Fastest Way to Get a Birth Certificate in Texas

Last updated October 19th, 2021

Your Texas birth certificate is an essential document that you can use as evidence of your identity and American citizenship. You will be asked to provide your birth certificate on different occasions while living in Texas to finalize bureaucratic processes. That is why it is essential to keep your Texas birth certificate safe and ready to be used.

If you lose your document, you can easily replace your Texas birth certificate online or in person. It will be with you in a matter of days or weeks, depending on the service you request.

However, you may find yourself in the situation where you need to get your Texas birth certificate overnight. In this article, you will learn the fastest and easiest way to obtain your Texas birth certificate, including:

Options to Get Your Texas Birth Certificate Fast

People whose birth was registered in Texas have 3 options when it comes to requesting their birth certificate:

  1. In-person appointment at the Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section
  2. Online expedited order. The official birth certificate copy is sent to the applicant’s home address
  3. Regular mail application. The applicant must ship the request and will receive the Texas birth certificate at their home address

In all of the above cases, you will need to provide sufficient ID, a completed application form, and the Texas birth certificate request fees. Phone orders are not available in Texas.

Fastest Texas Birth Certificate Application Method

Normally, the fastest way to obtain a birth certificate in Texas is to put in an expedited online request.

You can do so yourself and the final waiting time will depend on the Vital Statistics Section as well as the mail service you choose (the United States Postal Service is not recommended.) You may need to print your application form and post it together with your supporting documents to the rush service Vital Statistics address in Austin.

Rush service independent requests are usually processed within 20-25 business days as opposed to 6 to 8 weeks for regular orders.

Alternatively, you can choose an online provider like US Birth Certificates. The expedited Premium Service will shorten waiting times thanks to priority processing. Moreover, you will not have to print the application off the internet and sort shipment out yourself.

Is There a Birth Certificate Walk-In Service for Texas?

Normally, applicants can request their Texas birth certificate in-person at the central Austin office or a local office near them.

If this is your preferred application method, please make sure to confirm opening times and the availability of a walk-in service before visiting to avoid long lines and disappointment.

Important notice: The central vital records office in Austin and several local offices are currently closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some Texas birth certificate offices may receive visitors by appointment only. It is advisable to request your Texas birth certificate online or by mail.

How to Order a Texas Birth Certificate Online with Rush Service

Texas allows for expedited online applications submitted through providers like US Birth Certificates.

To get your Texas birth certificate online fast, you need to:

  • Fill out the application form with all your information
  • Submit digital copies of your relevant IDs
  • Pay the application fee via debit or credit card

You will then receive your certificate directly in the mail.

How to ensure a fast and successful birth certificate application

You can apply online for your Texas birth certificate only if you meet the below requirements:

  • The birth was registered in Texas
  • You are the owner of the birth certificate or an immediate family member
  • You can verify your identity online with an eligible ID document such as state-issued driver’s license or Social Security Number

The application form will require you to submit personal information as well as the details included in the certificate you are requesting (i.e. city and/or county where the birth occurred, name of the father listed on the record, etc.)

Make sure to fill out the form completely in all of its parts and as accurately as possible to avoid delays.