Birth, Marriage, and Death Records FAQs
What kind of records can I order online?
You can order these vital records online with the Texas.gov Online Vital Records application:
- Birth certificates or verification
- Death certificates or verification
- Fetal death certificates
- Marriage verification (for Texas marriages since 1966)
- Divorce verification (for Texas divorces since 1968)
Additional records may be available by mail. Visit the DSHS Texas Vital Statistics website for more ways to order.
What are the requirements to order a vital record online?
Review the requirements to order vital records on the DSHS Requirements for Online Orders page.
What’s the processing time for a vital record order?
Processing times vary depending on record type. Please visit the DSHS Processing Times page for specific time ranges. Shipping times depend on the type of shipping you select when ordering.
Can I save my order and finish it later?
No. The Online Vital Records application only allows you to submit an order during a single online session.
Can my online order be shipped to multiple addresses?
To ship to multiple addresses, you must submit a separate order for each address. Each order must be paid for separately.
How do I change or update information on a vital record?
If you need to change or update information that appears on a vital record, please visit the DSHS Requirements for Changing Vital Records page for instructions.
How do I check the status of my online order?
If you used the Texas.gov Online Vital Records application to order a record, you can also that application to track the status of your order.
I'm trying to order online, and I'm getting an error message that my information couldn’t be verified. What do I do?
If you've verified that your information is correct and still receive error messages, you might be able to order another way. Please visit the DSHS Birth Records page or Death Records page for information on other ways to order.
I’m not allowed to order online based on my relationship to the record, but I believe I have a right to the record. Why can't I order the record using Texas.gov? What are my options?
DSHS restricts access to protected records due to security reasons. If you believe you have a legal right to a vital record, you can still apply by mail or in person. Please visit the DSHS Birth Records page or Death Records page for information on the other ways to order.