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Frequently Asked Questions

  • There are three (3) ways to order a vital record:


    1. Online
    1. Visit the Texas DSHS website here
    2. By mail
    1. You can use our Birth Certificate Mail-in Form Generator here, then mail the form(s) to the appropriate vital statistics unit, which will be listed on the application form, along with your payment (check or money order)
    2. Alternatively, you can order by mail via the Texas DSHS website here

    If you have questions regarding this method, please click here

    3. In person
    1. Visit a branch (click here to find the location nearest you)
    2. Bring an acceptable form of identification
    3. Pay the fee (cash, check, money order, credit or debit)

    Please note that if the individual listed on the certificate is 75 years or older, you need only supply the correct information. If the individual is under 75 years of age, you must provide:

    • The correct information (as it is listed on the certificate)
    • Proof of your relationship to the person named on the certificate (if you are not ordering for yourself)
    • Acceptable identification proving your identity
    • A notarized authorization form (not required for requests made in person)
  • Certificates
    • Birth: $22 (additional copies are $25 each)
    • Death: $20 (additional copies are $5 each)

    Our transaction fee starts at $14, but may vary depending on the delivery method.

  • Identification is required to establish proof of the requestor’s identity to ensure that they are qualified to obtain the vital record. The requestor must be able to provide identification in accordance with one of the following options:

    • One item from Group A (Primary Identification);
    • Two items from Group B (Secondary Identification);
    • OR
    • One item from Group B and two items from Group C (Supporting Identification)

    Group A (Primary Identification) - Submit a legible photocopy of ONE form of ID listed below (must be current, valid, and confirm the requestor’s name and photo):

    1. State-issued driver’s license
    2. Federal or State ID card
    3. United States Passport (top page and bottom page in one image)
    4. Military Identification card
    5. Concealed Handgun License
    6. Pilot’s License
    7. Federal, State or City Law Enforcement employment ID card, or employment badge accompanied by employment ID card
    8. Offender ID card issued by the Department of Criminal Justice correctional facility or institution
    9. Any of the following items issued by the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):
      1. Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
      2. Permanent Resident Card (green card)- front and back
      3. Travel documents:
        1. Re-entry Permit
        2. Refugee Travel Permit
        3. Advance Parole
    10. Either of the following items issued by the United States Department of State:
      1. Border Crossing Card (B1 for business or pleasure; B2 for medical purposes)
      2. Visa

    -or-


    Group B (Secondary Identification) - Submit legible photocopies of TWO of the photo IDs listed below (the combination of items must confirm the requestor’s name, signature, or provide an identifiable photo of the applicant):

    1. Any expired Primary ID
    2. Current student ID
    3. Signed Social Security card or Numident
    4. DD Form of 214 Certificate of Release
    5. Medicaid or Medicare card
    6. Veteran’s Affairs card
    7. Medical insurance card
    8. Foreign passport accompanied by a Visa issued by the United States Department of State
    9. Foreign passport in accordance with the United States Department of State Visa Waiver Program
    10. Certified birth certificate from the Department of State (FS-240, DS-1350, or FS-545)
    11. Private company employment ID card
    12. Form I-94 accompanied by the requestor’s Visa or passport
    13. Mexican Voter Registration card
    14. Foreign identification with an identifiable photo of the requestor (Matrícula Consular is not accepted)

    -or-


    Group C (Supporting Identification) - Submit TWO with ONE item from Group B:

    1. Expired Secondary ID from Group B
    2. Recent utility bill with current address
    3. Recent paycheck stub
    4. Public assistance applications or letters
    5. Signed, valid voter's registration card
    6. Police report of stolen identification
    7. Official school transcript
    8. Bank account statement
    9. Social Security letter
    10. Marriage license
    11. Divorce decree
    12. Certified birth certificate from the Department of State (FS-240, DS-1350, or FS-545), state other than Texas, District of Columbia or other country
    13. Automobile insurance card or contract
    14. Lease agreement
    15. Loan or installment payment contract
    16. Promissory notes or loan contracts
    17. Court order
    18. Property titles or liens
    19. Automobile titles
    20. Library card
    21. Fishing or hunting license
    22. Recent medical records or bills
    23. Auto registration
    24. Religious records with the signature of a religious official
    25. Recent rent receipt with address and name
    26. Recent cell phone bill or contract
    27. Federal, state, or local tax records
    28. Department of Homeland Security notices or correspondence
  • Relationships are based on familial connections or marriage. There are no age restrictions. The following can order a birth certificate:

    • Self
    • Parent
    • Child
    • Spouse
    • Sibling
    • Grandparent
    • Legal guardian or representative (must be able to provide legal documentation supporting the relationship)

    The following can order a death certificate:

    • Parent
    • Child
    • Surviving Spouse
    • Sibling
    • Grandparent
    • Legal guardian or representative; beneficiary of funds, closing or cancelling accounts (must be able to provide legal documentation supporting the relationship)
    • Notarized Authorization Form (for orders made online and by mail) - click here
Are the birth certificates official?

Yes, the birth certificates are official documents issued by the Texas Department of Public Health and are recognized and accepted by all state and federal agencies. The birth certificates can be used for several identifying purposes including, but not limited to: obtaining a passport or state-issued driver’s license/identification card, travel, employment, social security, school, etc

What kind of payment methods do you accept?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, JCB, American Express and Discover. Please contact us for more payment options.

Are you affiliated with the state of Texas?

We are a privately-owned site, not affiliated with nor endorsed by the state of Texas. However, we are dedicated to maintaining a positive relationship and reputation with everyone, including the Texas Department of State Health Services’ Vital Statistics Unit.

How do I order a birth certificate online?

To order a birth certificate online, you must meet certain requirements.

If the individual listed on the record is 75 years old or older:

  1. You must correctly identify the record you are attempting to obtain. Please see FAQ "What if information from the original certificate is unknown?" for more information.

If the individual listed on the record is 74 years old or younger:

  1. You must provide Item A, as well as be of an acceptable relationship to the individual on record. Please see FAQ "Can anyone request a certificate?" for more information.
  2. You must provide identification proving your identity. If ordering remotely, whether online or by mail, a notarized statement is also required. If ordering in person, the notarized statement is not required. Please see FAQ "Why do you need a copy of my ID and the authorization form?" for more information.

To begin, please click this link. You will be asked a series of questions that will help you complete your order. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Are the certificates Long Form certified by the state of Texas?

Yes, the certificates are official, raised seal - long form version certificates certified by the Texas Department of State Health Services and accepted by all state and federal agencies. The certificates can be used for several identifying purposes including, but not limited to: obtaining a passport or state-issued driver’s license/identification card, travel, employment, social security, school, etc.

Are you affiliated with the state of Texas?

We are a privately-owned site, not affiliated with nor endorsed by the state of Texas or any other government agency. However, we are dedicated to maintaining a positive working relationship and reputation with all our clients and business associates, including the Texas Department of State Health Services’ Vital Statistics Unit.

What information is needed to place an order?

For all requested records, you will need to supply information as it appears on the original record.

  • For birth certificate requests where the person listed is 75 years old or younger, the person making the request will need to provide proof of identity and their signature notarized – this is not required if the person listed is over 75 years old.
  • For death certificate requests where the event occurred 25 years ago or sooner, the person making the request will need to provide proof of identity and their signature notarized – this is not required if the person’s death occurred over 25 years ago.
How much do the certificates cost?

Fees vary depending on the record being requested, ordering method and type of delivery chosen at checkout.

What if information from the original certificate is unknown?

Without providing accurate information as it appears on the original certificate, a vital record will not be released. If information is unknown, most of the time it can be found by searching ancestral websites such as Ancestry.com.

Can anyone request a certificate?

Only a qualified applicant can request a protected vital record. (Birth Certificate – if the person listed is 75 years old or younger; Death Certificate – if the event occurred 25 years ago or sooner). Qualified applicants include:

  • Self
  • Parent
  • Child
  • Spouse
  • Sibling
  • Grandparent
  • Legal Guardian/Representative

Records that are not protected are considered open; anyone can order an unprotected/open record. (Birth Certificate – if the person listed is over 75 years old; Death Certificate – if the person’s death occurred over 25 years ago).

Do I need to provide an ID to order a certificate?

If the record being requested is protected (Birth Certificate – if the person listed is 75 years old or younger; Death Certificate – if the event occurred 25 years ago or sooner), Yes. A driver’s license, identification card, passport, or military ID are the most common that we see, however we accept several types of identification. If these examples aren't available to you, please see this complete list of acceptable primary and secondary forms of ID. If you do not have any acceptable form of identification to provide, you will need to ask another qualified family member to order on your behalf (see "Can anyone request a certificate?" answered above for more information on who can order for you). If the record is unprotected, No. You will not need to provide your identification.

Can you search for a record prior to submitting an application?

The fees you pay are for the search, not necessarily the record. Therefore, for a search to be performed, an application will need to be filled out and paid for prior.

How do I track my order?

For our most current processing times, please visit our Track Order information page. In the event your estimated processing time has expired and you still haven't received the certificate, please reply to your confirmation email, fill out the form below or give us a call.

Why did I received a text message from you?

The text message you received was a notification reminder that we are still waiting for an update from you. Please check the email address that was used in your application or fill out the form below, and we will provide you with more information.

Can I use the birth certificate I received to obtain a passport, if I select the reason for my request is to obtain a passport?

Yes, the certificates are official, raised seal - long form version certificates certified by the Texas Department of State Health Services accepted by all state and federal agencies suitable for obtaining a passport. There are no restrictions for this type of certificate.

How can I submit the item(s) to you?

Please respond directly to your confirmation email with the item(s) as an attachment. You may also upload a high-resolution picture image or scanned copy of your documents by following this link. (Please let us know if you were unable to utilize either of these options).

Can I place my order on hold so it doesn't expire?

Yes, please reply to your confirmation email or fill out the form below, and we will place your order on hold for as long as you need.

What forms of identification do you accept?

We accept several forms of identification. Valid and current driver’s license, identification card, passport or military ID are the most common that we see, however we accept several other types of identification. If these examples aren't available to you, please see this complete list of acceptable primary and secondary forms of ID. If you cannot provide any acceptable form of identification, please email us, so we can provide you with more instructions.

How do I locate a notary near me?

Here are some helpful links on how to locate a notary near you:

http://www.wikihow.com

http://www.123notary.com

https://www.asnnotary.org

However, if you want to notarize your document online with a remote online notary, please visit https://notarylive.com/

Why do you need a copy of my ID and the authorization form?

If the record you are requesting is protected (Birth Certificate – if the person listed is 75 years old or younger; Death Certificate – if the event occurred 25 years ago or sooner), an acceptable form of identification is required to prove the identity of the requestor. The notary verifies the signature of the person listed on the identification. This is a legal requirement to ensure the certificate is released to a qualified individual.

For more information, click here