Quick Answer: To get a Texas birth certificate, submit an application to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vital Statistics Unit. Certified copies cost $22 each. You can apply in person (same-day processing), by mail (6 to 8 weeks), or online through Texas.gov (20 to 25 business days). Mail applications must be notarized.
Key Takeaways
- Texas birth certificates cost $22 per certified copy; heirloom certificates cost $60.
- In-person applications at a DSHS regional office are processed the same day.
- Mail applications require notarization; online applications do not.
- For births within the past 75 years, only immediate family members or authorized representatives can order.
- Expedited processing is available for $25 additional for mail orders and reduces wait time to approximately 4 weeks.
- Military members with deployment orders and foster youth or homeless youth may qualify for free copies.
Who Can Get a Texas Birth Certificate?
Texas restricts access to birth records based on when the birth occurred.
Births within the past 75 years: Only the following people can order a certified copy:
- The registrant (the person named on the certificate), if 18 or older
- A parent listed on the certificate
- A legal guardian with documentation
- A sibling, spouse, child, or grandparent of the registrant
- A legal representative of the registrant or their estate (attorney, executor)
- Certain government agencies acting in an official capacity
Births 75 or more years ago: The record is considered historical and is available to any member of the public.
Court orders: Anyone with a court order establishing a direct tangible interest in the record can obtain a copy regardless of relationship.
If you do not qualify under these categories, you may need to obtain a court order or work through a licensed attorney.
How Much Does a Texas Birth Certificate Cost?
| Certificate Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard certified copy (long or short form) | $22 per copy |
| Heirloom certificate (decorative) | $60 |
| Additional copies ordered at the same time | $22 each |
| Expedited processing (mail orders only) | $25 additional |
Fees are non-refundable, including if no record is found. Payment can be made by check, money order, or credit card depending on how you apply. Do not send cash by mail.
Fee exemptions: Certain people may qualify to receive certified copies at no charge:
- Active-duty military members with deployment orders
- Veterans applying for benefits (one free copy)
- Foster youth and homeless youth (through an authorized agency)
How to Get a Texas Birth Certificate: Three Methods
Method 1: In Person (Fastest)
In-person requests are processed the same day at DSHS vital records regional offices. This is the best option if you need the certificate quickly.
Austin headquarters (walk-in accepted): Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756 Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Regional offices also accept walk-in requests in cities including Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, El Paso, and Lubbock. Find the full list at dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics.
What to bring:
- Completed application form (VS-140, available at the office or online)
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Payment ($22 per copy, cash or card accepted at most offices)
- Notarization is NOT required for in-person applications
Method 2: By Mail
Mail applications are the most common option for people who cannot visit in person.
Standard processing: 6 to 8 weeks Expedited processing: Approximately 4 weeks (add $25)
Mail to: DSHS Vital Statistics Unit P.O. Box 12040 Austin, TX 78711-2040
What to include:
- Completed and notarized VS-140 application form (notarization is mandatory for mail)
- Photocopy of your valid government-issued photo ID
- Check or money order payable to DSHS (do not send cash)
- $22 per copy, plus $25 if requesting expedited service
The VS-140 form is available on the DSHS website. A notary public must witness your signature on the form before you mail it. Notary fees in Texas are typically $6 per signature by law, though some providers charge more.
Method 3: Online
Online orders are placed through Texas.gov. The state uses VitalChek as its authorized online processor.
Processing time: 20 to 25 business days (no expedited option for online orders)
What you will need:
- Credit or debit card
- The registrant’s full name, date of birth, county of birth, and parents’ names
- Your own contact information and ID information
For online orders, notarization is not required. However, you will need to verify your identity electronically during the application process.
VitalChek adds a service fee (typically $7 to $12) on top of the state’s $22 fee.
Step-by-Step: How to Order by Mail
Step 1: Download and Complete Form VS-140
Get the current version of the Texas Application for Birth Certificate (VS-140) from dshs.texas.gov. Fill it out completely, including:
- Full name as it appears on the birth certificate
- Date of birth and county of birth
- Parents’ full names (including mother’s maiden name)
- Your relationship to the registrant
- Number of copies requested
Do not sign the form yet. You must sign it in front of a notary.
Step 2: Get the Form Notarized
Take the completed (but unsigned) VS-140 to a notary public. You will sign in front of the notary, who will then stamp and sign the form. Notaries are available at banks, UPS stores, law offices, and courthouses. In Texas, the statutory maximum notary fee is $6 per notarized signature.
Step 3: Gather Your ID Copy
Make a clear photocopy of your government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID card, or U.S. passport). The copy must be legible.
Step 4: Prepare Payment
Write a check or get a money order made out to DSHS. Include $22 per copy. If you want expedited service, add $25 (write on the envelope “EXPEDITED” in large letters).
Step 5: Mail Everything Together
Send the notarized VS-140, ID copy, and payment to the DSHS mailing address above. Use a trackable shipping method if you want to confirm delivery.
Step 6: Wait and Check Status
Standard mail: 6 to 8 weeks. Expedited mail: approximately 4 weeks. You can check your order status by calling DSHS at (512) 776-7111 during business hours.
Short Form vs. Long Form Birth Certificate
Texas issues both short-form and long-form certified birth certificates, both at the same $22 fee.
Long form (full certificate): Shows all information registered at birth, including parents’ names, place of birth, and in some cases birth weight and other details. This is usually required for passports, Social Security applications, and many legal purposes.
Short form (abstract): A shorter summary of the birth record. Accepted for some purposes, but not all. When in doubt, order the long form.
Heirloom certificate: A decorative, large-format version of the birth record printed on high-quality paper, suitable for framing. It has the same legal validity as a standard certified copy but costs $60. It is not suitable for mailing to agencies that need to keep the original.
Texas Certified Copy vs. Informational Copy
Unlike California, Texas does not issue a separate “informational copy” category. All certified copies issued by DSHS are legally valid documents. The restriction is at the ordering stage: if you are not an eligible requester, you cannot order a copy rather than receiving a lesser version.
What If You Were Born in Texas but Raised Elsewhere?
Your birth was registered in Texas regardless of where you grew up. All requests go to DSHS in Austin or your county vital records office. If the birth occurred in a specific Texas county, that county’s vital statistics office may also have the record, but DSHS maintains the statewide database.
Correcting or Amending a Texas Birth Certificate
If there is an error on your Texas birth certificate, you must file an amendment through DSHS.
- Minor clerical errors (spelling of a name): File a VS-170 form with supporting documentation such as medical records, Social Security records, or other official documents.
- Parentage changes: Require specific forms and supporting documentation. Contact DSHS at (512) 776-7111 for guidance.
- Name changes: After a legal name change (through a court order), file a VS-170 with the court order attached.
- Sex/gender changes: Texas has specific procedures; contact DSHS directly for current requirements.
Amendment fees vary by type. Processing typically takes 8 to 12 weeks. Once approved, DSHS issues a new certified copy with the amended information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a birth certificate in Texas?
Apply through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Vital Statistics Unit. In person at a DSHS regional office is the fastest option (same-day). By mail takes 6 to 8 weeks and requires a notarized VS-140 form. Online through Texas.gov takes 20 to 25 business days. Each certified copy costs $22.
How much does a Texas birth certificate cost?
A standard certified copy costs $22. An heirloom (decorative) certificate costs $60. Expedited mail processing adds $25. There is no additional fee for the long form vs. the short form.
How long does it take to get a birth certificate in Texas?
In person: same day. By mail (standard): 6 to 8 weeks. By mail (expedited, add $25): approximately 4 weeks. Online through Texas.gov: 20 to 25 business days.
Do I need a notary to get a Texas birth certificate?
Only for mail applications. You must have your VS-140 application notarized before mailing it. In-person and online applications do not require notarization.
Can anyone get a Texas birth certificate?
For births within the past 75 years, only the registrant and immediate family members (parents, siblings, spouse, children, grandparents) or their legal representatives can obtain certified copies. For births 75 or more years ago, the record is public and anyone can request it.
Can I get a Texas birth certificate online?
Yes, through Texas.gov using VitalChek. Processing takes 20 to 25 business days. No notarization is required for online orders. VitalChek adds a service fee to the state’s $22 fee.
What is the difference between a short-form and long-form Texas birth certificate?
Both are certified copies with the same legal validity and the same $22 fee. The long form includes all registered birth information including parents’ names. The short form is a summary. When applying for a passport or Social Security card, the long form is typically required.
What is an heirloom birth certificate in Texas?
An heirloom certificate is a decorative, large-format version of the birth record printed on high-quality paper and suitable for framing. It costs $60 and has the same legal validity as a standard certified copy, but is not practical for submitting to government agencies.
How do I get a free copy of my Texas birth certificate?
Active-duty military members with deployment orders, veterans applying for benefits (one copy), and foster or homeless youth through authorized agencies may receive free copies. Contact DSHS at (512) 776-7111 to confirm eligibility before applying.
How do I correct a mistake on a Texas birth certificate?
File a VS-170 Amendment of Certificate of Birth with DSHS, along with supporting documentation showing the correct information. Processing takes 8 to 12 weeks. Contact DSHS at (512) 776-7111 for guidance on which form and documents apply to your specific situation.
Summary
Getting a Texas birth certificate is straightforward if you qualify as an eligible requester. In-person visits to DSHS regional offices offer same-day service and are the fastest route. Mail applications require notarization but are the most common method for people outside major cities. Online ordering through Texas.gov is convenient but takes the longest.
Order two or three copies if you expect to use the certificate for multiple purposes, as some institutions keep originals and do not return them.
For guides on other states, see how to get a birth certificate in California and how to get a birth certificate in Florida.
Last updated: October 2026. Fees and processing times are subject to change. Always verify current information directly with the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit before submitting your application. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.