by Many societies use birth records to track population growth, plan health policies and track genealogical history. This all prove the importance of birth records. The ways on how to find birth records might not be common knowledge to a lot of people though. The question on how to find birth records in Texas have answers in this article.
Texas is a state with a population around 29 million and is located in the south central part of the United States. Statewide registration of birth began in 1903.
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Birth Records in Texas
There are counties and towns that began birth registrations in Texas as early as 1873. One source of these records is Texas Birth (1840 – 1981). Delayed birth records which are known as ‘probate births’ are also available in Texas at the Texas State Library and Archives. There is also a list of counties found in Texas from here.
Basic information that you can find in birth records in Texas involve:
- Child’s name
- Child’s birth date
- Child’s gender
- Place of birth
- Names of parents
Birth Records Restrictions in Texas
Birth records that are less than 75 years falls under the confidential category and can be obtained by a few people in Texas. The following individuals are permitted to get certified copies of these birth records:
- The person on the birth certificate
- The parent of the person on the birth certificate
- A close family member (individuals related either by blood, marriage, or adoption who can be a child, parent/guardian, spouse, grandparent, grandchild, or brother/sister)
- The legal guardian of the person on the birth certificate
- Anyone who has legal interest in the birth certificate
If the applicant is the person on the certificate, then they are required to produce enough documentary proof that they have a legitimate claim to the records.
The state of Texas offers two forms of birth records which are birth certificates and birth verification letters, depending on what you want to use the records for.
Birth Certificates
Applicants who are looking to obtain a certified copy of a birth certificate in Texas must be someone who lives in the state. Those applicants who live outside of Texas can get the birth certificate copy only if they are the record owner or parents of the record owner. Online applicants are expected to provide their identification and confirm it with the following:
- Social Security Number
- Driver’s license or ID number that is state issued
- Proof of relationship to the individual named on the record
An applicant is also required to provide additional information such as:
- The first and last name of the person listed on the record
- The gender of the person named on the record
- The city and/or county where the birth occurred
- The first and last name of the father listed on the record
- The first and maiden name of the mother listed on the record
Birth Verifications
For birth verifications, applicants are expected to provide the following details plus the necessary fees to be afforded a birth verification online:
- The first and last name of the person listed on the record
- The gender of the person named on the record
- The date of birth indicated on the record
- The city/or county where the birth occurred
How to Get Birth Records in Texas
Birth records are managed and issued by the Vital Statistics Section (VSS) of the Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Applicants can access birth records through mail or in person in Texas. Requesting birth records in person is faster and can be the option to go for if the records are urgently needed. Mail orders can be expedited but that comes at an extra cost.
Mail Birth Records Requests in Texas
Birth records orders by mail in Texas can be obtained by following the following steps:
- Download and fill in the Mail Application for Birth Record(white-outs, cross-outs, or correction tape)
- Sign the application in front of a legal official and obtain a notary seal
- Include a copy of an acceptable identification
- Include a check or money order addressed to DSHS Vital Statistics.
These requirements only apply to those applicants who are looking to obtain a copy of a birth certificate. Birth verification letter require the following information:
- The full name of the individual listed on the birth record
- Their date of birth
- Their place of birth
These applications can be forwarded to:
Texas Vital Statistics
Department of State Health Services
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040
In Person Birth Requests in Texas
For in person applications, applicants need to first fill in the Mail Application for Birth Record form then submit it to the local offices in the county, city or district where the birth took place. In person applications require applicants to present the original copy of their photo identification document in place of a photocopy. They are expected to also provide the necessary fees.
Applicants can submit their applications in person at:
- Vital Statistics Section
Texas Department of State Health Services
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756-3199 - The County Clerk’ Offices(For Foster or Homeless Youth)
- Texas Department of Family and Protective Services(DFPS)
- 701 West 51st Street
Austin, TX 78751
These ideas on how to find birth records in Texas are meant to make the process of locating birth records in the state a simple task. Try them to find out if they serve their purpose.
