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Adopting a child is a significant and life-changing event, and navigating the legal processes involved can seem daunting. One crucial step in this journey is completing the Texas Adoption Papers form, which plays a vital role in amending a birth certificate to reflect the new adoptive family. This form outlines who is eligible to apply for corrections, including the adoptive parents, the individual named on the birth certificate if they are over 18, or their attorney. To ensure a smooth process, applicants must complete all sections of the form accurately and provide a valid photo ID. The form also requires a certified copy of the final decree of adoption, which confirms the legal relationship between the adoptive parents and the child. Additionally, the Texas Adoption Papers form includes important sections that collect information about the child prior to adoption and the new adoptive parents. It’s essential to understand the associated fees and processing times, as well as where to send the completed application. By carefully following the instructions and ensuring all required documentation is included, families can successfully navigate this important legal step toward welcoming a new member into their home.

Sample - Texas Adoption Papers Form

Amending a Birth Certificate

based on Adoption

Who Can Apply for a Correction?

•The person named on the birth certificate, if at least 18 years of age.

•Adoptive Parent(s) of the person named on the birth certificate.

•Attorney representing the adoptive parent(s) of the person named on the birth certificate.

•District clerks (district clerks do not need to complete sections 6 and 7).

How Do I Make a Correction?

☐Complete all sections and sign the Certificate of Adoption. See pages 3 and 4.

☐Section 5 on page 3 MUST be completed and certified by the clerk of the court.

☐The applicant must ATTACH A COPY OF THEIR VALID PHOTO ID. If the District clerk is submitting the application, the clerk needs to provide as a form of ID a cover letter on office letterhead referencing the adoptee(s).

☐The application must be original. Photocopies, alterations, strike-through, or write overs will not be

accepted.

☐Submit a certified copy (with original certification) of the final decree of adoption if section 5 is not complete or certified.

☐Submit the appropriate fees. See fee schedule below.

For Frequently Asked Questions, go to: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/vs/faq/#adopt

Where Do I Mail the Application?

Regular Mailing Instructions - Estimated processing time is 6-8 weeks.

See https://www.dshs.texas.gov/vs/processing/ for current times.

Please submit your application, supporting documents (if required) and fees to:

DSHS – Vital Statistics Section, P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040.

Expedited Service Mailing Instructions - Estimated processing time is 20-25 business days.

The order and $5.00 processing fee must be sent to the Vital Statistics Section via an overnight mail service such as: FedEx, Lone Star, or UPS.

Please submit your application, supporting documents (if required) and fees to:

DSHS-Vital Statistics Section, MC 2096, 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756.

•

FAILURE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION REQUESTED ON THIS FORM, MAY RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT

PROCESSING DELAYS AND/OR DENIAL OF YOUR APPLICATION.

•

Fees: How much must I submit?

 

Fee Schedule

 

 

Fee ($)

 

Qty (#)

 

Total ($)

 

Filing Fees:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O

Correction to Birth Certificate based on adoption

$25.00

 

 

 

=

$25.00

 

Birth Certificate(s):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O

Certified Corrected Birth Certificate ($22.00 per copy)

$22.00

 

X

 

=

 

 

Central Adoption Registry Fee:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O

Central Adoption Registry Fee (per adoption decree granted in Texas)

$15.00

 

 

 

=

$15.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For urgent requests, orders may be EXPEDITED by paying the below expedited processing fee AND sending the order through an overnight mail service, such as: FEDEX, LoneStar, or UPS to: DSHS-Vital Statistics Section, MC 2096, 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756.

O

Expedited processing Fee

$5.00

 

=

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All orders are returned free of charge by USPS regular mail. For expedited return mail service, select one of the overnight return shipping methods below.

O

Expedite Overnight Mail (shipping within USA)

$12.50

 

=

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O

USPS Express Overnight Mail (shipping overnight to PO Box ONLY)

$22.95

 

=

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grand Total

 

 

 

 

Fees may be combined in one check or money order made payable to DSHS – Vital Statistics

For the status of your request, contact VSS by telephone at 1-888-963-7111 or online at: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/orderstatus/.

Page 1 of 4

VS-160 (Rev. 3/22)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Once the application is approved, a new birth record will be filed with the adoption information.

Section 1: Birth Certificate Information

•The information completed in this section should show the child’s information prior to this adoption. This is required to locate the birth certificate our office will be amending.

•The child’s name, date of birth, sex, and place of birth are required.

•Parents’ names are required for Texas-born adoptions; parents’ names are not required for foreign-born adoptions.

Section 2: Information for New Birth Certificate

•This section must show the adoptive parents information. Do not list married name as maiden name.

•If this is a step-parent adoption, the biological parent’s information should also be included in this section. A step-parent adoption is NOT a single parent adoption.

•All items in this section are required. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Section 3: Parent’s Signature

•An adoptive parent’s signature is required. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Section 4: Attorney/Placing Agency Information

•Include the name, address and telephone number of the attorney of record.

•If applicable, include the child placing agency or managing conservator.

Section 5: Certification of the Court

•This section must be completed by the clerk of the court granting the adoption, including the new name of the child.

•If this section is not certified by the clerk of the court granting the adoption, then the applicant may complete this section and must submit a certified copy (with the original certification) of the final decree of adoption. The adoption decree must properly identify the birth record to be amended – including the child’s original name, date of birth and adoptive name. For foreign-born adoptions, the adoption decree must also include the country of birth.

Please note: All documents, both certified and photocopied, submitted will be retained by our office and placed in a sealed file. A court order is required to unseal a file. Parents should keep copies of certified documents for their records and future use before sending them.

Section 6: What is Your Name? (Applicant’s Information)

•This section must be completed with the applicant’s contact information and relationship to the person named on the birth certificate. District clerks do not need to complete this section.

•This section must include to whom our office will mail the newly filed birth certificate.

•A copy of the applicant’s valid photo ID must be included with the application.

Section 7: Would the applicant like to order a certified copy of the new birth record?

•The information completed in this section is used by our office to determine if a certified copy of the newly filed birth certificate reflecting the adoptive information is being ordered and the number of certified copies being ordered. District clerks do not need to complete this section.

•If a birth certificate is not ordered, this section does not need to be signed in the presence of a notary public, county clerk, or other person authorized to administer oaths.

•If a birth certificate is ordered, this section must be signed by the applicant in section 6: one of the adoptive parents, the adult adoptee, or attorney in the presence of a notary public, county clerk, or other person authorized to administer oaths. The application must include a photocopy of the valid photo ID for the person signing.

•The notary public’s signature, seal or stamp, and commission expiration date must be shown in this section.

Page 2 of 4

VS-160 (Rev. 3/22)

IMPORTANT: Photocopies, alterations, strike-through, or write overs in Section 1 through 7 will not be accepted. Please use a new application if you make a mistake. Copies of E-filed Certificates of Adoption will be accepted.

Certificate of Adoption

THIS IS A PERMANENT RECORD. Type or Print (blue or black ink ONLY). Remittance No.___________

Section 1: Birth Certificate Information

Enter information as it appears on the current birth certificate (before this adoption).

Birth Certificate Number, if known: 142 -

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Child’s First Name:

 

Middle Name:

 

Last Name:

Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY):

Sex:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time of Birth:

 

Name of Hospital/Facility:

 

 

City:

 

County:

State or Foreign Country:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full Maiden Name (First, Middle, Last) of Parent 1:

 

Full Maiden Name (First, Middle, Last) of Parent 2:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 2: Information for New Birth Certificate

All information below MUST be provided or a new birth certificate cannot be completed.

 

 

Is this a Single Parent Adoption? ☐ Yes

☐ No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent 1

 

Title to Appear on Birth Record (check one):

Mother

Father

Parent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adoptive

 

First Name:

 

Middle Name:

 

 

Current Last Name:

 

 

Maiden Last Name(s) before marriage:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Biological

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY):

 

 

 

 

Place of Birth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(State or Foreign Country):

 

 

 

 

 

Parent 2

 

Title to Appear on Birth Record (check one):

Mother

Father

Parent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adoptive

 

First Name:

 

Middle Name:

 

 

Current Last Name:

 

 

Maiden Last Name(s) before marriage:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Biological

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY):

 

 

 

 

Place of Birth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(State or Foreign Country):

 

 

 

 

 

Parent(s) Address

Street Address

 

City

County

 

State

Zip

 

Inside City Limits:

 

 

 

at the time of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes No

 

 

 

child’s birth:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent(s) Current

Street Address

 

City

County

 

State

Zip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent(s) Email Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent(s) Phone No.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(

 

)

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 3: Parent’s Signature

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent’s Signature (REQUIRED):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 4: Attorney/Placing Agency Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name of Attorney of Record:

 

 

 

 

 

Attorney’s Email Address:

 

 

 

 

 

Attorney’s

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Information:

Mailing Address (Street address, City, State, Zip):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phone No.:

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Placing

Name of Child Placing Agency or Managing Conservator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agency or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Managing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mailing Address (Street address, City, State, Zip):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phone No.:

 

 

 

 

 

Conservator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(

)

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 5: Certification of the Court

Please complete the child’s name as set forth in the Decree of Adoption.

Name of the child as set forth in the Adoption Decree:

First

Middle

Last

I hereby certify that the above information is correct as stated in the Decree of Adoption which was granted on _______________

day of ________________________,___________ in the _________________ Court of ________________ County, Texas in

Cause #__________________________.

________________________________________________

[Stamp or Seal]

 

District Clerk’s Signature

 

WARNING: The Penalty for knowingly making a false statement in this form can be 2-10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. (Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 195).

Page 3 of 4

VS-160 (Rev. 3/22)

Section 6: What is Your Name? (Applicant’s Information)

Name (First, Middle, Last):

Address (Mailing Address, City, State, Zip):

Email Address:

Telephone # (8am-5pm):

(

)

-

 

Your relationship to Person named on the birth certificate: ☐ Adoptive Parent ☐ Self ☐ Attorney representing Adoptive Parent(s)

>>>>>>>A COPY OF THE APPLICANT’S VALID PHOTO ID MUST BE ATTACHED<<<<<<<

Section 7: Would the applicant like to order a certified copy of the new birth record?

Check one:

 

No, I would not like a certified copy of the new birth record.

 

Yes, I would like a certified copy of the new birth record.

Number ordered: ________

If Yes, verify the fees and quantity ordered in the fee box on Page 1 and mailing address in Section 6. Sign below in the presence of a notary public and ATTACH a copy of your valid Photo ID. Applications without acceptable valid ID attached will not be processed. Cross-outs or white-outs will VOID your application.

WARNING: The Penalty for knowingly making a false statement in this form can be 2-10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. (Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 195).

Adoptive Parent, Adult Adoptee, or Attorney

>>>>>ATTACH A COPY OF YOUR VALID PHOTO ID<<<<<

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Printed Name:

 

 

Signature:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

City:

State:

 

Zip:

 

 

 

 

 

Notary Public, County Clerk, or other person authorized to administer oaths

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sworn to and subscribed before me, this ______ day of ____________ 20______.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Stamp or Seal]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Printed name and title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 4 of 4

VS-160 (Rev. 3/22)
Click for PDF

Form Information

Fact Name Description
Eligibility to Apply Individuals who can apply for a correction include the person named on the birth certificate (if 18 or older), adoptive parents, their attorney, or district clerks.
Application Requirements The application must be original. Photocopies or altered documents will not be accepted.
Certification Necessity Section 5 must be completed and certified by the court clerk. If not, a certified copy of the final decree of adoption is required.
Photo ID Requirement Applicants must attach a copy of their valid photo ID. This applies to all applicants, including district clerks.
Mailing Instructions Applications can be sent via regular or expedited mail. Regular processing takes 6-8 weeks, while expedited service takes 20-25 business days.
Fee Structure The filing fee for a correction is $25. Additional fees apply for certified copies and expedited services.
Governing Law The process is governed by the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 195.
Final Documentation Once approved, a new birth record will be filed reflecting the adoption information.

Detailed Guide for Filling Out Texas Adoption Papers

After completing the Texas Adoption Papers form, you will need to submit it along with any required documents and fees. This process will lead to the amendment of the birth certificate to reflect the adoption information.

  1. Gather all necessary documents, including a certified copy of the final decree of adoption if needed.
  2. Fill out Section 1 with the child’s information as it appears on the current birth certificate.
  3. Complete Section 2 with the adoptive parents' information. Ensure all items are filled out.
  4. Sign Section 3 as an adoptive parent. This signature is mandatory.
  5. Provide information in Section 4 about the attorney or placing agency, if applicable.
  6. Have Section 5 certified by the clerk of the court granting the adoption.
  7. Complete Section 6 with the applicant’s contact information and relationship to the child.
  8. Decide if you want a certified copy of the new birth record in Section 7 and indicate the number of copies needed.
  9. Attach a copy of the applicant’s valid photo ID to the application.
  10. Check that all sections are complete and there are no errors or alterations.
  11. Submit the original application, supporting documents, and fees to the appropriate address based on your mailing choice.

Obtain Answers on Texas Adoption Papers

  1. Who can apply for a correction to a birth certificate based on adoption?

    Several individuals are eligible to apply for a correction to a birth certificate due to adoption. These include:

    • The person named on the birth certificate, provided they are at least 18 years old.
    • Adoptive parent(s) of the individual named on the birth certificate.
    • An attorney representing the adoptive parent(s).
    • District clerks, who are exempt from completing certain sections of the application.

  2. What steps must I take to make a correction?

    To make a correction to a birth certificate based on adoption, follow these steps:

    • Complete all sections of the Certificate of Adoption form.
    • Ensure Section 5 is certified by the clerk of the court.
    • Attach a copy of your valid photo ID.
    • Submit an original application—photocopies or altered documents will not be accepted.
    • If Section 5 is not completed, include a certified copy of the final decree of adoption.
    • Pay the required fees as outlined in the fee schedule.

  3. Where should I mail the application?

    There are two mailing options depending on the desired processing speed:

    • Regular Mailing: Send your application to DSHS – Vital Statistics Section, P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040. Processing time is estimated at 6-8 weeks.
    • Expedited Service: For faster processing (20-25 business days), send your application via an overnight mail service to DSHS-Vital Statistics Section, MC 2096, 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756.

  4. What are the fees associated with the application?

    The fees for amending a birth certificate based on adoption include:

    • $25.00 for the correction to the birth certificate.
    • $22.00 for each certified corrected birth certificate.
    • $15.00 for the Central Adoption Registry fee.
    • $5.00 for expedited processing, if applicable.

    All fees can be combined in a single check or money order made payable to DSHS – Vital Statistics.

  5. What information is required in Section 1 of the application?

    Section 1 requires information from the current birth certificate prior to adoption. You must provide:

    • Child’s name, date of birth, sex, and place of birth.
    • Parents’ names for Texas-born adoptions (not required for foreign-born adoptions).

  6. What should be included in Section 2 of the application?

    Section 2 must include the adoptive parents' information. Key points to remember include:

    • Do not list a married name as a maiden name.
    • For step-parent adoptions, include the biological parent's information.
    • All items in this section are mandatory; incomplete applications will be rejected.

  7. Is a signature required in Section 3?

    Yes, an adoptive parent's signature is mandatory in Section 3. If this section is not signed, the application will not be processed.

  8. What is required in Section 5, Certification of the Court?

    This section must be completed by the clerk of the court that granted the adoption. It should include:

    • The child's name as stated in the Decree of Adoption.
    • A certification stamp or seal from the district clerk.
    • If not certified, a certified copy of the final decree of adoption must be submitted.

  9. What happens to the documents I submit?

    All documents submitted, whether certified or photocopied, will be retained by the Vital Statistics office and placed in a sealed file. A court order is necessary to unseal this file. It is advisable for parents to keep copies of all certified documents for their records before submission.

  10. What should I do if I make a mistake on the application?

    If an error occurs while completing the application, do not attempt to correct it with cross-outs or white-outs. Instead, use a new application form to ensure that your submission is valid.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Texas Adoption Papers form can be a straightforward process, but many people make common mistakes that can lead to delays or even denials. One significant error is failing to complete all required sections. Each section of the form has specific information that must be filled out. If you leave any section incomplete, the application will not be processed. This includes providing the necessary details about the child, adoptive parents, and any relevant legal representatives. It’s essential to double-check that every required field is filled in before submitting the application.

Another frequent oversight involves the submission of the wrong type of identification. The application requires a copy of a valid photo ID to be attached. Many applicants mistakenly think that a photocopy of a document will suffice, but this is not the case. The ID must be current and clearly legible. If the District clerk is submitting the application, a cover letter on official letterhead is necessary. Without the correct identification, the application cannot proceed, which adds unnecessary delays to the adoption process.

Additionally, some applicants overlook the importance of submitting original documents. The instructions clearly state that the application must be original. Photocopies, alterations, or strike-throughs in any section will lead to rejection. This means that if you make a mistake, you should not attempt to correct it on the form; instead, start fresh with a new application. Keeping this in mind can save you time and frustration.

Lastly, many people fail to include the appropriate fees when submitting their application. Each fee is clearly outlined in the fee schedule, and it's crucial to ensure that the correct amount is submitted. Incomplete or incorrect fee payments can halt the processing of your application. Always check the total amount and make sure to combine fees in one check or money order made payable to DSHS – Vital Statistics. Being diligent about these details can help facilitate a smoother adoption process.

Documents used along the form

When navigating the adoption process in Texas, several forms and documents are essential alongside the Texas Adoption Papers. Each of these documents serves a specific purpose in ensuring that the adoption is legally recognized and that all necessary information is accurately recorded. Below is a list of key documents that are often used in conjunction with the Texas Adoption Papers.

  • Final Decree of Adoption: This is the official court order that finalizes the adoption. It outlines the names of the adoptive parents and the child, and it serves as the legal basis for amending the birth certificate.
  • Certificate of Adoption: This document is issued by the court and confirms that the adoption has been completed. It is crucial for obtaining a new birth certificate and may need to be submitted along with the application for the amendment.
  • Birth Certificate: The original birth certificate of the child is required for the adoption process. It provides essential details that must be amended to reflect the child’s new name and the names of the adoptive parents.
  • Application for a Certified Copy of Birth Certificate: If the adoptive parents wish to obtain a certified copy of the new birth certificate, they must complete this application, specifying the details needed for the issuance of the document.
  • Photo ID: A valid photo identification is required for the applicant submitting the adoption papers. This helps verify the identity of the individuals involved in the adoption process.
  • Central Adoption Registry Application: This form registers the adoption with the state’s Central Adoption Registry. It is important for maintaining accurate records and may be required for future inquiries about the adoption.
  • Consent Forms: In some cases, consent forms from biological parents or other parties may be necessary, especially in cases of step-parent adoptions or when the biological parents are involved in the adoption process.

Each of these documents plays a vital role in the adoption process, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and that the adoption is recognized by the state. Properly completing and submitting these forms can facilitate a smoother transition for the adoptive family and the child.

Similar forms

  • Birth Certificate Amendment Application: Similar to the Texas Adoption Papers, this document is used to amend a birth certificate when there are changes in personal information, such as a name change or correction of details. Both require specific information about the individual and supporting documents to validate the request.
  • Change of Name Petition: A Change of Name Petition is filed when an individual wishes to legally change their name. Like the adoption papers, this petition requires personal information and often needs to be filed with a court. Both documents may require a hearing or certification from a court clerk.
  • Custody Modification Forms: These forms are used to modify existing custody agreements. They share similarities with the Texas Adoption Papers in that they require detailed information about the child and parents, and they must be submitted to a court for approval. Both processes aim to ensure the child's best interests are prioritized.
  • Legal Guardianship Documents: Legal guardianship papers establish a guardian for a minor. These documents, like the adoption papers, involve court approval and require comprehensive information about the child and the proposed guardian. Both processes aim to provide stability and care for the child in question.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Texas Adoption Papers form, keep these important do's and don'ts in mind:

  • Do complete all sections of the form accurately.
  • Do attach a copy of your valid photo ID.
  • Do ensure the application is original; photocopies will not be accepted.
  • Do submit the required fees as outlined in the fee schedule.
  • Do have the clerk of the court certify Section 5, if applicable.
  • Don't make any alterations or use white-out on the form.
  • Don't forget to sign the application in the presence of a notary if required.

Following these guidelines will help you avoid processing delays and ensure your application is handled smoothly.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about the Texas Adoption Papers form can lead to confusion and delays in the adoption process. Here are nine common misconceptions, along with clarifications to help you navigate the requirements more smoothly.

  • Only biological parents can amend a birth certificate. This is not true. Adoptive parents, adult adoptees, and attorneys representing adoptive parents can also apply for corrections.
  • The application can be submitted without a photo ID. A valid photo ID is mandatory. This requirement ensures that the identity of the applicant is verified.
  • Photocopies of the application are acceptable. The application must be original. Photocopies or altered documents will not be processed.
  • All sections of the form must be completed by the adoptive parents. Not all sections require completion by adoptive parents. For instance, district clerks do not need to fill out certain sections.
  • The application can be submitted at any time. While you can submit the application whenever you’re ready, processing times can vary significantly. Regular processing can take 6-8 weeks, while expedited service is faster but comes with additional fees.
  • Fees are optional. Fees are not optional. Each application requires specific fees to be submitted, or it may be denied. Make sure to check the fee schedule carefully.
  • Any notary can certify the application. The application must be signed in the presence of a notary public or another authorized person. This step is crucial for the application to be valid.
  • Foreign-born adoptions have the same requirements as domestic ones. This is a misconception. Foreign-born adoptions have additional requirements, such as including the country of birth in the adoption decree.
  • Once submitted, the documents cannot be retrieved. While documents submitted will be retained in a sealed file, parents should keep copies of certified documents for their records before sending them in.

Understanding these misconceptions can help ensure a smoother experience when dealing with the Texas Adoption Papers form. Make sure to follow the guidelines closely to avoid unnecessary delays.

Key takeaways

  • Eligibility: Only specific individuals can apply for a correction to a birth certificate based on adoption, including the person named on the certificate if they are at least 18, adoptive parents, or their attorney.
  • Completion Requirements: All sections of the Certificate of Adoption must be completed and signed. Section 5 must be certified by the court clerk.
  • Identification: A valid photo ID must be attached to the application. If a district clerk submits the application, a cover letter on office letterhead is required instead of a photo ID.
  • Original Documents: The application must be original. Photocopies or alterations will not be accepted.
  • Submission of Fees: Appropriate fees must be submitted as per the fee schedule provided. Failure to pay the correct amount may delay processing.
  • Mailing Instructions: Applications can be mailed for regular or expedited processing. Regular processing takes 6-8 weeks, while expedited service takes 20-25 business days.
  • Information Accuracy: All information provided must be accurate. Incomplete applications will not be processed, leading to potential delays.
  • Retaining Copies: All submitted documents will be retained by the office. It is advised to keep copies of certified documents for personal records.
  • Signature Requirements: The applicant's signature is mandatory. If ordering a certified copy, the application must be signed in the presence of a notary.