The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is the state agency responsible for issuing birth certificates. The DSHS Vital Statistics Unit handles requests for certified copies of birth certificates and, in some cases, will issue them over the phone.
The DSHS Vital Statistics Unit can assist you with requests for a certified copy of a birth certificate if you are an immediate family member or legal guardian of the person named on the certificate. Immediate family includes parents, grandparents and siblings. Legal guardians include those appointed by a court or by law to act on behalf of a minor child.
If you are not an immediate family member or legal guardian, you must submit your request through an attorney or another third-party representative who has power of attorney or court order allowing them to act on behalf of the person named on the certificate.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Birth Certificate in Texas?
The state of Texas has a standard processing time of 10 to 15 business days. However, if you are applying through the mail or by fax and there are any issues with your application, it may take longer than 15 days to process. For example, if you don’t have proper identification or documentation to prove your relationship to the person named on the certificate, it could result in additional delays.
It’s also important to note that if you are applying for a birth certificate in Texas and have changed your name since the time of your birth, you may still need to provide proof of legal name change. The state will not accept a marriage certificate or divorce decree as acceptable proof of name change, so you will need to bring in an official court order showing how your name was legally changed.
What About Same Day Birth Certificate Services in Texas?
There are private companies that offer same day birth certificate services in Texas. These companies will charge you a fee for their service, but it can be well worth it if you are in a hurry and need a copy of birth certificate Texas same day. You can go to one of these companies in person, or you can order your copy of birth certificate Texas same day online and have it delivered right to your door.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a copy of birth certificate Texas same day, it is important to know what you need to provide with your application. If you have already changed your name and want to update your birth certificate, then bring in an official court order showing how your name was legally changed.
