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. Visit the Birth Records webpage for all requirements for ordering a birth certificate.
What birth records are available?Vital Statistics can provide records for births 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.
What is the difference between a birth certificate and a birth-verification letter?For descriptions and uses of the various types of birth records, visit the Record Types webpage.
What is the difference between a short form and a long form birth certificate?For descriptions and uses of the various types of birth certificates, visit the Record Types webpage.
What type of birth certificate do I need to get a passport?To get a U.S. passport, you must provide a long-form birth certificate. For descriptions and uses of the various types of birth certificates, visit the Record Types webpage.
What is the quickest way to order my birth certificate?The quickest way is to order online at Texas.gov.
What are the steps for ordering online (Texas.gov)?View our Requirements for Online Orders webpage for complete details.
What are the steps for ordering by mail or in person?Visit our Requirements for Mail/In-Person Orders webpage for complete details.
Where do I mail my application?The address you use for mail-in applications depends on whether you are requesting regular or expedited processing. View the Vital Statistics Mailing Addresses webpage for more information.
Can I place an order over the phone?No. We accept applications online, by mail, or in-person. We cannot accept requests by telephone. Texas Administrative Code (181.28) requires all requests for birth certificates to be accompanied with an application approved by the State Registrar.
How can I order records if I am currently in another state or country?To be able to order online, you must meet the requirements for online orders and your mailing address must match the one listed on your current Driver License or state-issued Identification Card. Otherwise, you must order by mail.
Can I order online if I'm a minor in foster care or homeless?No, the supporting documents requires you order by mail or in person.
Can you check if there is a birth certificate on file and tell me what information is on there?Vital Statistics Section (VSS) cannot release any information without an application, payment, and acceptable ID submitted by a qualified applicant. VSS can issue a birth verification letter stating whether a record of birth is on file with the State of Texas with a written request. If a record is filed, the verification letter will include the person's name, the date of birth, and the county where the birth occurred. Verification letters are available for births that have occurred since 1903. Verification letters are not considered legal substitutes for certified copies of birth certificates. VSS strongly recommends that applicants ensure a verification will satisfy its intended use. Visit the Birth Records webpage for more information, including methods and requirements for ordering a birth verification.
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?
Vital Statistics cannot search records for free. The fee is a searching fee and is not refundable or transferable, even if the record is not found or is incorrect. Visit the Costs and Fees webpage for complete details.