The Texas Certificate Birth form is an official document used to correct a birth certificate in Texas. It outlines the specific individuals who are authorized to apply for changes, including the person named on the certificate if they are at least 18 years old, parents of a minor child, legal guardians, and representatives from the hospital or medical facility where the birth took place. To make a correction, the form requires detailed information, a notarized signature, and supporting documents, aimed at ensuring the accuracy and integrity of birth records. Ready to make the necessary corrections to a birth certificate? Click the button below to begin the process.
The Texas Certificate Birth form, administered by the Department of State Health Services, outlines a comprehensible process for correcting birth certificates. This form extends eligibility for corrections to individuals directly named on the birth certificate who are of legal age, parents of minors listed on the certificate, legal guardians or representatives with appropriate proof, and the hospitals or medical facilities involved in the birth. The application necessitates detail-oriented completion and adherence to specific sections, explicitly requiring notarization and attachment of valid photo identification for verification. It elucidates a clear directive regarding the submission of the original application alongside necessary documentation and associated fees to either regular or expedited mailing addresses, emphasizing the potential for processing delays or denial due to incomplete information. Moreover, the document encompasses a diverse range of correction types - from rectifying simple typos to more complex amendments such as changing the child's name post-adoption or modifying parental information. A unique aspect is the provision for correcting the child’s sex or the parent's race or color, requiring a separate application process. It also mandates the submission of original, certified supporting documents or, in their absence, a court order. The concise fee schedule further simplifies the application process by clarifying the costs associated with various correction types, including expedited processing options for urgent requests. Noteworthy is the stipulation that any alteration, photocopy, or inaccuracy in the application can invalidate the process, thereby underscoring the importance of accuracy and compliance with the specified requirements.
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 $5.00 processing fee must be sent to the Vital Statistics Section via an overnight mail service such as: FedEx, Lone Star, or UPS.
DSHS-Vital Statistics Section, MC 2096, 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756.
FAILURE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION REQUESTED ON THIS FORM, MAY RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT
PROCESSING DELAYS AND/OR DENIAL OF YOUR APPLICATION.
Fees: How much must I submit?
Fee Schedule
Fee ($)
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)
Correction to Birth Certificate by adding/removing/replacing a parent
$25.00
New Birth Certificate based on child’s sex or parent’s race or color
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.
Expedite Overnight Mail (shipping within USA)
$8.00
USPS Express Overnight Mail (shipping overnight to PO Box ONLY)
$22.95
Birth Certificate(s):
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
(parent must be currently listed on the birth certificate)
Correct mother’s residence address at the time of the child’s birth
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
Remove information from birth record
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
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
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
now married to the parent
(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
ordered in the court order will be completed)
(2) Provide a certified copy of the entire court order
(all pages) signed by a judge
Parents with a gestational agreement
Parents who have signed a State of Texas
Acknowledgment of Paternity (VS 159.1)
(2) Provide a copy of the signed Acknowledgement of
Paternity (VS-159.1).
A parent who has an Acknowledgement of
Paternity Rescission (VS 158) filed with the Vital
Statistics Section and wants to remove their
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
,,_
~ TEXAS
ITexas Departm.ent of State
........,,
Heal!h and Human
~
-:;
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)
I
(State)
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:
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
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.
Last Name(s):
Suffix:
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)
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
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:
Address:
City:
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:
[Stamp or Seal]
Parent 2 or Legal Guardian 2, if applicable:
>>>>>ATTACH A COPY OF YOUR VALID PHOTO ID<<<<<
Page 5 of 5
When looking to update a Texas birth certificate, it's crucial to follow specific steps to ensure that the request is processed smoothly and effectively. The person seeking the correction may be the individual named on the birth certificate (if they are at least 18 years old), a parent listed on the document (for those under 18), legal guardians, managing conservators, legal representatives (with proof of their role), and hospital or medical facility staff where the birth occurred. Tailoring the application correctly and providing necessary documentation are essential steps to avoid delays or denial of the application.
Here's a step-by-step guide to filling out the Texas Certificate Birth Form:
After mailing your application, if you have any questions or need to check the status of your request, contact details and further instructions are available on the form. Taking care to complete each step accurately will help ensure that your correction is processed efficiently.
Requests for corrections can be made by several parties depending on the age and status of the person named on the birth certificate. If the individual is 18 years of age or older, they can apply for themselves. For children under 18, a parent listed on the birth certificate, a legal guardian, managing conservator, or legal representative with required proof can apply. Additionally, the hospital or medical facility where the birth took place can also apply for a correction.
To make a correction on a birth certificate, the applicant must:
For regular processing, which typically takes 6-8 weeks, applications should be mailed to:
Correction fees vary based on the type of correction:
The documents needed depend on the type of correction. Generally, supporting documents must be original certified copies and cannot be altered. They should also exactly match the requested corrections. Some examples include:
When filling out the Texas Certificate Birth form, applicants often encounter hurdles that can lead to mistakes. Understanding these common errors can help ensure a smoother process. Here are four frequent mistakes to watch out for:
By avoiding these common mistakes, applicants can streamline the process of correcting a birth certificate in Texas. Remember, each step in the instructions is crucial for ensuring that your application is processed efficiently and accurately.
When dealing with the correction of a Texas Certificate of Birth, several other forms and documents often play important roles during the process. These can facilitate the update or correction of information on a birth certificate, or they might be necessary for legal or identification purposes. Here's an overview of some common forms and documents that might be used alongside the Texas Certificate Birth Form.
Each of these documents serves a unique purpose and is essential in ensuring that birth records are accurate and up-to-date. Whether correcting a minor error, changing a name, or adding a parent's information, having the right documents ready can make the process smoother and more efficient.
A Passport Application is quite similar to the Texas Certificate of Birth form, primarily because it also requires detailed personal information and legal attestations about the applicant's identity. Both processes necessitate providing accurate personal details and supporting documents to affirm identity. Just like making corrections on a birth certificate, amendments in passport details must be submitted with proper evidence and documentation, underscored by a legal affirmation of the accuracy of the provided information.
A Marriage License Application shares similarities with the Texas Certificate of Birth form as they both involve legal declarations and the submission of personal details to a state authority. In the context of changing a child’s parental information on a birth certificate, analogous legal documentation, such as a marriage license, might be required to validate the change, similar to how marriage licenses substantiate the legal union of two individuals.
The process to Update a Driver’s License, particularly regarding changes in personal details, echoes the steps outlined for correcting information on a birth certificate. Both necessitate validation through official documents and potentially a court order, especially if significant alterations, such as name changes, are involved. This echoes the rigorous verification process needed to amend official records.
A Social Security Card Application procedure could be likened to the Texas Certificate of Birth form procedure, especially when it involves correcting or updating personal information. Both demand proof of identity and might involve similar supporting documents to substantiate the amendments requested by the applicant, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of government records.
Court Petitions for Name Changes involve a process reminiscent of correcting a name on a birth certificate. Both situations require legal documentation and often a court order, reflecting the legality and formalities necessary to alter official records. This highlights the legal thoroughness needed for such significant changes.
The process of Registering for School, much like correcting a birth certificate, involves presenting legal documentation to verify the student’s identity, such as a birth certificate. This underscores the necessity of having accurate birth records for educational and legal verification purposes, drawing a parallel to the importance of correct information on official documents.
Filing Taxes can draw parallels with correcting a birth certificate, particularly in the aspect of verifying personal information. Similar to updating birth records, tax filings require accurate personal details, supported by official documentation, to ensure legal compliance and correct record-keeping.
Finally, applying for Health Insurance may resemble the process of correcting a birth certificate, as both demand precise personal information and legal documentation to confirm the identity and eligibility of applicants. This similarity underscores the emphasis on accuracy and legality present in both administrative processes.
When completing the Texas Certificate Birth form, there are important do's and don'ts to ensure the process is smooth, and the application is accepted. Here is a guide to assist you:
There are numerous misconceptions about the process for correcting a Texas Birth Certificate, leading to confusion and potential delays in obtaining vital documents. Here are six common myths debunked:
Adoptions cannot involve birth certificate corrections. In reality, the form explicitly states it cannot be used to correct a record based on an adoption. For adoptions, a different legal process is involved to reflect the new parentage on the birth certificate.
Corrections to a birth certificate can be made by anyone. This is false. Only specific individuals, including the person named on the birth certificate (if they are at least 18 years old), parents named on the birth certificate for minors, legal guardians, or hospital representatives, are allowed to apply for corrections.
Submitting a correction form requires no documentation. Corrections typically require supportive documentation. The paperwork necessary depends on the nature of the correction, such as hospital or medical records, court orders, or school records, among others.
Online submissions are accepted for birth certificate corrections. The process stipulates that an original application must be mailed along with the required documentation and appropriate fees. Photocopies or alterations of the form are not accepted, underlining the importance of submitting original, accurate applications by mail.
There are no fees associated with the correction process. A fee schedule is clearly outlined in the instructions, with specific costs associated with different types of corrections, as well as possible expedited processing fees. Fees must be submitted along with the correction application and necessary documents.
Correcting the sex or race/color on a birth certificate is the same as other corrections. Corrections related to the child’s sex or parent’s race or color may involve filing a new birth certificate rather than simply attaching an amendment, possibly due to the sensitive and significant nature of such corrections.
Understanding the actual procedures and requirements for birth certificate corrections can save time and help avoid unnecessary frustration.
Filling out and using the Texas Certificate of Birth form correctly is essential for ensuring accurate birth records. This process can be potentially complicated, but understanding key takeaways can streamline the experience. Here are some important points to consider:
It's imperative that all information provided on the Texas Certificate of Birth form be accurate and complete. Should any questions arise during the application process, contacting the Texas Department of State Health Services directly can provide further guidance and clarification. Ensuring that all steps are correctly followed not only aids in the timely processing of your application but also helps in maintaining the integrity of vital records.
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