Order a Copy Online

• 1). Determine whether you are qualified to request an online copy of a birth certificate.
  
  
• 2). Establish your state of legal residence. If you are a current resident of the state of Texas, you can access the online government system to submit a request for your birth certificate or for any members of your immediate family. If you live elsewhere, you can request your own records or those of your child, provided you are listed on the birth certificate.
  
  
• 3). Verify that you are in possession of a valid form of government-issued photo identification, such as a driver license or military ID.
  
  
• 4). Ensure the birth certificate is being mailed to a U.S. address. This includes postal service to U.S. commonwealth territories and APO/FPO military mailing address.
  
  
• 5). Make certain you have a current major credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover).
  
  
• 6). Go to Texas Online (see Resources) to make your request, if you meet all of the criteria outlined above. At the website, you will be asked for basic information about the birth certificate and for verification of all of the above information.
  
  
• 7). Pay the fee ($22 as of early 2009) for a certified copy of the birth certificate.
  
  

Other Ordering Methods

• 1). Acquire an application for a certified copy of a birth record. This form is available over the Internet via the Texas Department of Health Services, or it can be picked up at or mailed to you from the Texas Office of Vital Statistics at the Texas Department of Health Services; PO Box 12040; Austin, TX 78711.
  
  
• 2). Provide legal paperwork demonstrating a relationship to the person in question or establishing guardianship if the desired birth certificate is not for a family member. Birth certificates are considered protected records, so you must establish your right to have access to them.
  
  
• 3). Fill out the application and take it, with any supporting documents, to the Office of Vital Statistics in Austin. Alternatively, applications may be submitted by fax or sent through regular mail.
  
  
• 4). Include a photocopy of a government-issued form of identification, such as a driver's license, passport, military ID, student ID or government employee work badge. If you are not in possession of current photo identification, include copies of two different documents bearing your name such as your Social Security card and a utility bill or bank statement.
  
  
• 5). Submit payment ($22 as of early 2009) for standard return service. Expedited service is available for an additional $5. Orders sent through the mail or via fax are also subject to an additional $8 handling fee plus shipping charges of $8 for UPS or $17.50 for express service.