin (same day) — If you’re in or near Austin, the DSHS Vital Statistics office at 1100 W. 49th Street can issue certified copies same-day during business hours. Bring ID, proof of eligibility, and the $22 fee. Credit card payment incurs a $2.25 processing fee.
Slow path to avoid when time matters: mailing the standard application to DSHS without Rush. Normal DSHS mail processing is 4–6 weeks plus transit time — not a good option if you have a deadline.
Ready to go? Order your Texas birth certificate now for the fastest processing.
Texas birth records are not public records during the individual’s lifetime. Under Texas Health and Safety Code § 191, birth records remain confidential for 75 years from the date of birth. During that period, access is limited to eligible requesters — the registrant, parents, legal guardians, spouses, adult children, grandparents, siblings, legal representatives, law-enforcement personnel acting in an official capacity, and anyone with a court order.
When do Texas birth records become public? After 75 years from the date of birth, a Texas birth record becomes a public record. Once past that threshold, anyone can request a copy for genealogy, historical research, or other purposes without proving tangible interest. This makes older Texas birth records a valuable resource for family history research — particularly for descendants of early 20th-century Texans and immigrant families who settled across the state.
Learn more about tangible interest vs. public access for vital records if you’re unsure whether you qualify to request a specific Texas birth certificate.
Official birth certificates issued by the DSHS-VSS have distinct features to guarantee authenticity. Although their appearance might differ based on the year it was issued, they will comply with state guidelines such as displaying the state seal, the individual's name, and the registrar's signature. Certified copies are also issued on secure paper to avoid counterfeiting. Note that official (long-form) birth certificates are distinct from informational (short-form) copies for legal purposes. Short-Form birth certificates are generally meant for personal reasons and have limited legal use.
Short-Form Birth Certificates are certified abstracts showing only basic information like name, date, place of birth, sex, and parent names. They're suitable for school registrations, employment requirements, and insurance purposes but do not show a history of corrections like long-form certificates.
Heirloom birth certificates are decorative, legal abstracts of Texas birth certificates designed for display and framing on heirloom-quality 11" x 14" paper with security features and a gold embossed seal. While they also function as short-form birth certificates, they uniquely celebrate Texas heritage. However, they cannot be issued for births established by court order or delayed record procedures.
• Full Name of the Person: The full legal name of the person whose birth is being recorded.
• Date of Birth: The exact date of birth of the individual.
• Place of Birth: The city, county, and state where the birth took place.
• Parents’ Names: The full names of both parents, including the mother’s maiden name.
• State Seal: A raised, embossed, or printed multicolor or black and white seal of the issuing authority, which validates the document.
• Signature of State Registrar: The signature of the state registrar or authorized official responsible for issuing the certificate.
• Date of Issuance: The date when the state officially issued the birth certificate.
• Printed on Security Paper: Printed on specialized paper to prevent counterfeiting.
In some instances, a certified birth certificate may also include:
• Name of the Hospital where the birth was recorded.
• Name of the Physician who attended the labor.
See what to expect — order your official Texas birth certificate today.
If you lose your birth certificate:
1. Submit an application for a certified replacement copy in person, by mail, or online through VRO. You must complete the application, gather the required identification and documents, and pay the fees determined by the Texas DSHS-VSS.
a. For in-person applications: Present the completed, notarized application and required documents to a county health department during hours of operation.
b. For applying by mail: Send your application, documents, and a check or money order for the replacement fee to the DSHS-VSS at:
Texas Department of State Health Services,
Vital Statistics Section
P.O. Box 12040,
Austin, TX 78711-2040
c. For online submissions: Complete the application and upload your documents through the VRO website (payable by credit card online).
2. The DSHS-VSS will mail the certified copy(s) after processing.
Need a replacement? Order your Texas birth certificate replacement online now.
The process for correcting or amending a Texas birth certificate varies based on the type of change needed. The Texas DSHS-VSS handles different types of corrections through specific procedures, with administrative corrections for minor errors and court-ordered changes for more significant modifications. Amendments are typically made by attaching an addendum to the original birth certificate rather than altering the original record.
Steps to Amend a Texas Birth Certificate:
1. Complete Form VS-170: Fill out sections 1, 2, 5, and 6 of Form VS-170 (Application to Amend Certificate of Birth). Specify all corrections in Section 3 (e.g., “Change August 2, 2010 to August 12, 2010”).
2. Gather Supporting Documentation: Collect certified copies (not photocopies) of documents supporting your requested changes:
a. For spelling/date corrections: Hospital birth worksheet, baptismal certificate (5 years old or younger), or school records.
b. For parentage changes: Court order establishing paternity or Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP).
c. For sex designation changes: Certified court order specifically stating “sex change.”
d. Proof of identity: Valid government-issued photo ID.
3. Get All Signatures Notarized: Ensure all applicants and witnesses sign the form in the presence of a notary public.
4. Pay Required Fees:
a. $15.00 for an addendum (correction attached to the original record).
b. $25.00 for a new birth certificate (for sex designation or parent race/color removal).
c. $22.00 for each certified copy after correction.
d. Payment must be by check or money order payable to Texas DSHS (cash not accepted).
5. Mail the completed application package to the following address:
Texas DSHS,
Vital Statistics Section
P.O. Box 12040,
Austin, TX 78711-2040
(Include payment, supporting documents, and notarized forms.)
You can obtain an apostille by requesting directly from the Texas office of the Secretary of State Authentications Unit or through VRO’s Express Apostille Service. Apostilles, issued by the Texas Secretary of State, are necessary when submitting a birth certificate to a foreign government that is part of the 1961 Hague Convention.
If you are manually submitting a request for an apostille, complete the following steps:
1. Obtain a Certified Copy of the Birth Certificate: Ensure you have a certified copy of the Texas birth certificate from the Texas DSHS-VSS (issued within the last 5 years).
2. Prepare the Apostille Request Form: Download and complete the Universal Apostille Request Form 2101, and indicate “Apostille” as the reason for the request from the Texas office of the Secretary of State Authentications Unit.
a. Include the name of the country where the birth certificate will be presented.
3. Pay the Required Fee: The fee for an apostille is $15.00 per certificate, which can be paid by a check, cashier’s check, or money order drawn from a US Bank and issued to the Texas Secretary of State. (The fee for an adoption proceeding is $10.00).
a. Cash and major credit cards are only accepted for walk-in requests: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa cards (PDF) are accepted (subject to a 2.7% convenience fee).
4. Gather Required Documents: Certified copy of the birth certificate, completed Apostille Request Form, prepaid or pre-stamped return envelope, and payment for the apostille service.
5. Purchase a Return Envelope: A self-addressed, stamped envelope or prepaid overnight airbill/envelope.
6. Submit the Request: Mail or deliver the apostille request form and supporting documents to the Texas Secretary of State Authentications Unit’s office at the following addresses:
Mailing Address:
Office of the Secretary of State, Authentications Unit
PO Box 13550,
Austin, TX 78711-3550
Physical Address for Walk-ins:
Texas Secretary of State, Authentications Unit
1019 Brazos, Room 220,
Austin, TX 78701
(Walk-ins: Mon - Fri 9 AM to 4 PM)
A long-form birth certificate (also called the "full" or "certified" copy) is a complete reproduction of the original Texas birth record. It includes your full legal name, date and place of birth, parents' names, birthplaces, and occupations, the attending physician or midwife, and the file date and registration number. This is the version you'll need for passports, REAL ID, Social Security, adoption, immigration, dual citizenship, and most legal purposes.
A short-form birth certificate (sometimes called a "certification" or "abstract") is a condensed version that shows only your name, date of birth, place of birth, and sex. It does not include parents' information. The short form is accepted for many everyday purposes, like enrolling in school, applying for a driver's license, or joining sports leagues, but it is not always accepted for federal documents or international travel.
When you order a Texas birth certificate through VitalRecordsOnline, you receive the long-form version by default, since it is the most widely accepted. If you're unsure which version you need, check with the agency requesting the document.
Not sure which you need? Order your Texas birth certificate and get the right version.
Processing times for a Texas birth certificate depend on how you order and which delivery speed you choose. Standard government processing through the Texas vital records office generally takes 4 to 12 weeks by mail. In-person requests at the state office or authorized county location are often completed the same day or within a few business days.
When you order online through VitalRecordsOnline, we review your application within 24 hours to catch errors before submission, then forward it to the issuing authority. Most customers receive their certified Texas birth certificate in 2 to 3 weeks with standard shipping. Expedited processing and rush shipping options are available at checkout for urgent needs like passport applications or upcoming travel.
If the issuing office returns your request because of missing information, our team contacts you immediately so the correction can be made without starting over. You can track your order status at any time through your account.
Don't wait — start your Texas birth certificate order today for faster processing.