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Texas Vital Records

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The following is for informational purposes only

Table of Contents

What are Texas Vital Records?

Vital records in Texas are the official records of all births, deaths, marriages, and divorces in the state of Texas. The Texas Department of State Health Services, Vital Statistics Section has maintained these records since 1903. Vital records that occurred before 1903 may be available and recorded in the county clerk's office where the event occurred.

 

How Can I Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate in Texas?

The Texas Vital Statistics maintains birth records since 1903. The majority of birth records in Texas are available to the public after 75 years, given that the court order does not seal them. For a birth record less than 75 years old, only the following persons may obtain a copy:

  • The registrant.
  • The parents or legal guardians of the registrant.
  • The spouse of the registrant
  • The authorized agent of the registrant.

To request a copy of a Texas birth certificate, you must complete the Texas birth certificate application form. There is a $22 fee for the first certified copy ($10 fee for a non-certified copy) and $22 for every additional copy of the same record. Fees paid by check or money order should be payable to DSHS.

You will need to provide the following information on the application form:

  • The full name of the registrant.
  • The date of birth of the registrant.
  • The place of birth of the registrant.
  • The full name of the parents (maiden last name if applicable).

You will also need to provide a copy of your government-issued photo ID, such as:

  • State-issued driver's license.
  • Social security card.

You can obtain a Texas birth record online, by mail, or in person. Texas uses texas.gov for online orders. You can also use VitalChek services if you want to order online. VitalChek charges $29 - $40.95, not including the cost of shipping and handling.

You can also mail in your request for a Texas birth certificate by sending your completed application, along with a check or money order payable to DSHS in the correct amount, and a copy of your valid photo ID to:

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

You may also obtain a copy of a Texas birth certificate in person at the local offices or the Vital Statistics Headquarters office. The Austin office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. If you have any questions or concerns, you can call them at 888-963-7111.

 

How Can I Get a Copy of a Death Certificate in Texas?

The Texas Vital Statistics has maintained death records since 1903. Death records after 25 years are considered public information and are available to the public. For a death record less than 25 years old, only the following persons may obtain a copy:

  • The surviving spouse of the decedent.
  • An adult child of the decedent.
  • The parent or grandparent of the decedent.
  • The sibling of the decedent.
  • The funeral director of the deceased.
  • Anyone with a court order.

To request a copy of a Texas death certificate, you must complete the Texas death certificate application form. There is a $20 fee for the first certified copy ($20 fee for death verification) and $3 for every additional copy of the same record. Fees paid by check or money order should be payable to DSHS.

You will need to provide the following information on the application:

  • The full name of the person on the record.
  • The date of death.
  • The city or county of death.
  • The full name of the parents (maiden last name if applicable).

You will also need to provide a copy of your government-issued photo ID, such as:

  • State-issued driver's license.
  • Social security card.

You can obtain a Texas death record online, by mail, or in person. Texas uses texas.gov for online orders. You can also use VitalChek services if you want to order online. VitalChek charges $27 - $38.95, not including the cost of shipping and handling.

You can also mail in your request for a Texas death certificate by sending your completed application, along with a check or money order payable to DSHS in the correct amount, and a copy of your valid photo ID to:

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

You may also obtain a copy of a Texas death certificate in person at the local offices or the Vital Statistics Headquarters office. The Austin office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. If you have any questions or concerns, you can call them at 888-963-7111.

 

How Can I Get a Copy of a Marriage Record in Texas?

Certified copies of marriage records are not available from the Texas Vital Statistics Section. You can obtain certified marriage records in the county or district where the marriage was originally filed.

However, the DSHS maintains a marriage license index which you can use to acquire marriage license information. The index is not an official document, but it will help you locate records and verify information regarding the event. The Texas DSHS also provides marriage verification letters based on the information on the online index.

The marriage license index provides the following information:

  • The file number.
  • The full name and age of the husband.
  • The maiden name and age of the wife.
  • The date of marriage.
  • The location where the event took place.

The fee for search and verification of essential facts of marriage is $20 each. You can request a marriage verification online through texas.gov.

You can also mail in your marriage verification request along with a check or money order payable to DSHS in the correct amount, and a copy of your valid photo ID to:

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

You may also request a marriage verification in person at the local offices or the Vital Statistics Headquarters office. The Austin office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. If you have any questions or concerns, you can call them at 888-963-7111.

 

How Can I Get a Copy of a Divorce Record in Texas?

Certified copies of divorce records are not available from the Texas Vital Statistics Section. You can obtain certified divorce records in the county or district where the divorce was finalized.

However, the DSHS maintains a public index of divorces granted since 1968, which you can use to obtain divorce record information. This may not serve as an official document, but it will help you locate records and verify information regarding the event. The Texas DSHS also provides divorce verification letters based on the information on the online index.

The divorce record index provides the following information:

  • The full name of the parties involved.
  • The date or approximate date of the divorce.
  • The birth date of the registrants.
  • The case file number of the record.

The fee for searching and verifying essential divorce facts is $20 each. You can request a divorce verification online through texas.gov.

You can also mail in your divorce verification request along with a check or money order payable to DSHS in the correct amount, and a copy of your valid photo ID to:

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

You may also request a divorce verification in person at the local offices or the Vital Statistics Headquarters office. The Austin office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. If you have any questions or concerns, you can call them at 888-963-7111.

Helpful State Resources