A complete application includes an original application with all the boxes filled out, a signature (with a notary seal if by mail), acceptable identification (photocopy if by mail and original if in person), and payment.

An application will be rejected if it is not completed properly. When an application is rejected, it is considered closed. You can resubmit the application with corrections, and the processing time will start over.

Note: These requirements only apply to ordering certified copies of birth and death records. Anyone is eligible to order a birth or death verification if able to provide the full name of the individual, date of event, and location of event.

BY MAIL IN-PERSON FOSTER OR HOMELESS YOUTH HB 123 SB 798 HB 4466

Ordering Records by Mail

To get an official certified copy of a vital record by mail, you must:

• Be a  person qualified to get a certified copy of the record .
• Complete the application, with no cross outs, no white out, and no correction tape.
• Sign the application in front of a notary and get a notary seal.
• Provide a photocopy of  acceptable ID .
• Provide a check or money order made out to DSHS Vital Statistics.
• Be sure to  mail your application to the correct location .

Ordering Records In-Person

To get an official certified copy of a vital record in person, you must:

• Be a  person qualified to get a certified copy of the record .
• Visit a local office or the Vital Statistics central office during business hours.
• Complete and sign the application, with no cross outs, no white out, and no correction tape.
• Present originalacceptable ID .
• Provide payment with a credit card or a check/money order made out to DSHS Vital Statistics.

Ordering in-person at the Vital Statistics headquarters is limited to our office hours. In-person services are available only for issuance of certified copies of birth and death records, and issuance of verifications of birth, death, marriage, and divorce records.

HB 123: Foster or Homeless Youth

The state registrar, a local registrar, or a county clerk shall issue, without fee or parental consent, a certified copy of the child's or youth's birth record to:

• a homeless child or youth as defined by 42 U.S.C Section 11434a;
• a child in the managing conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services; and
• a young adult who:
  • is at least 18 years of age, but younger than 21 years of age; and
  • resides in a foster care placement, the cost of which is paid by the Department of Family and Protective Services.

To qualify for the waiver, include one of the supporting documentation with your application, such as:

• a document from the Department of Family and Protective Services
• a Foster Care Verification form
• an attestation of youth homeless status form (PDF) 

SB 798: Victims of Family or Dating Violence

The state registrar, a local registrar, or a county clerk shall issue, without fee, a certified copy of the birth record to a victim of family or dating violence and their children as defined by Family Code §71.0021 or Human Resources Code §51.002, who are currently fleeing a dangerous living situation.

To qualify for the waiver include the required supporting documentation listed below with your application:

• an attestation of family or dating violence status form (PDF)

HB 4466: County or Child Welfare Board Requests Related to Suits affecting the Parent-Child Relationship

The state registrar, a local registrar, or a county clerk must issue, without fee, a certified copy of a birth record on request of a county or a child welfare board appointed by the commissioners court of a county under Family Code §264.005 if the request is related to a suit affecting the parent-child relationship filed by a governmental entity.  

To qualify for the waiver, include the required supporting documentation listed below with your application:

• A document supporting direct, tangible interest in the birth record because the request is related to a suit affecting the parent-child relationship (e.g., a court order establishing conservatorship over the child named on the record); and 
• An attestation of a child welfare board member appointed by the commissioners court of a county