Texas Vital Records

Vital records document life events such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce. To order records online, you’ll need to have a valid ID, complete an online application, and pay a fee.  

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Order a birth certificate for your REAL ID driver license or ID card

You can use a copy of your birth certificate to verify your identity when getting a REAL ID.

Learn more about REAL ID requirements

Find vital record services and information

Our state agencies can help you get the vital records you need.

Vital record request and change permissions

Only you, your immediate family members, and certain individuals with legal authority can request your vital records. 

Get copies or change a record

Birth certificates

A birth certificate is a certified copy of a birth record. Order a copy by: Providing valid identification, Filling out an application, and Paying a fee.

Order birth certificates online

Death certificates

Order a copy of a death certificate by providing a valid ID, filling out an application online, by mail or in-person, and paying a fee.

Order death certificates online

Verification letters

A verification letter indicates if a birth or death is on file in Texas. The record, if available, will include the name, date of birth or death, and county of birth or death.

Order birth or death verification letters

ID requirements

Many forms of ID qualify for ordering vital records.  

See the valid ID list

Payments

Payment methods vary based on order request (online, by mail or in-person). Acceptable forms of payment include: Check or cashier's check, Money order, and Credit or debit card.

Learn how to order certificates

Record changes

Asking to correct or change a record requires certain documentation.  

Learn how to correct a vital record

Delayed birth certificate registration

If a birth happened in Texas and it wasn’t registered within the first year, you can ask for a delayed birth certificate.  

Register a delayed birth certificate

For upcoming elections, a birth certificate may grant an Election Identification Certificate (EIC)

If you don’t have an approved photo ID, you can bring an original, certified birth certificate to the polls in order to cast a regular ballot in any election.

Learn how to request a certified birth certificate for voting purposes

Learn how our agencies can help you

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)

  • Birth and death certificates and verifications
  • Marriage and divorce verifications
  • Disinterment permits and heirloom certificates