Persons Qualified to Request or Change Records

The persons qualified to request a certified copy of a vital record are different from those who are qualified to request a change or correction to a vital record. See below for details on who qualifies for each.

Who can request records?

The person named on the vital record, his/her immediate family members (either by blood, marriage, or adoption), his/her guardian, or his/her legal agent/representative can request a certified copy of that vital record.

An immediate family member is defined as any of the following:

• child
• parent/guardian
• brother/sister
• grandparent
• spouse

All other applicants must provide legal documentation (such as a court order establishing guardianship, an insurance policy listing the applicant as the beneficiary, etc.) that documents a direct, tangible interest in the birth or death certificate.

For full details, see Section 181.1(21) of the Texas Administrative Code.

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Who can change/correct records?

The persons qualified to request changes or corrections to vital records vary, depending on the record type. See below for details on who qualifies for each. (You must also provide Supporting Documentation for the change or correction you are requesting.)

Birth Records

Only the following individuals can request changes or corrections to a birth record:

• self (the child listed on the birth certificate)
• parent(s)
• legal guardian(s)
• managing conservator
• legal representative (proof required)

Death Records

Only the following individuals can request changes or corrections to a death record:

• Funeral director named on the death certificate
• Informant named on the death certificate (i.e., the person who provided information to the funeral director)
• Surviving spouse named on the death certificate
• Surviving parent named on the death certificate

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