Order A Certified Copy Of Your Birth Certificate in Texas

Do you need a birth certificate for a job, education, a loan application, or to meet Texas state ID requirements?

Obtaining a certified copy doesn't have to be complicated.

This guide explains how to order a certified copy of your birth certificate in Texas.

Why would you need a certified copy of your birth certificate?

A certified duplicate of your birth certificate serves as an official vital record that proves your identity and citizenship.

A certified copy carries legal weight, and various important life events sometimes require it.

From applying for:

• Driver's license
• Establishing legal guardianship
• Obtaining a REAL ID

...Knowing how to get a certified copy of your birth certificate is essential.

How to get a copy of your birth certificate in Texas (3 ways)

1. Online Ordering (Fastest Option)

Ordering your birth certificate online through StateVitalRecords.org is the quickest way to get your certified copy. The process is straightforward:

• Visit the StateVitalRecords.org website.
• Fill out the online order form for Texas vital records.
• Provide the necessary information about the person named on the certificate.
• Submit your payment using a credit card or a debit card.
• You may need to provide a notarized sworn statement to get a copy of your birth certificate in Texas.
• Submit an application with a notarized document.
• StateVitalRecords will send your application to the jurisdiction FOR YOU.
• The jurisdiction now handles the status of your application after receiving it.
• Receive your certified copy according to your chosen delivery method from the jurisdiction.

Online ordering is best if you need your birth certificate fast and want to handle it from home.

2. Mail-In Ordering

If you prefer ordering by mail, you have two options:

Using the Mail-In Form Generator: Use StateVitalRecords.org's birth certificate mail-in form generator to create your application. Print the form and mail it along with your payment (check or money order) to the appropriate vital statistics unit on the form.

You can also order by mail through the Texas Department of Public Health website.

Mail ordering takes longer, but it works if you prefer traditional mail or don't have online payment options.

3. In-Person Ordering

For immediate assistance, visit a vital records office in person:

• Locate a branch near you
• Bring an acceptable form of identification with a photo.
• Pay the processing fee using cash, check, money order, or credit card.
• Submit your application directly to the staff.

This option is best to resolve any questions about your birth record, or if you prefer face-to-face assistance.

Access to certified copies

For the first 75 years after a birth, those who can obtain a copy are:

• the person named on the birth certificate
• a parent
• a legal guardian
• a legal representative

This is to protect the privacy of personal records. Proof of relationship is always required when requesting a record for someone else during this time frame.

Accessing older records:

For records 75 years or older... Once a birth record is 75 years old, it becomes a public record. Anyone can request a certified copy without needing to prove a familial relationship.

For records less than 75 years old... The same restricted access rules apply as outlined above.

Who can order a birth certificate in Texas?

Qualified applicants include:

• The person themselves.
• Parent.
• Child.
• Spouse.
• Sibling.
• Grandparent.
• Legal guardian or legal representative (with legal documentation supporting the relationship).

If you're ordering for someone else, bring proof of your relationship and a notarized statement.

Cost and processing times

Texas Birth Certificate Costs:

• Ordering vital records online: $22 for the first copy; $25 for each additional copy.
• Transaction fees start at $14 and may vary depending on your chosen delivery method.
• In-person fees may differ slightly.

Processing times: Vary based on your selected delivery method. Online ordering typically offers faster processing than mail-in requests.

Payment methods

When ordering your certified copy, you can pay using:

• Credit card (online orders)
• Debit card (online orders)
• Check or money order (mail and in-person)
• Cash (in-person only)

Acceptable identification

When ordering in person or submitting mail requests, be prepared to provide acceptable forms of identification.

Applicants typically need to provide documents from a tiered list, usually Group A, Group B and sometimes Group C.

• Group A (Primary ID): You must present one primary document, such as:
• - A state-issued, Real ID-compliant driver's license or ID card.
• - A U.S. passport or passport card.
• A U.S. military ID card.

Group B and C (Secondary ID).

If you don't have a primary document, bring a combination of others, like:

• a Social Security card
• birth certificate
• voter registration card
• or utility bill.

You can look into more detailed information on acceptable identification here.

For Mail-in requests, the process is more stringent because a vital records clerk cannot physically inspect your ID.

• Notarized Sworn Statement: You must provide a notarized sworn statement of identity, along with photocopies of your identification
• ID Copies: You will need to make copies of the acceptable identification documents and submit them with your application.

For In-Person requests, a clerk will visually verify your photo identification at the time of your request.

Order your Texas certified copy of a birth certificate today

Order through StateVitalRecords.org for employment, education, legal needs, or a Texas state ID.

Choose the method that works best for you: online for speed, mail for convenience, or in person for immediate assistance. Get your vital records in hand quickly.

Contact the Texas Department of Public Health for questions about requirements or for more help.

Relevant Blogs

• Do you need a Birth Certificate to Get Married?
• How Do You Get Your Birth Certificate Online
• Can I get a California REAL ID without my Birth Certificate?