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 certificates is $22.00 per certified copy (and additional copies). The current processing time is 25 to 30 days, while expedited orders are processed approximately 20 to 25 days for a $5.00 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.
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 $5.00 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.
frequently asked questions
Individuals born on an overseas military base are not considered to have been born in Texas; therefore, there is no birth certificate on record with the state of Texas. If you were born on a US military base overseas and your parents were US citizens at the time of your birth, your birth should be recorded with the US Department of State. You must contact the US Department of State to request a copy of your Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA or form FS-240).
Note that this is not a birth certificate; it is evidence of US citizenship for individuals born abroad to US citizen parents who meet the requirements for transmitting citizenship under the Immigration and Nationality Act. This document is equivalent to having a US birth certificate. This document is recognized in the US as proof of birth and citizenship and can be used to obtain a passport and apply for social services. If you need additional copies of this document, you can contact the hospital where the birth occurred to request a copy of the birth certificate or order them from the Department of State. Learn more about CRBA for more information.
Certified copies of birth certificates are important government-issued documents essential for significant life events, providing proof of legal name, place and date of birth, and parents' names. These documents are crucial for establishing your identity and citizenship and are widely accepted by government and commercial entities. Certified copies of your birth certificate are often needed for legal proceedings, family matters, school enrollment, employment, and travel.
Birth certificates are often useful or required for:
Applying for a driver's license
Applying for a new passport
Issuing or obtaining a Social Security Card
Applying for Social Security benefits
Claiming pension or insurance benefits
Genealogy research
Claiming family inheritance
Applying for a new job
Enrolling in school
Enlisting in military
Obtaining a marriage license
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.
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.
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)