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Blank Texas Certificate Birth Form

The Texas Certificate Birth form is a document used to request corrections to a birth certificate. Individuals eligible to apply include the person named on the certificate, their parents, legal guardians, or representatives. This form outlines the necessary steps and documentation required for making corrections to ensure accurate records.

Outline

The Texas Certificate Birth form is a crucial document for individuals seeking to correct information on a birth certificate. It is specifically designed for various scenarios, such as correcting errors made by hospitals, adding or removing parent names, and changing a child's name or sex. The form outlines who is eligible to apply, including the individual named on the certificate, their parents if they are minors, legal guardians, and representatives from the hospital where the birth occurred. To initiate a correction, applicants must complete specific sections of the form, provide necessary documentation, and submit the appropriate fees. Importantly, all signatures must be notarized, and the application must be an original copy—no alterations or photocopies will be accepted. Processing times can vary, with standard requests taking around six to eight weeks and expedited requests taking approximately 20 to 25 business days. Understanding the requirements and steps involved can help ensure a smooth application process for those needing to amend their birth records.

Sample - Texas Certificate Birth Form

	TEXAS	Texas Department .of State
	Health and Human
		Health Services
	Services

Correcting a Birth Certificate

THIS FORM CANNOT BE USED TO CORRECT A RECORD BASED ON AN ADOPTION.

Who Can Apply for a Correction?

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

•Parent(s) named on the birth certificate, if child is under 18 years of age.

•Legal guardian(s), managing conservator, or legal representative (proof required) of the person named on the birth certificate.

•Hospital or medical facility where the person named on the birth certificate was born.

How Do I Make a Correction?

☐Complete and sign this application. See pages 4 and 5.

☐Section 1, 2, 5 and 6 MUST be completed. See pages 2 and 3 for how to complete Section 3 or 4.

☐Everyone signing section 6 must sign before a notary public and ATTACH A COPY OF THEIR VALID PHOTO ID(S).

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

☐Submit the appropriate documentation. See pages 2 and 3.

☐Submit the appropriate fees. See fee schedule below.

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

For more information, go to: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/vs/requirements.aspx.

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 (Select One):
O	Correction to Birth Certificate (Not required if child’s name change is in	$15.00			=
	same court order to add/replace/remove parent)
O	Correction to Birth Certificate by adding/removing/replacing a parent	$25.00			=

O	New Birth Certificate based on child’s sex or parent’s race or color	$25.00			=
	See “Correcting the Child’s Sex or Parent’s Race or Color” on Page 3.

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.

Expedited processing Fee (per application)

$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)	$8.00
O	USPS Express Overnight Mail (shipping overnight to PO Box ONLY)	$22.95		=

	Birth Certificate(s):
O	Certified Corrected Birth Certificate ($22.00 per copy)	$22.00	X	=
	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 5

VS-170 (Rev. 1/21)

What type of correction are you requesting?

A correction to a birth record may be filed to complete or correct a record that is incomplete or proved by satisfactory evidence to be inaccurate. You must complete pages 4 and 5 of this application and may need to provide a supporting document (See Box#1). IF THE CHILD IS A MINOR AND BOTH PARENTS ARE ON THE BIRTH RECORD, BOTH PARENTS MUST SIGN SECTION 6, unless otherwise specified in Box #1.

Box # 1: Document Checklist
I want to…	You will need one of the supporting
	documents shown in Box # 2 below
 Correct a hospital error before 1st birthday	No documentation required.
(hospital must sign and submit application)
 Correct an error or omission made by the hospital after child’s 1st	1 or 2
birthday
 Add or correct child’s first or middle name, BEFORE child’s 1st birthday	No documentation required
Examples: Cindie to Cindy or “no name” to Kathie
 Add or correct child’s first or middle name, AFTER child’s 1st birthday	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9
Examples: Ann to Anne or Merie to Marie or “no name” to Ryan
 Correct spelling of child’s last name (all documents must be dated	5, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14
PRIOR to birth of child unless providing a court order)
Example: Martines to Martinez
 Correct child’s date of birth, place of birth, time of birth or sex	1, 2, or 5
 Correct child’s sex after medical/surgical sex change	5
 Correct parent’s information	5, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 14
(parent must be currently listed on the birth certificate)
 Correct mother’s residence address at the time of the child’s birth	1, 2, or 5

 Adding a parent AND the parents were married BEFORE the child was	12
born (Both parents must sign Section 6 of this application in the
presence of a notary. A Hospital Representative cannot apply)
 Change First, Middle, Last name Example: Martinez to Brown	5
 Remove information from birth record	5
Add/remove/replace a parent (A Hospital Representative cannot apply	See page 3, “Adding, Removing, or
for this correction)	Replacing a Parent’s Name”

Suggested Supporting Documents:

Documents must be original certified copies (no photocopies) on official letterhead or with an original certification or seal unless otherwise specified below. Foreign documents, including notaries, must have an apostille or legalization from the Foreign Country where the document was issued. All supporting documents must match the requested correction(s) exactly and cannot be altered.

If an acceptable supporting document cannot be obtained, a court order to correct the information must be submitted. If an item has already been amended once, a court order is required to amend the same item again.

Box # 2: Supporting Documents

1Hospital or medical record at birth (admission/discharge or worksheet)

2Letter from Hospital or medical facility at birth explaining correction needed

3Baptismal certificate - Must be within first 5 years of birth

4Numident printout from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Issued by the SSA, PO BOX 33022, Baltimore, MD 21290-3022. Contact SSA at 410-965-1727 for fees and more information.

5A certified copy of a court order affecting information shown on the birth certificate. Include all pages with judge’s signature and seal of the court.

6Elementary school record - Must be signed by custodian of school records based on earliest attendance.

7Federal census record

8School census record

9Armed forces discharge papers (form DD 214) – Photocopy accepted

10Birth certificate(s) of child’s parent(s)

11Birth certificate of child’s older brother or sister

12Certified copy of Parent’s Marriage license

13Parent’s Naturalization Certificate (must include name change) Call the Immigration and Naturalization Service (ICE) at 800-375-5283 to obtain information on how to secure this document.

14Photocopy of Parent’s domestic passport or Parent’s foreign passport with U.S. Visa

Page 2 of 5

VS-170 (Rev. 1/21)

Adding, Removing or Replacing a Parent’s Name

A new birth certificate may be filed based on parentage to Add, Remove or Replace a parent on the birth certificate. Complete Sections 1,2,4,5 and 6 of this application (pages 4 and 5). In addition, one of five types of documentation must be presented as evidence to file the new birth certificate:

1.A certified copy of the certificate of marriage of the parents;

2.A copy of the Acknowledgment of Paternity (VS-159.1) filed with the Vital Statistics Section;

3.A certified copy of the court decree establishing parentage;

4.A copy of the Acknowledgment of Paternity Rescission (VS 158) filed with the Vital Statistics Section; or,

5.A gestational agreement.

Box # 3: Adding, Removing or Replacing a parent’s name

I am/We are…		You need to complete this application and…
 A mother not married during pregnancy and	(1) Both parents sign Section 6 of this application in
not married now and wants to add a father		the presence of a notary; and,
Or	(2) Complete an Acknowledgement of Paternity (Visit
Or		the Office of the Attorney General, Paternity
 A mother married within 300 days prior to the		the Office of the Attorney General, Paternity
 A mother married within 300 days prior to the		Opportunity Program at
birth of the child and wants to add a biological		https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/cs/establishing-
parent who is not the spouse		paternity)
 A mother not married during pregnancy but is	(1) Both parents sign Section 6 of this application in
now married to the parent		the presence of a notary; and,
	(2) Provide a certified copy of your marriage license

 A parent with a court order establishing	(1) One parent signs Section 6 of this application in
parentage / removing parent (only corrections		the presence of a notary; and,
ordered in the court order will be completed)	(2) Provide a certified copy of the entire court order
Or		(all pages) signed by a judge
Or
 Parents with a gestational agreement
 Parents who have signed a State of Texas	(1) Both parents sign Section 6 of this application in
Acknowledgment of Paternity (VS 159.1)		the presence of a notary; and,
	(2) Provide a copy of the signed Acknowledgement of
		Paternity (VS-159.1).
 A parent who has an Acknowledgement of	(1) One parent signs Section 6 of this application in
Paternity Rescission (VS 158) filed with the Vital		the presence of a notary; and,
Statistics Section and wants to remove their	(2) Provide a copy of the signed Acknowledgement of
name from the birth certificate*		Paternity Rescission (VS-158).

Certified documents submitted will be retained by VSS 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 to VSS.

*Once a parent is removed from the birth certificate, they are no longer a qualified applicant to request a certified copy of the child’s newly corrected birth certificate.

Correcting the Child’s Sex or the Parent’s Race or Color

A new birth certificate may be filed that incorporates the corrected sex of the person named on the birth certificate. It may also be filed on older records to remove the parent(s) “race or color”. The filing fee to create a new birth certificate is $25.00. Complete Section 3 and check the bottom box requesting a new birth certificate be filed. If the bottom box on Section 3 is not checked, the correction will be attached to the original record as an addendum ($15.00 filing fee required).

Reviewing the certified copy of the amended birth record

Once the amendment has been filed, the certified copy of the birth certificate will describe the corrections made below the image of the original birth record.

Page 3 of 5

VS-170 (Rev. 1/21)

,,_	~ TEXAS		ITexas Departm.ent of State
	........,,	Heal!h and Human
~	-:;	Services	Health Services

IMPORTANT: Photocopies, alterations, strike-through, or write-overs in Section 1 through 6 will not be accepted. Please use a new application if you make a mistake.

Birth Certificate Correction Application

Type or Print (please use blue or black ink ONLY)		Remittance No.____________

Section 1: What is Your Name? (Applicant’s Information)

Name (First, Middle, Last):

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

Email Address:	Telephone # (daytime)
	(	)	-

Your relationship to Person named on the birth certificate: ☐Parent ☐Self ☐Hospital Representative ☐Legal guardian(s) or Managing Conservator ☐Legal Representative (proof required)

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

Section 2: Birth Certificate Information

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

Birth Certificate Number, if known:

I 142 -

Child’s First Name:

Middle Name:

Last Name:

Date of Birth:

ISex:

Place of Birth (City or town)

(County)

(State)

TEXAS

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

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

Section 3: What do you want to correct?

If you are adding, removing or replacing a parent, complete Section 4.

List items to be added,

What is on the birth certificate

What should the birth certificate say?

corrected or removed

now?

Example: Child’s First Name

Not Shown

Tara

Example: Date of Birth

August 2, 2010

August 12, 2010

If you have a certified court order granting a name change only (not changing parentage), complete the information below.

Court Ordered Name Change

First Name:

Middle Name:

Last Name:

Check box (if applicable): We are/I am requesting a new birth certificate be filed to incorporate the correction to the child’s sex or remove the parent’s race or color.

Page 4 of 5

VS-170 (Rev. 1/21)

Section 4: Add, Remove or Replace a Parent

If you want to add, remove or replace the name of a parent, please fill out this section.

I am requesting to: ID Add D Remove D Replace

CHILD’S NAME ON NEW RECORD (Even if it will remain the same) If changing child’s first or middle name, birth certificate correction procedures on page 2 apply.

First Name:		Middle Name:		Last Name(s):	Suffix:
		I			I
INFORMATION FOR PARENT 1 (Even if it will remain the same)
Title (check one):	ID Mother D Father		D Parent

Full Name (Full Maiden Name Prior to First Marriage)

First Name:			I	Middle Name:	Last Name(s):	Suffix:
			I			I
Date of Birth					Place of Birth
Month:	/ Day:	/Year:			State or Foreign Country:

INFORMATION FOR PARENT 2 (Even if it will remain the same) If only 1 parent will remain on the birth certificate, leave this information blank.

Title (check one): ID Mother D Father D Parent

Full Name (Full Maiden Name Prior to First Marriage)

First Name:			I	Middle Name:	Last Name(s):	Suffix:
			I			I
Date of Birth					Place of Birth
Month:	/ Day:	/Year:			State or Foreign Country:

Section 5: Would you like to request a birth certificate? Check one: No, I would not like a certified copy of the corrected birth certificate.

Yes, I would like a certified copy of the corrected birth certificate. Number requested: _______

Please verify fees and quantity ordered in the fee box on Page 1.

Section 6: Affidavit

Please 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).

Self, Parent 1, Legal Guardian, or Hospital Rep. >>>>>ATTACH A COPY OF YOUR VALID PHOTO ID<<<<<

Printed Name:			Signature:
			I
Address:		City:		State:	Zip:
	I				I

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

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

Signature:

Printed name and title:

[Stamp or Seal]

Parent 2 or Legal Guardian 2, if applicable:		>>>>>ATTACH A COPY OF YOUR VALID PHOTO ID<<<<<
Printed Name:			Signature:
			I
Address:	I	City:		State:	Zip:
	I				I

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

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

Signature:

Printed name and title:

[Stamp or Seal]

Page 5 of 5

VS-170 (Rev. 1/21)

Click for PDF

Form Information

Fact Name	Description
Who Can Apply	Individuals eligible to apply for a correction include the person named on the birth certificate if they are at least 18 years old, parents of the child if the child is under 18, legal guardians, or representatives with proof.
Application Requirements	To correct a birth certificate, applicants must complete and sign the application, provide valid photo ID, and submit original documents. Photocopies or alterations are not accepted.
Processing Time	The estimated processing time for regular applications is 6-8 weeks. Expedited services can be completed in 20-25 business days for an additional fee.
Fees	Fees vary based on the type of correction. For example, correcting a birth certificate costs $15, while adding or removing a parent is $25. Additional expedited processing fees may apply.
Governing Law	The Texas Certificate of Birth form is governed by the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 195, which outlines the requirements for birth certificate corrections.

Detailed Guide for Filling Out Texas Certificate Birth

Filling out the Texas Certificate Birth form is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail to ensure everything is correct. Once you have completed the form, you will need to submit it along with any necessary documentation and fees. Below are the steps to guide you through the process.

Obtain the Form: Download or request a physical copy of the Texas Certificate Birth form.
Fill Out Section 1: Provide your name, address, email, telephone number, and your relationship to the person named on the birth certificate.
Complete Section 2: Enter the birth certificate information exactly as it appears, including the child's name, date of birth, and place of birth.
Complete Section 3: Specify what corrections you are requesting. Clearly indicate what is currently on the birth certificate and what it should say.
If Adding or Removing a Parent: Fill out Section 4 with the necessary information regarding the parent(s) to be added, removed, or replaced.
Request a Certified Copy: In Section 5, indicate whether you would like a certified copy of the corrected birth certificate and specify the number of copies needed.
Sign Section 6: Sign the affidavit in the presence of a notary public. Remember to attach a copy of your valid photo ID.
Check for Completeness: Review the entire form to ensure all sections are filled out accurately and completely.
Prepare Documentation: Gather any supporting documents required based on the corrections you are requesting.
Calculate Fees: Determine the total fees based on the corrections and certified copies requested. Prepare a check or money order made out to DSHS – Vital Statistics.
Submit the Application: Mail the completed application, supporting documents, and payment to the appropriate address for regular or expedited service.

Obtain Answers on Texas Certificate Birth

Who is eligible to apply for a correction to a birth certificate?

Eligibility to apply for a correction to a birth certificate in Texas includes:
- The individual named on the birth certificate, provided they are at least 18 years old.
- Parents listed on the birth certificate, if the child is under 18.
- Legal guardians, managing conservators, or legal representatives of the individual named on the certificate (proof is required).
- The hospital or medical facility where the individual was born.
What steps should I take to make a correction?

To make a correction to a birth certificate, follow these steps:
- Complete and sign the application form.
- Ensure Sections 1, 2, 5, and 6 are filled out completely.
- Have all signatories in Section 6 sign in front of a notary public and attach a valid photo ID for each signer.
- Submit the original application; photocopies or altered documents will not be accepted.
- Include the necessary documentation and appropriate fees.
Where should I mail my application?

Depending on whether you choose regular or expedited service, your mailing address will differ:
- Regular Mailing: Send your application to DSHS – Vital Statistics Section, P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040. Processing time is typically 6-8 weeks.
- Expedited Service: For faster processing (20-25 business days), send your application via an overnight service like FedEx or UPS to DSHS-Vital Statistics Section, MC 2096, 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756.
What are the fees associated with correcting a birth certificate?

The fees for correcting a birth certificate vary based on the type of correction:
- Correction to Birth Certificate: $15.00
- Correction by adding/removing/replacing a parent: $25.00
- New Birth Certificate based on child’s sex or parent’s race or color: $25.00
- Expedited processing fee: $5.00
- Certified Corrected Birth Certificate: $22.00 per copy
All fees can be combined into one check or money order made out to DSHS – Vital Statistics.
What types of corrections can be requested?

Corrections can be made for various reasons, including:
- Correcting a hospital error made before the child's first birthday.
- Adding or correcting a child's name, date of birth, or place of birth.
- Changing the child's sex after a medical or surgical procedure.
- Updating or correcting parent information.
What documentation is required for specific corrections?

Supporting documents may be necessary depending on the type of correction. Examples include:
- Hospital records for corrections made before the first birthday.
- A certified court order for name changes or corrections to parentage.
- School records or baptismal certificates for older children.
Ensure that all documents are original and certified copies.
How can I check the status of my application?

You can verify the status of your request by contacting the Vital Statistics Section at 1-888-963-7111 or online at the Texas Department of State Health Services website.
What should I do if I need to correct a birth certificate after an adoption?

This application cannot be used to correct a record based on an adoption. For adoption-related corrections, it is advisable to consult with an attorney or the relevant adoption agency.
What if I make a mistake on the application?

If you make an error while completing the application, do not attempt to cross out or white-out the mistake. Instead, fill out a new application to ensure that your request is processed without delays.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Texas Certificate Birth form can be a straightforward process, but many people make common mistakes that can lead to delays or denials. Here are nine mistakes to watch out for.

First, not providing an original application is a frequent error. Photocopies or altered forms will not be accepted. Always ensure that you submit the original document to avoid processing delays.

Second, many applicants fail to complete all required sections. Sections 1, 2, 5, and 6 must be filled out entirely. Skipping any of these sections can lead to rejection of the application.

Third, individuals often neglect to sign the application in the presence of a notary public. This is crucial, as signatures must be notarized for the application to be valid.

Fourth, some applicants forget to attach a copy of their valid photo ID. This requirement is mandatory, and failing to include it will result in processing delays.

Fifth, many people do not provide the necessary supporting documentation. Each type of correction requires specific documents. Review the checklist carefully to ensure you include everything needed.

Sixth, incorrect payment amounts are a common issue. Make sure to refer to the fee schedule and submit the correct fees. Underpayment can result in your application being put on hold.

Seventh, using incorrect ink color is another mistake. The application specifically states that you must use blue or black ink. Using any other color can lead to complications.

Eighth, applicants sometimes fail to check the boxes indicating what corrections they are requesting. This oversight can lead to confusion and delays in processing your application.

Lastly, many individuals do not double-check their information for accuracy. Simple typos or incorrect data can lead to significant delays. Always review your application thoroughly before submission.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can help ensure a smoother process when correcting a birth certificate in Texas.

Documents used along the form

When applying for a Texas Birth Certificate Correction, several other forms and documents may be necessary to support your application. Below is a list of commonly used documents that can accompany the Texas Certificate Birth form.

Application for a Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate: This form is used to request a certified copy of the birth certificate, which is often needed for identification purposes or legal matters.
Acknowledgment of Paternity (VS-159.1): This document establishes paternity for a child born to unmarried parents. It is essential when adding a father’s name to a birth certificate.
Court Order for Name Change: If a name change is needed, a certified court order is required. This document legally changes a person’s name and must be presented with the application.
Marriage License: A certified copy of the marriage license may be required when adding a parent to a birth certificate, particularly if the parents were married at the time of the child's birth.
Hospital Records: These records may be needed to verify details of the birth, such as the time, place, and circumstances. They help support corrections being requested.
Social Security Administration (SSA) Numident Printout: This document provides information about the individual’s Social Security number and can be used to verify identity and correct personal information.

Gathering these documents can help ensure a smoother application process. Each document serves a specific purpose, supporting the corrections you wish to make on the birth certificate. It is important to check the specific requirements for your situation to avoid any delays.

Similar forms

Birth Certificate from Another State: Like the Texas Certificate of Birth, a birth certificate from another state serves as an official record of a person's birth, detailing similar information such as name, date of birth, and parents' names.
Death Certificate: A death certificate documents the passing of an individual. It shares similarities in that it is an official record, requiring specific information and signatures, much like the birth certificate correction process.
Marriage Certificate: This document records the union of two individuals. It is similar in that it requires official signatures and serves as a legal proof of a significant life event.
Divorce Decree: A divorce decree is a legal document that finalizes a divorce. It shares a formal structure and must be filed with the court, similar to how birth certificate corrections are submitted.
Social Security Card: A Social Security card is an official document that provides an individual’s Social Security number. Both documents are essential for identity verification and require specific personal information.
Passport: A passport is a government-issued document that certifies identity and nationality. Like a birth certificate, it requires personal information and serves as an official identification document.
Driver’s License: A driver’s license is a state-issued identification that confirms a person's identity and driving privileges. Both documents require personal information and serve as proof of identity.
Adoption Certificate: An adoption certificate is issued to finalize an adoption. It is similar in that it provides legal recognition of a change in status, akin to corrections made on a birth certificate.
Identification Card (ID): A state-issued ID card provides proof of identity, similar to a birth certificate. Both documents require personal details and are often needed for various legal processes.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Texas Certificate Birth form, there are important dos and don’ts to keep in mind. Following these guidelines will help ensure your application is processed smoothly.

Do complete and sign the application accurately.
Do ensure Sections 1, 2, 5, and 6 are fully filled out.
Do provide a valid photo ID for all signers in Section 6.
Do mail the original application; photocopies will not be accepted.
Don’t alter or make strike-throughs on the form.
Don’t submit the application without the required supporting documents.
Don’t forget to include the appropriate fees as outlined in the fee schedule.
Don’t expect processing times to be less than 6 weeks for regular applications.

Misconceptions

When it comes to the Texas Certificate of Birth form, several misconceptions can lead to confusion and mistakes during the application process. Here are six common misunderstandings:

Anyone can apply for a correction. Only specific individuals, such as the person named on the birth certificate (if they are at least 18), parents of the child (if the child is under 18), or legal guardians can submit a correction request.
Photocopies of the application are acceptable. The application must be an original document. Photocopies, alterations, or any form of write-overs will not be accepted, which can delay processing.
All corrections require supporting documents. Some corrections, like fixing a hospital error before the child's first birthday, do not require additional documentation. However, other changes will need specific supporting documents.
Expedited service guarantees immediate processing. While expedited service speeds up the process to about 20-25 business days, it does not mean the application will be processed instantly. It is still subject to review and approval.
All fees must be paid separately. Fees can be combined into a single check or money order. This can simplify the payment process and avoid confusion.
Only one parent needs to sign for corrections involving both parents. If both parents are listed on the birth certificate, both must sign the application in the presence of a notary, unless otherwise specified.

Understanding these points can help streamline the correction process and avoid unnecessary delays. Always refer to the official guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Key takeaways

Filling out and using the Texas Certificate Birth form can be straightforward if you keep these key takeaways in mind:

Eligibility: Only certain individuals can apply for a correction. This includes the person named on the birth certificate (if over 18), parents (if the child is under 18), legal guardians, or the hospital where the birth occurred.
Complete the Application: Sections 1, 2, 5, and 6 must be filled out completely. Additional instructions for Sections 3 and 4 are provided in the form.
Notarization Required: All signatures in Section 6 must be notarized. Include a copy of valid photo ID for each signer.
No Photocopies: The application must be original. Photocopies or altered forms will not be accepted.
Documentation: Submit appropriate supporting documents as outlined in the form. This may include hospital records or court orders.
Fees: Be prepared to pay the required fees, which vary based on the type of correction. Check the fee schedule carefully.
Mailing Instructions: Regular applications take 6-8 weeks to process. For expedited service, use overnight mail and expect processing in 20-25 business days.
Correcting Information: You can correct various details such as names, dates, or parent information. Specific requirements apply depending on the type of correction.
Support Documents: All supporting documents must be original and match the requested corrections exactly. If you cannot obtain them, a court order may be necessary.
Reviewing Amendments: After filing, the certified copy of the birth certificate will indicate the corrections made below the original record.