Texas Vital Records: History and Overview
Texas began statewide vital records registration in 1903, making it one of the later states to centralize record-keeping.
Understanding Texas's Semi-Closed Records System
Texas operates a semi-closed records system: recent records are restricted, but older records become publicly accessible after a set period.
Birth records: Restricted for 75 years. Records from 1951 and earlier are currently public.
Death records: Restricted for 25 years. Records from 2001 and earlier are currently public.
Birth records from 1951 and earlier are publicly accessible. Death records from 2001 and earlier are open. Must be a 'properly qualified applicant' for restricted records.
State Office or County Clerk: Which Is Faster?
Texas operates a dual system where both the state office and county clerks can issue certified copies of vital records.
| State Office | County Clerk | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | All statewide records | Events registered in their county |
| Processing | 6-8 weeks by mail | Often faster, sometimes same-day |
| Best for | Records from any county | Fast in-person service |
County clerks issue certified copies for events in their county. May not have records before their earliest filing date. For historical records or records not at county level, state DSHS is required.
Bureau of Vital Statistics — Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)
| Address | 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756-3191 |
|---|---|
| Phone | 512-458-7111 |
| Website | https://www.dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics |
Texas Vital Records Fees
| Record Type | First Copy | Additional Copies |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | $22 | $22 |
| Death Certificate | $21 | $4 |
Important: The reduced additional copy fee only applies when copies are ordered at the same time as the first copy.
Online orders through VitalChek include an additional $10.00 convenience fee.
Rush processing available for an additional $13.
Death certificate additional copies are only $4 each BUT must be ordered at the same time as the first copy ($21). This is unique to Texas and can save significant money when ordering for multiple recipients (insurance, estate, legal).
Fees last verified: 2026-02. Always confirm current fees with the office directly.
What to Bring: ID Requirements
To request certified vital records in Texas, you will need:
- driver's license
- state ID
- US passport
- military ID
- visa
Without photo ID: Written notarized affidavit from authorized person who must present valid government-issued ID
Notarization: Required if the applicant lacks photo ID
Proof of relationship to the person named on the record is required.
Must be a 'properly qualified applicant': immediate family by blood/marriage/adoption, guardian, legal representative, or government agency with direct interest.
Texas Processing Times
| Method | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| By Mail | 6–8 weeks |
| In Person | Immediate to several days |
| Online (VitalChek) | 10–15 business days |
Texas has some of the longest mail processing times in the country (6-8 weeks). County clerks may be significantly faster for in-person requests.
What Makes Texas Different
$4 Additional Death Certificate Copies
Texas offers additional certified death certificate copies at only $4 each, but ONLY when ordered at the same time as the first copy ($21). This is unique among US states and highly advantageous when you need multiple copies for insurance claims, bank accounts, estate settlement, and legal proceedings. Plan ahead and order all copies you'll need at once.
Longest Mail Processing Times
At 6-8 weeks, Texas has some of the longest standard mail processing times in the country. If you need certificates urgently, request in person at a county clerk's office or use VitalChek's online expedited service (10-15 business days plus convenience fee).
County Clerk Dual System
Texas operates a dual system where both the state DSHS and county clerks can issue certified copies. County clerks handle events that occurred in their county, while DSHS maintains the centralized statewide database from 1903 onward. For the fastest service, visit the county clerk in the county where the event was registered.
Historical and Genealogy Records
Records before 1903 (the start of statewide registration) may be found through alternative sources.
Pre-1903: county courthouse archives. Some city records from 1873. Marriage records from 1966+ at state; earlier at county clerks.
Some cities and towns authorized birth and death registration as early as 1873. County recorders also recorded births from 1873 to 1876.
Busiest Vital Records Offices in Texas
These local offices process the most vital records requests in the state:
- Harris County — Population: 4,731,145
- Dallas County — Population: 2,613,539
- Tarrant County — Population: 2,110,640
- Bexar County — Population: 2,009,324
- Travis County — Population: 1,290,188
Vital Records in Neighboring States
Moving to or from Texas? Vital records procedures vary significantly by state.
Other Vital Records in Texas
Sources
- DSHS Vital Statistics — Costs & Fees (accessed 2026-02-24)
- FamilySearch Texas Vital Records (accessed 2026-02-24)
- Tarrant County Clerk Vital Records (accessed 2026-02-24)
Information last verified: 2026-02-24. This information is provided for reference purposes only and is not affiliated with or sponsored by any government office. For the most current fees, requirements, and processing times, contact Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) directly.