Obtaining a Birth Certificate in Texas

To request a birth certificate, you must be the person named on the certificate, his/her legal representative, or immediate family member. Contact Texas Immediate family members include the person’s child, parent/guardian, brother/sister, grandparent, Vital Statistics or spouse.

Have questions? Acceptable Identification Contact DSHS Vital Statistics You must present acceptable identification (ID)*. in Austin at: Most Common IDs* Most Common Foreign IDs* 1-888-963-7111 • Driver's License from a U.S. state • El Salvadoran consular certification [email protected] • Federal or state ID card • El Salvadoran Unique Identity Card (DUI) • Military ID card • Honduran consular certification • U.S. passport • Mexican voter registration card Order Online * Foreign IDs require additional ID. Details and full list of acceptable IDs below. For fastest, easiest service, Application and Payment order birth certificates online at: You must complete the application, with no cross outs, no white out, no correction tape, and sign the application in front of a notary. dshs.texas.gov/order Be sure to provide an accepted form of payment, typically a check or money order.

Full list of Acceptable Identification Group C – SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS If you do not have one from Group A or two from Group B, provide ONE (1) Vital Statistics accepts the following form(s) of identification: from GROUP B and TWO (2) from GROUP C: Provide ONE (1) from GROUP A; OR If you do not have one from Group A, provide TWO (2) from GROUP B; OR If you do not have one from Group A or two from Group B, provide ONE (1) from GROUP B and TWO (2) from GROUP C. • Recent utility bill or cell phone bill with current address • Recent paycheck stub Group A – PRIMARY ACCEPTABLE ID Group B – SECONDARY ID • Any Secondary Acceptable ID from Group B that is expired Please provide ONE (1) from GROUP A: If you do not have one from Group A, please provide TWO (2) from GROUP B: • Public assistance applications or letters • Driver's license from a U.S. state • Current student ID • Signed valid voter’s registration card • Federal or state ID • Any Primary Acceptable ID from Group A that is expired • Police report of stolen identification • Military ID • Signed Social Security card or Numident • Official school transcript • U.S. passport • DD Form 214 Certificate of Release • Bank account statement • License to Carry a Handgun • Medicaid or Medicare card • Social Security letter • Pilot's license • Veterans Affairs card • Marriage license or divorce decree • Law enforcement employment ID (federal, state, or city) • Medical insurance card • Certified birth certificate from a state other than Texas, District of • Offender ID issued by the Texas Dept. of Criminal Justice or an ID • Foreign passport accompanied by a visa issued by the U.S. Dept. of State Columbia, or other country from a federal or U.S. state correctional facility or institution • Foreign passport in accordance with the U.S. Dept. of State, Visa • Automobile insurance card or contract • Dept. of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Waiver Program • Lease agreement Services (USCIS) issued: • Loan or installment payment contract ▪ Employment Authorization Document (EAD) • Certified birth certificate from the U.S. Dept. of State (FS-240, DS-1350, or FS-545) • Promissory note or loan contract ▪ Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) ▪ Travel documents: • Private company employment ID • Court order - Re-entry permit • Form I-94, accompanied by the applicant's visa or vassport • Property title or lien - Refugee travel document • Mexican voter registration card • Automobile title or registration - Advance parole • Foreign ID with identifiable photo of applicant (including El • Library card ▪ SENTRI card Salvador consular certification, El Salvadoran Unique Identity Card • Fishing or hunting license [DUI], and Honduran consular certification) ▪ U.S. citizen ID • Recent medical record or bill • U.S. Dept. of State issued: • Religious record with signature of officiant ▪ Border Crossing Card (BCC) - B1 for business or pleasure or B2 medical • Recent rent receipt with address and name purposes • Federal, state, or local tax records ▪ Visa • U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security notice or correspondence