Ordering Birth Certificates by Mail

1. Obtain and complete an application for a certified copy of a birth certirficate.Copies of birth certificates for births that occurred within the past 75 years can be requested only by the immediate family of the person whose name is on the birth certificate.

See Section 181.1(13) of the Texas Administrative Code for what qualifies as an immediate family member. Applicants who are not immediate family members must provide legal documentation (such as a court order establishing guardianship) that demonstrates a direct, tangible interest in the birth certificate.

2. Send the completed application and payment using one of the methods listed in the table below.The applicant must include a photocopy of his or her valid photo ID issued by a governmental entity.

See Section 181.28 of the the Texas Administrative Code for a complete list of acceptable forms of identification.Applications for birth certificates cannot be processed without a photo ID or alternate IDs and the signature of the applicant.

Order methods
Instructions
Cost
Payment methods
Estimated processing time
In person Visit our office:
1100 W. 49th St.
Austin, TX 78756
Monday–Friday
8 am–5 pm		 $22–Certified copy

$60–Heirloom		 Cash

Check
Credit/Debit Card+

Money order		 5–30 minutes

Note: Some applications may require 24 hours or more to process.
Expedited Service


 Application–pdf(28K)
Orders must be sent to the Texas Department of State Health Services—Vital Statistics Unit via an overnight mail service, such as:

  • Fedex
  • Lonestar
  • UPS

Do not send via USPS Priority Mail.		 $22–Certified copy

$60–Heirloom

+ $5 expedited processing fee

+ $8 return delivery for Lonestar (within Texas) or Fedex (outside of Texas) or $19.95 for P.O. Box and express mail (optional)*

 Check
Money order		 10–15 business days

Note: Incomplete or unacceptable applications will require additional processing time.
U.S. Postal Service Application–pdf(28K) $22–Certified copy

$60–Heirloom

+ $8 return delivery for Lonestar (within Texas) or Fedex (outside of Texas) or $19.95 for P.O. Box and express mail (optional)*
 Check

Money order		 6–8 weeks

*Additional carrier rates for Saturday and international shipping will apply.
+Credit cards will require a $2.25 processing fee.


Last updated February 11, 2015