The Texas Adoption Papers form is a crucial document for individuals seeking to legally amend a birth certificate following an adoption. It allows adoptive parents, the adoptee (if over 18), attorneys, and district clerks to apply for a correction. With clear instructions on completing the form, attaching necessary identification, and submitting the correct fees, it is designed to streamline the process of updating a birth certificate to reflect adoption information. To start filling out your form and ensuring all steps are correctly followed, click the button below.
In the heart of family law transactions in Texas, the Adoption Papers form serves as a critical pathway to formally recognizing the bond between adoptive parents and their child. It's a document that navigates through the legal intricacies of amending a birth certificate following an adoption, delineating a systematic procedure for applicants, including adoptive parents, the adoptee if of legal age, attorneys, and even district clerks, each playing a distinct role in this sensitive process. Completeness, accuracy, and adherence to the set guidelines are paramount, as the form meticulously outlines steps from filling out sections to attaching necessary identification and the decisive court certification. Equally, it sheds light on the fee structure, distinguishing between standard and expedited processing times, to accommodate varying urgencies. Noteworthy is the emphasis on submission of original documents to avoid any deed of rejection and a reminder of the gravity of providing false information, underlining the form's significance not just as a bureaucratic necessity but as a cornerstone in formalizing the adoptive relationship. The detailed infrastructure of the form underscores Texas's commitment to ensuring that the process respects both legal obligations and the emotional weight behind every adoption story.
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 $5.00 processing fee must be sent to the Vital Statistics Section via an overnight mail service such as: FedEx, Lone Star, or UPS.
DSHS-Vital Statistics Section, MC 2096, 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756.
•
FAILURE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION REQUESTED ON THIS FORM, MAY RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT
PROCESSING DELAYS AND/OR DENIAL OF YOUR APPLICATION.
Fees: How much must I submit?
Fee Schedule
Fee ($)
Qty (#)
Total ($)
Filing Fees:
O
Correction to Birth Certificate based on adoption
$25.00
=
Birth Certificate(s):
Certified Corrected Birth Certificate ($22.00 per copy)
$22.00
X
Central Adoption Registry Fee:
Central Adoption Registry Fee (per adoption decree granted in Texas)
$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.
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.
Expedite Overnight Mail (shipping within USA)
$12.50
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
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.___________
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:
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:
Current Last Name:
Maiden Last Name(s) before marriage:
Biological
Place of Birth
(State or Foreign Country):
Parent 2
Parent(s) Address
Street Address
City
County
State
Zip
Inside City Limits:
at the time of
Yes No
child’s birth:
Parent(s) Current
Address:
Parent(s) Email Address:
Parent(s) Phone No.:
(
)
Parent’s Signature (REQUIRED):
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
Conservator:
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
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<<<<<<<
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.
Adoptive Parent, Adult Adoptee, or Attorney
>>>>>ATTACH A COPY OF YOUR VALID PHOTO ID<<<<<
Printed Name:
Signature:
State:
Zip:
Notary Public, County Clerk, or other person authorized to administer oaths
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this ______ day of ____________ 20______.
Printed name and title:
Page 4 of 4
Filling out Texas Adoption Papers is an essential step in formalizing the legal relationship between adoptive parents and their new family member. It's vital for correctly amending a birth certificate following adoption, ensuring that all details accurately reflect the child's new legal status and familial ties. By closely following the outlined steps, applicants can navigate the form more easily, effectively communicate their needs to the state, and avoid potential delays or complications.
Once submitted, the Texas Vital Statistics office will review your application. They will file a new birth record with the adoption details and send the certified copies if ordered. For any inquiries about the status of your application, you may contact the Vital Statistics Section directly. This careful and thorough process aids in ensuring that your family’s records accurately reflect the legal and loving bond of adoption.
The following individuals are authorized to apply for a correction on a birth certificate due to adoption:
To request a correction, you must:
For regular processing, which takes approximately 6-8 weeks:
Mail to DSHS – Vital Statistics Section, P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040.
For expedited processing, which is estimated at 20-25 business days:
Send via an overnight mail service, along with a $5.00 processing fee, to DSHS-Vital Statistics Section, MC 2096, 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756.
Fees include:
All fees can be combined into one check or money order, payable to DSHS – Vital Statistics.
Failure to provide all requested information can result in significant processing delays and/or the denial of your application. It is crucial to fill out the form accurately and completely, including all supporting documents and the appropriate fees, to avoid any issues.
Completing Texas Adoption Papers is a critical step in the adoption process. However, errors can and do occur, jeopardizing the timely amendment of birth certificates. It’s imperative to approach this task with meticulous attention to detail. Here are seven common mistakes to avoid:
Failing to complete all sections of the form. Each section collects vital information, so skipping any part can lead to delays in processing.
Not providing a certified copy of the final decree of adoption. This document is essential for completing the birth certificate amendment process and must be certified with the original seal.
Omitting a copy of the applicant’s valid photo ID. For district clerks, a cover letter on official letterhead may fulfill this requirement, but all other applicants must include a photocopy of a valid ID.
Submitting photocopies, altered forms, or documents with strike-throughs or write-overs. Original, clean documents are required for the application to be processed.
Incorrectly completing the section on the desired information for the new birth certificate. It is vital to include accurate adoptive parent information, respecting the instructions regarding the use of maiden names and biological parent information.
Neglecting to sign the application. An adoptive parent’s signature is mandatory for the application to progress.
Forgetting to attach the required fees. The application must be accompanied by the appropriate fees outlined in the instructions, including fees for expedited processing if desired.
Here are additional pointers to ensure a smooth process:
Before sending, double-check that all information is correct and that no required section has been missed or filled out inaccurately.
Keep copies of all documents for your records. Once submitted, the originals will be retained by the office and placed in a sealed file, which can only be accessed with a court order.
Consider using expedited service if the amendment is urgent. Be mindful of the additional fees and instructions for expediting your application.
Understanding and avoiding these common pitfalls can expedite the adoption paperwork process, bringing one step closer to finalizing the adoption. It's more than just filling out forms; it's about ensuring the journey to adoption completion is smooth and hurdle-free.
Completing the adoption process in Texas involves not only preparing and submitting the Texas Adoption Papers but also managing a range of other forms and documents. These documents often work hand-in-hand to ensure the legality of the adoption, confirm the adoptive parents’ suitability, and establish the child's new legal identity. The necessary paperwork can vary based on the specific circumstances of the adoption, such as whether it's a domestic or international adoption, a step-parent adoption, or if it involves foster care. Understanding these associated documents will help streamline the adoption process.
Navigating through the adoption process typically requires careful attention to the distinct requirements of these forms and documents. While this may seem daunting, each plays a crucial role in safeguarding the interests of the child and ensuring a smooth transition into the adoptive family. Assistance from legal professionals, adoption agencies, and support groups can provide invaluable guidance and support throughout this journey.
The Marriage License Application shares similarities with the Texas Adoption Papers, particularly in the requirement for personal information and official signatures. Both forms necessitate the provision of detailed personal information, such as names and addresses. Furthermore, they require the signatures of the involved parties to validate the document. This commonality underscores the importance of authenticating the identities and consent of the individuals involved in both legal procedures.
The Change of Name Petition also bears resemblance to the Texas Adoption Papers in its process of legal alteration of personal identification documents. Like changing a name, amending a birth certificate following an adoption involves official submission of a request to a government body, accompanied by legal documents that justify the change (for instance, a court decree for adoption or name change). Both processes ultimately aim to update personal records to reflect significant life changes legally and officially.
Passport Application forms and the Texas Adoption Papers are similar in their requirement for thorough personal identification and proof of citizenship or legal status. Both require the submission of original documents or certified copies to establish identity, such as birth certificates or court decrees. Additionally, both forms involve meticulous scrutiny of documentation to prevent fraud and ensure the person's eligibility for the document they are applying for.
The Application for a Social Security Card, like the Texas Adoption Papers, necessitates accurate personal information, supporting documentation (in this case, proof of adoption), and a government-validated process. Both forms are integral to establishing or amending a person's official records with the government. This ensures the individual's rights and access to services are correctly aligned with their current legal status.
Child Custody and Support Agreement Forms share a parallel focus with the Texas Adoption Papers on the welfare and legal status of a child under the jurisdiction of the court. Both documents involve detailed agreements ratified by a court, focusing on the child’s future well-being and the legal responsibilities of the adults involved. While one deals with the legal relationship between the child and adoptive parents, the other addresses custody arrangements, both necessitating judicial approval.
The Immigrant Visa Application process has similarities with the Texas Adoption Papers, in that both involve the legal recognition and status alteration of an individual within a governmental system. Each requires substantial documentation and verification processes, aiming to establish the individual's identity and rightful status change—whether it be citizenship and residency or family composition.
Lastly, the Voter Registration Form, while less complex, still requires individuals to provide personal identification information and sign to affirm their information’s accuracy, similar to the Texas Adoption Papers. Both forms impact the individuals’ legal rights and status—adoptees gaining new familial identities, whereas new voters are affirming their electoral participation rights. In both cases, the integrity and accuracy of the information provided are crucial for the lawful recognition of new statuses within the government's records.
When you're ready to complete the Texas Adoption Papers, moving forward with clarity and care can not only streamline the process but also prevent potential setbacks. It's crucial to pay close attention to detail and follow instructions carefully. Below are several do's and don'ts to guide you as you fill out the form:
Adhering to these guidelines can help ensure that the process of amending a birth certificate based on adoption in Texas progresses as smoothly as possible. It's about taking care with each step, from filling out forms correctly to submitting all necessary documentation, to ultimately fulfill the legal requirements of the adoption process.
There are several common misconceptions about the Texas Adoption Papers form that people frequently encounter. Clarifying these misconceptions is critical to ensure that individuals involved in the adoption process understand their legal rights and responsibilities accurately.
Misconception #1: Anyone can file for a correction on the adopted child's birth certificate. In reality, only specific individuals are allowed to apply for this correction. This includes the person named on the birth certificate if they are at least 18 years of age, the adoptive parent(s), an attorney representing the adoptive parent(s), and district clerks. It’s important to note that district clerks have a different set of requirements when submitting the application.
Misconception #2: Photocopies of the application are acceptable. The application must be original. The Texas Vital Statistics Section does not accept photocopies, alterations, strike-throughs, or write-overs on the application. This ensures the integrity and security of the legal document.
Misconception #3: A new birth certificate is automatically generated after the adoption is finalized. After adoption, a new birth certificate for the adopted child is not automatically created. The adoptive parents or other authorized individuals must formally apply for a corrected birth certificate and follow the specific instructions outlined, including completing all sections of the application and submitting the required documents and fees.
Misconception #4: The process and fees for requesting an expedited birth certificate are the same as the regular process. If an expedited service is needed, an additional fee is required, and the application must be sent through an overnight mail service. This is different from the regular mailing instructions, which have a longer processing time and may involve different fees.
Understanding these nuances about the Texas Adoption Papers form is crucial for all parties involved in an adoption. It helps streamline the process, ensuring that the necessary legal steps are followed accurately and efficiently.
Filling out the Texas Adoption Papers form is a necessary step for legally amending a birth certificate following an adoption. It requires specific steps and documentation to ensure the process is completed correctly. Understanding these requirements can make the process smoother and more efficient. Here are key takeaways to keep in mind:
It's important for applicants to carefully review the entire application, ensure all information is accurate and complete, and follow through with the necessary steps for submission and payment of fees. For any questions or further clarification, contacting the Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section is recommended.
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