Texas Birth Records

Texas birth records are official documents serving as official proof of a person's identity, age, and citizenship. In 1903, Texas mandated the recording of births, resulting in a state-wide record keeping of all births reported. Recent data shows that Texas has a birth rate of 61.92 births per 1,000 women, a total of 389,741 births per annum.

Texas offers several forms of birth certificates, each serving different purposes. The "long-form" birth certificate is a comprehensive certified copy of the original birth record, detailing information such as the names at birth, date and time of birth, place of birth, gender, parents' full names and place of birth, and the attendant's name and signature. The "long-form" birth certificates, also known as the official birth certificate, are often required to obtain a U.S. passport, driver's license, or establish dual citizenship.

The "short-form" birth certificates, known as certified abstracts, provide a summarized version of the birth record. It contains only essential information such as the registrant's name, date and place of birth, gender, and parent's name. The short form is less detailed and commonly used for school registration, employment requirements, and insurance purposes.

Heirloom birth certificates are official decorative, keepsake versions of a birth certificate designed for framing and display. It contains similar information as the short-form birth certificate. Texas law legally equates the heirloom birth certificate to other certified copies of birth records.

How To Order a Texas Birth Certificate?

The Texas Department of State Human and Health Services (DSHS) Vital Statistics Section maintains birth records. You may order a Texas birth certificate from 1903 to the present by completing the Application for Birth Record form. Include your driver's license or other valid form of identification with your application. The complete application may be submitted by mail to the Texas DSHS. Send your application to the VSS at:

Expedited processing may be sent through an overnight mail service to:

You may also send your request in person to your local vital records offices in the county or city where the birth occurred. County Clerk's offices also maintain birth records for individuals born within their respective countries. However, the availability may be limited as record-keeping practices differed per county before the statewide standardization in 1903. Similarly, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) provides access to older birth records.

It costs $22 to order a certified copy of the long and short-form birth certificate, while heirloom copies cost $60. In addition, there is a $16 to $22.95 charge for expedited processing, depending on the shipping method. The cost of obtaining certified copies of birth records at the county level is $23.

Are Birth Records Public in Texas?

In Texas, birth records are generally closed to the public to protect individual privacy. Birth records are considered confidential information for the first 75 years after filing and are publicly unavailable. During this period. access to certified copies is restricted to qualified persons. The state restricts public access to birth records to protect personal information. After 75 years, birth records become public records and are accessible to the public.

Who Can Order A Birth Certificate in Texas?

Access to birth records is generally not public and exempt from disclosure per Section 552.115 of the Texas Code. However, some individuals are eligible to view and obtain copies of Texas birth records, including:

• The person named on the birth certificate
• Their immediate family members, such as parents, siblings, spouse, and grandparents
• Legal representatives with proper documentation
• Legal guardian, with proof of guardianship
• Persons with verifiable interest, usually based on a court order

How Long Does it Take to Get A Texas Birth Certificate?

Texas DSHS processes birth records within 25 to 30 business days for standard mail requests. While the state does offer birth certificate requests made using overnight mail applications with expedited fees, it does not provide the timeframe it takes to receive the birth record using this service. However, the state prioritizes expedited requests, taking less time to process the record request than the standard processing.

Where Can I Find Texas Birth Records Free?

Obtaining official Texas birth records without proper authorization can be difficult, especially if you are not eligible. However, there are alternate ways to look up birth records for free for informational purposes. These sources include:

• National Archives: The National Vital Records Archives maintains a wide collection of historical records, including birth records. The database serves as a starting point for older record searches.
• The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS): The DSHS oversees vital records in Texas and provides free access to birth records older than 75 years.
• Genealogy Websites: Platforms such as Familysearch.org and Ancestry.comoffer access to various genealogical records, including birth records. These sites may sometimes offer free access periods.
• Third-party Websites: Third-party websites, such as Publicrecords.us,aggregate public records from various sources. These platforms offer basic information on birth records.

When Would I Need My Texas Birth Records?

Birth records are official records proving your identity, age, and citizenship. In Texas, you may need your birth certificate in various situations, including:

• Applying for a marriage license
• Applying for a driver's license
• Obtaining a passport
• Confirm eligibility for employment and complete tax documentation
• Process applications for social benefits or issue a Social Security card
• Verify your age during the enrollment process in school
• Proof of your identity in various legal or personal matters

How Much is A Replacement Birth Certificate in Texas?

If your birth certificate is lost, damaged, stolen, or contains outdated information, you will need a replacement birth certificate. Getting a replacement birth certificate follows the same procedure as obtaining the initial birth record. Fill out the Application for Birth Record form and provide valid identification. Pay the $22 fee and submit the completed application package to the Texas DSHS VSS.

Generally, you may need to replace your birth record to verify employment eligibility, enroll in school, access government benefits, or obtain legal identifications, such as a driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID.

When Can the Public Access Texas Birth Certificates?

Birth certificates are considered confidential for the first 75 years after birth. During this period, the state restricts access to birth records to qualified individuals. After 75 years, birth records become public information and accessible to the general public.

How To Correct an Error on a Texas Birth Certificate?

Correcting errors on a Texas birth certificate is essential to ensure the accuracy of these vital records. In Texas, you may correct your birth certificate under the following circumstances:

• Correct a hospital error or omission
• Add or correct a child's first or middle name
• Correct spelling of a child's last name
• Correct the date, place, or time of birth
• Correct the child's gender
• Correct the parent's information
• Change legal name
• Add or replace a parent

The Texas DSHS oversees the process of correcting birth records. Generally, only the person named on the birth certificate, a parent listed on the birth certificate, or legal guardian or representatives may correct errors on birth records. To correct the birth record, eligible persons may complete and notarize the Correcting a Birth Certificate form. Gather all supporting documents, such as medical records for correcting sex designation, to support correcting the birth record and include a valid ID. Pay the applicable fees. The fee varies depending on the type of correction. Generally, it ranges between $15 and $25, with an additional $5 for expedited processing. Mail the completed form to the Texas DSHS Vital Statistic Section.

Does Texas Provide Non-binary Birth Certificates?

No. Texas does not issue non-binary or gender-neutral birth certificates. Historically, individuals could amend the gender marker on their birth certificate through a court order. However, in August 2024, the state removed the option to correct the birth-assigned sex based on medical or surgical changes.