How to Find Texas Birth Records

Are Birth Records Public in Texas?

No. According to Section 552.115 of the Texas Government Code, Texas birth records (for example, birth certificates) only become public information on or after the 75th anniversary of a registered birth. Until such a time passes, the law prohibits the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Section (VSS) and local vital records offices from disclosing birth records, except to the following people:

A registrant
A registrant's guardian
A registrant's legal representative or agent
A close relative, such as a child, spouse, or parent

After the release of the 75-year statutory restriction, Texas birth records that were previously sealed by law automatically become " Texas public birth records" that can be reviewed or copied by interested members of the public.

What are Birth Records in Texas?

Birth records are vital documents containing information about births. The Vital Statistics Section (VSS) of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) maintains and issues birth records in the state. A birth record generally includes information such as the:

Child’s name
Child’s birth date
Child’s gender
Place of birth
Names of parents

Depending on their intended use, birth records can usually be issued in two different forms, namely, birth certificates and verification letters (birth verifications).

Birth records serve several purposes, chief of which is proving legal identities. Also, child support services use birth records to confirm children’s actual relationships with their parents and other adult caregivers. The Texas government also uses vital statistics generated from public birth records to determine public health funding and track public health patterns in the state. Birth records play significant roles in assigning inheritance and determining residents’ eligibility for benefits. In most instances, individuals may be required to tender their birth records in a bid to enjoy the following:

Access to Medicaid
Social security
Driver’s and marriage licenses
Employment
Enrollment in academic institutions

Where to Find Public Birth Record Information in Texas

Individuals who want to find Texas public birth record information can contact the state vital records office at (888) 963-7111 or review the guidelines below to order records from the office. Those who know the county of birth can, as an alternative, query the local office that registered the vital event. However, while birth record information may be offered requestors, certified birth records are not provided to ineligible persons.

The inquirer may pay a small fee to obtain Texas public birth records. However, some local registrars provide free databases on their official websites for searching public birth records.

Can You Find Texas Birth Certificates Online?

Online access to Texas birth certificates is not available to the general public. Birth certificates are protected records under Texas law and are only releasable after submitting a Texas birth certificate application, providing identification, and paying the assessed fee. Admittedly, qualified parties can place online orders for Texas birth certificates using the Vital Records Ordering System provided by an official government custodian or authorized third-party online vendor. However, such platforms do not allow requesters to view digital scans of Texas birth certificates before purchase.

How to Find and Request Birth Records Online in Texas

To look up birth records online in the State of Texas, first, determine the specific form of record desired (whether a birth certificate or verification letter). The online method for requesting birth records is usually the fastest and easiest way to find birth certificates and verifications.

Considered open to citizens of the United States, public records are available through both traditional, government sources, and through third-party websites and organizations. In many cases, third-party websites make the search easier as they are not limited geographically or by technological limitations. They are considered a good place to start when looking for a specific record or multiple records. In order to gain access to these records, interested parties must typically provide:

The name of the person listed in the record. Juveniles are typically exempt from this search method.
The last known or assumed location of the person listed in the record. This includes cities, counties, and states.

While third-party sites offer such services, they are not government-sponsored entities, and record availability may vary on these sites when compared to government sources.

For Birth Certificates

A requester must reside in the state to qualify to request certified copies of their birth certificates or those of immediate family members. An immediate family member may be a parent or guardian, child, spouse, brother or sister, or grandparent. Requesters who live outside Texas can only access their birth certificates or those of their children if they are listed as parents in the records. Online requesters are required to confirm their identities by providing the following:

Social Security Number
State-issued driver’s license or ID number
Proof of relationship to the person listed on the record
A requester is also required to provide additional information such as:
The first and last name of the person listed on the record
The gender of the person named on the record
The city and/or county where the birth occurred
The first and last name of the father listed on the record
The first and maiden name of the mother listed on the record

For Birth Verifications

In addition to paying all the required fees, a requester must supply the following information to successfully access a birth verification online:

The first and last name of the person listed on the record
The gender of the person named on the record
The date of birth indicated on the record
The city/or county where the birth occurred

The name of the person listed in the record. Juveniles are typically exempt from this search method.
The last known or assumed location of the person listed in the record. This includes cities, counties, and states.

While third-party sites offer such services, they are not government-sponsored entities, and record availability may vary on these sites when compared to government sources.

How to Get Birth Records in Texas

Birth records can also be requested via mail or in person. Although the online method is considered the fastest and easiest of the three options, in-person requests are particularly helpful when recent birth records are urgently needed. Mail-in requests can also be quickly processed by opting for the expedited service. Note, however, that this service attracts additional fees.

Mail-in Requests

To obtain an official certified copy of a birth record by mail, an eligible applicant must do the following:

Download and complete the Mail Application for Birth Record with no white-outs, cross-outs, or correction tape
Sign the Texas birth certificate application before a notary and obtain a notary seal
Include a photocopy of an acceptable identification
Provide a check or money order addressed to DSHS Vital Statistics.

These requirements, however, only apply to those seeking to obtain certified copies of birth certificates in the state. To look up a birth verification letter, an interested member of the public is eligible if they can provide these details:

The full name of the individual named on the birth record
The date of birth
The place of birth

For standard requests:

Texas Vital Statistics
Department of State Health Services
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040

For expedited requests (which must be sent via overnight mail service):

Texas Vital Statistics
Mail Center (MC) 2096
Department of State Health Services
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756

In-person Requests

For in-person requests, qualified requesters can go to the local offices in the counties, cities, or districts where the births occurred to submit their completed Mail Applications for Birth Record. In-person submissions also require requesters to present the originals of acceptable IDs instead of the photocopies along with the associated fees. Specific locations where requesters can initiate walk-in requests for birth records in the state include:

Vital Statistics Section
Texas Department of State Health Services
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756-3199

The County Clerk’ Offices (For Foster or Homeless Youth)
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)

701 West 51st Street
Austin, TX 78751

The DSHS Vital Statistics Section Austin, Texas.

Qualified persons who have met all the stipulated requirements can generally make birth records walk-in requests at the DSHS Vital Statistics Section in the City of Austin. However, COVID-19-based public health concerns have resulted in the closure of the DSHS Austin Lobby for vital records walk-in requests.

The County Clerk’s Office (For Foster or Homeless Youth)

A foster or homeless youth can physically visit the state registrar, a local registrar, or a county clerk to obtain a certified copy of their birth record. Although this issuance is done without any charge or parental consent, the youth must be:

A homeless child or youth as defined by federal law
A child for whom the DFPS acts as a conservator
A young adult between 18 and 21 years old who lives in a DFPS-financed foster care placement.

The youth must also attach supporting documentation to their applications to prove the legitimacy of their status and qualify for this waiver.

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)

The Texas DFPS Closed Adoption Record Unit maintains birth records for persons (adoptees) adopted through the Child Protective Services program. It, however, does not maintain adoption records for individuals whose adoptions were processed by private adoption placement agencies. The DFPS can furnish adult adoptees with redacted copies of their birth records upon request. However, these redacted copies are devoid of certain personal details to protect the privacy of the parties involved. Adoptees can verify if the DFPS was involved in their adoptions by calling toll-free at (877) 764-7230. Once verified, they can fill out and submit Form 4884 (Request From Former Foster Youth For Case Records) online. Adoptees may also choose to complete downloaded copies for subsequent mailing.

Where Can I Find Birth Records in Texas?

The Vital Statistics Section of the Texas DSHS houses and issues Texas birth records. Qualified individuals can obtain certified copies of birth records from this Section by downloading and completing the Mail Applications for Birth Record provided on the DSHS website. Requesters must then submit the filled applications accompanied by the associated fees and recommended forms of identification to:

Vital Statistics Section
Texas Department of State Health Services
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756-3199

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)

Through its Closed Adoption Records unit, the Texas DFPS also manages adoptees’ birth records. Adoptees, who are 18 years and above, can request copies of their birth records from the DFPS. However, only redacted copies are provided to hide important confidential details and preserve the privacy of the parties involved. By calling (877) 764-7230 toll-free, adoptees can confirm whether their adoptions were handled by the DFPS before applying online for their birth records. Adoptees may also make additional birth records-related inquiries in person at:

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS)
701 West 51st Street
Austin, TX 78751

The County Clerk’s Office (For Foster or Homeless Youth)

Foster or homeless youths can go in person to the state registrar, local registrars, or county clerks to get free certified copies of their birth records. These youths qualify for this free issuance by accompanying their application with documents that confirm their status as legitimate. Also, these youths must be:

Homeless children or youths as defined by federal law
Children for whom the DFPS acts as their conservator
Young adults between 18 and 21 years old who reside in DFPS-financed foster care placements.

How to Get Birth Records From a Hospital in Texas

In the State of Texas, hospitals are not authorized to issue certified copies of birth certificates or verifications to interested parties. This is because the VSS is the repository of all birth records in the state. Following the birth of a baby, designated hospital staff or administrator may compile all the information necessary to register the birth and forward them to the Texas DSHS VSS. In some other cases, the Texas DSHS provides birth certificate worksheet forms to collect all the relevant information required to register new births.

Three methods exist for submitting completed applications for birth-record requests to the VSS and they are:

Online orders
Mail-in orders
In-person orders

How Long Do Hospitals Keep Birth Records in Texas?

In Texas, the law requires that hospitals keep birth records for at least 25 years. Under Section 181.081 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, hospitals must retain these records unless otherwise directed by a court order or disposed of under the direction of an institutional head, the record holder, or their legal representative.

The Texas Public Information Act (TPIA) also states that any information produced by a government agency or collected by a governmental body is subject to disclosure with certain exemptions. Hence, birth records may be exempted from public access if they contain personal information such as medical history, identified family members, and Social Security numbers. Additionally, the Act requires that all information concerning an individual’s birth location be kept confidential. This includes the specific hospital where a child was born and the city or county where the birth occurred.

Can Anyone Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate in Texas?

No, not everyone is eligible to obtain a copy of a Texas birth certificate. Birth certificates are exempted from public access as per the Texas Open Record Law, and only qualified persons can access them. Qualified persons include:

The individuals named on the birth certificates,
Their immediate family members,
Their guardians, or
Their legal representatives or agents.

Immediate family members refer to persons related either by blood, marriage, or adoption who can be a child, parent/guardian, spouse, grandparent, or brother/sister. Every other applicant must provide documentary proof that details a clear and distinct interest in the birth certificate requested.

However, 75 years after issuing them, birth certificates become open records in Texas and can then be accessed by members of the public.

How Much Does a Birth Certificate Cost in Texas?

The cost of requesting a certified copy of a birth certificate in Texas is $22 per copy. All record requests are returned by default through the USPS First Class mail. Mail-in expedited requests, which cost $27 each due to an additional $5 expedited processing fee, are exceptions to this service. The certified copies of birth certificates requested are generally delivered to the specified addresses by the USPS Express Mail. Extra charges may apply for expedited service requests based on the address(es) provided.

Birth-record costs for military personnel, homeless youths, and election identification purposes are waived and do not attract charges. While an heirloom certificate and a non-certified copy of the adoptee’s birth certificate cost $60 and $10, respectively. Finally, requesters must use credit or debit cards to pay for online requests. For mail-in requests, payment options include checks, cashier’s checks, and money orders. In addition to the payment methods for mail-in requests, walk-in requesters can also use debit or credit cards to make payments. The cost of birth certificates and verifications are the same regardless of the method of request. However, a credit card payment for an in-person request attracts a processing fee of $2.25 at the DSHS in the City of Austin.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Birth Certificate in Texas?

The time it takes to get a requested birth certificate is determined by the method of request. Birth record requests are usually processed within 10 to 15 business days for online requests placed on the DSHS Order Vital Record Application (OVRA) webpage. For mail-in orders, the processing time is usually within 25 to 30 business days. Note that these processing durations do not include shipping times.

How to Get a New Birth Certificate in Texas

The DSHS Vital Statistics Section is responsible for effecting changes or corrections on records of vital events, including birth certificates. The two methods used by the DSHS to alter information on a Texas birth certificate include:

An amendment, or
The filing of a new birth certificate and sealing of the original birth certificate.

For most modification requests, the DSHS amends the birth certificate in lieu of creating a new one. An amendment adds information to an original birth certificate to make it complete or changes information on an original birth certificate to make it accurate, but it does not necessitate the sealing of the old record. Generally, the DSHS Vital Statistics Section processes requests to file a new birth certificate for the following reasons:

An adoption
To add, remove, or replace a parent's name on a birth certificate
To correct a child's sex or a parent's race/color

The procedure for obtaining a new birth certificate in Texas differs based on the reason for the modification. However, the following steps are standard (except in the case of an adoption):

The applicant must be among persons authorized to request a change or correction to a Texas birth certificate:
- The registrant (the individual named on the record)
- Parent(s) named on the birth record if the registrant is underage
- The registrant's legal guardian(s), legal representative (with supporting documentation), or managing conservator
- The hospital or medical facility where the registrant was born
The applicant must fill out the Birth Certificate Amendment Form without crossing out, writing over, or otherwise altering any written text. Persons who make a mistake should use a new application form.
The applicant must sign the amendment form before a notary and obtain a notary seal.
The applicant must provide acceptable identification (a photocopy if applying by mail). For example, a U.S. passport or driver's license.
The applicant must provide the necessary supporting documentation (for example, a non-Texas or Texas marriage certificate if adding/removing/replacing a parent's name) and pay the corresponding fees.

It costs $25 to obtain a new birth certificate from the Texas DSHS and $22 to order a certified copy of the new birth certificate. The $22 is the same amount charged to collect the certified copy of any birth certificate from the DSHS office.

The DSHS also offers expedited services for urgent requests. Texas citizens who wish to speed up the processing time for a correction must pay an additional $5, while those who prefer an expedited return mail service (as opposed to the free USPS return mail service) are liable for the following fees:

$12.50 for Expedited Overnight Mail (shipping within the U.S.)
$22.50 for USPS Express Overnight Mail (shipping overnight to P.O. Box only)

The mailing addresses to forward requests are provided on the DSHS official website and the amendment form. In-person requesters can submit their applications at the DSHS Vital Statistics Central Office in Austin, Texas. However, despite the DSHS offering walk-in services at this location, the agency does not provide same-day walk-in services for these Texas birth certificate applications.

Texans requiring further assistance can call the DSHS Vital Statistics Section at (888) 963-7111 (toll-free and available weekly during office hours) or review the DSHS FAQ page.

How to Expunge Your Birth Records in Texas

Birth records cannot be expunged in the State of Texas. Expungement, also known as expunction, is the legal process of deleting an offense from an individual’s criminal history record. It bars the general public, especially potential employers, from accessing expunged records and permits the accused to deny the existence of any arrest or conviction. In contrast, birth records do not constitute criminal records and are major components of the state’s vital statistics.

How to Seal Your Birth Records in Texas

In Texas, the original birth records of adopted children are sealed by law and exempted from public access, along with other Texas adoption records. Generally, Texas adoption records can only be accessed by court order.

Sealing was originally done to protect the adoptees from the public stigma of being viewed as illegitimate. Although in recent times, it has been executed to preserve the confidentiality of the adoption process and prevent the biological parent(s) from interfering with the adoptive family.

How to Unseal Your Birth Records in Texas?

To unseal a birth record in Texas, first, obtain a court order to facilitate the release of the desired record. This is because Texas State laws mandate the sealing of birth records after the adoption process has been finalized.

These general steps can be followed when unsealing a birth record:

Contact the county clerk at the county where the adoption was granted for instructions and guidance.
File a petition in the county court to unseal the record
Meet with the judge to provide reasonable cause(s) and/or evidence for accessing the sealed birth record. Note that the judge is at liberty to grant or reject the petition depending on the reasons proffered.

The court order, when granted, commands the Vital Statistics Section to release the birth record. It also specifies the record to be released and the recipient of the record. The following must be sent to VSS to unseal a birth record:

A certified copy of the finalized court order authorizing the unsealing
The adoptee’s name (as shown on the current birth certificate)
The adoptee’s birth date
The adoptee’s birthplace
A copy of valid photo ID
A $10 processing fee

Who Signs Birth and Death Certificates in Texas?

In Texas, the person who signs a birth certificate or reports a birth differs based on where the delivery happened. According to Sec. 192.003 of the Texas Health and Safety Code, the attending physician, midwife, or party acting as a midwife at the time of birth is responsible for signing and filing the certificate of birth with the local registrar. If a birth took place at a hospital or birthing center, then the hospital or birthing center administrator, or their designee, may sign and file the Texas birth certificate in place of the professionals mentioned earlier. However, suppose the vital event occurred outside a hospital or birthing center, and no physician, midwife, or quasi-midwife was present. In that case, the following persons in the order outlined are charged with reporting the birth to the local registrar:

The father or mother of the newborn, or
The householder or owner of the premises in which the birth takes place.

Per the law, each Texas birth must be reported to the local registrar within five days of the delivery.

On the matter of Texas death certificates, Texas law (HSC 193.003a) requires the reporting of a death to the local registrar in the region where the death happened or the body was discovered within 10 days. The statutory time frame for signing a Texas death certificate is five days from the date the certifier receives the document.

Medical professionals qualified to sign and certify Texas death certificates include a licensed physician, physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, medical examiner, or justice of the peace, depending on the circumstances of the death (HSC 193.005).

If an individual dies of natural causes in Texas, and the death occurred while under medical care, the attending physician, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse responsible for treating the illness or condition that led to the death will sign the death certificate. Should these persons be unavailable and give their approval, the following persons can sign the death record:

An associate physician
The chief medical officer of the facility where the patient died, or
The physician who carried out the autopsy

However, if the death occurred due to unnatural causes such as an accident, homicide, or suicide, the person conducting the investigation mandated under C.C.P Art. 49 signs the death certificate. This can either be a justice of the peace or a medical examiner.

What is a Texas Birth Index?

A Texas birth index or registry lists birth records available at the Vital Statistics Unit or a local registrar's office. The index is organized first by the vital event year and then in alphabetical order by registrants' last names. Following any registrant's last name are the individual's registered first and middle name or initials, the date of birth, the county where the vital event occurred, the local or state file number, the father's name, the mother's maiden name, and sex (Texas Administrative Code, Rule §181.10).

Interested persons can order digital Texas birth indexes dating back to 1926 and later from the Vital Statistics Unit of the Texas Department of Health and Human Services. The department also provides microfiche Texas birth indexes from 1903 to 1924. Interested persons must obtain the Digital Vital Event Index Form from the department's official website, fill it out, and send it as an attachment to vstat@dshs.texas.gov. It costs $10 for each digital birth index year (microfiche index fees are assessed by request). Note that the Texas birth indexes provided by the Vital Statistics Unit are summary indexes, as defined by Rule §181.1, that reveal only registrants' full names, dates of birth, counties of birth, and sexes (not the general index defined above).

At the state level, a person may also visit the Texas State Library and Archives Commission in Austin, Texas, to find statewide birth registries from 1903 and later (though the most current index year is 2010).

Additionally, members of the public may find a Texas birth registry/index on the official websites of local registrars (the county clerks) or at their physical locations that offer walk-in services. A county registrar's index is limited to the locality where the office is based. However, county birth records go further back than state indexes, as statewide birth registration began in 1903 in Texas. For example, individuals can search the free Official Records Search site provided by Denton County's registrar for birth indexes from 1860 to the present.

Some third-party public records sites may also provide Texas birth indexes for free or upon a subscription.