Find Texas Vital Records Online
Are Texas Vital Records Available to the Public?
Yes, certain Texas vital records are accessible to the public. However, the availability of these records is subject to various statutory exemptions and legal restrictions. Access may depend on the type of record, the date of the event, and the requestor's legal authority. Designated record custodians may restrict access based on these criteria.
What Information is Included in Texas Vital Records?
Texas vital records document significant life events and typically include:
- Birth certificates
- Death records
- Marriage certificates and licenses
- Divorce decrees
These records are maintained to certify and monitor vital events for identification, genealogical research, and other purposes.
How to Access Texas Vital Records Online?
To access Texas vital records online, requesters must use the website of the custodian in the judicial district where the event occurred. Generally, these records are not issued remotely and requests are often fulfilled via mail. When searching online, requesters must provide specific information to facilitate the record search, such as:
- Full name(s) of the registrant(s), including maiden names where applicable
- Judicial district where the license or decree was issued
- Approximate date of the event
- Case file number for divorce records
- Full name of the registrant's parents or legal guardian, if applicable
Third-party aggregate sites may also provide access to these records, although availability may differ from official channels.
What Do I Need to Access Texas Vital Records?
To obtain Texas vital records, requesters must submit applications to the appropriate office, such as the Vital Statistics Unit of the Texas Department of State Health Services. Required information typically includes:
- Full name of the registrant
- Date and place of the event
- Names of parents or legal guardians
- Case file numbers, if applicable
Requesters must also provide a government-issued I.D. for certified copies and may need additional documentation, such as a court subpoena or proof of relationship documents, for restricted records.
Certified vs. Informational Copies: Key Differences
Certified copies of vital records are notarized and hold legal authority, making them suitable for official purposes such as establishing identity. These are issued only to eligible persons who meet specific requirements. Informational copies, on the other hand, are non-official and used solely for research or informational purposes. They do not carry legal weight and can be accessed by the general public.
Are Texas Birth Records Available to the Public?
Texas birth records that are 75 years or older are public records. More recent birth records are restricted and can only be accessed by the registrant, their immediate family members, or individuals with legal authorization.
How to Access Texas Birth Records?
To access Texas birth records, requesters must download and complete the Texas birth certificate application. They need to provide:
- Full name of the registrant
- Date and place of birth
- Names of parents
- Appropriate fees and I.D. requirements
Completed applications must be submitted in person or via mail to the Vital Statistics Section of the Texas DSHS.
Are Birth Certificates Public in Texas?
Birth certificates in Texas are not public records. They are only issued to the individual named on the record, their immediate family members, or authorized representatives. Legal proof of eligibility is required to obtain these records.
Are Texas Death Records Available to the Public?
Yes, Texas death records that are 25 years or older are public information. Death certificates less than 25 years old are restricted and can only be accessed by the registrant's immediate family members or individuals with legal authorization.
How to Access Death Records in Texas?
To access Texas death records, requesters must complete the Texas death certificate application. Required information includes:
- Name of the deceased
- Date and place of death
- Appropriate fees and I.D. requirements
Applications must be notarized and submitted in person or via mail to the Vital Statistics Section of the Texas DSHS.
Are Texas Marriage Records Available to the Public?
Yes, Texas marriage records are generally public information. However, they can be sealed or deemed confidential upon request by the registrants or by court order. Confidential records are only accessible to the parties named on the record or authorized individuals.
How to Access Marriage Records in Texas?
To access Texas marriage records, requesters can query the county clerk’s office where the marriage license was issued. Required information includes:
- Full names of the spouses
- Date and place of marriage
- Appropriate fees for copies and certification
The Vital Statistics Section of the Texas DSHS also maintains a Marriage License Index for verification purposes.
How to Obtain a Marriage Certificate in Texas
To obtain a Texas marriage certificate, requesters must query the county clerk’s office in the jurisdiction where the license was issued. They need to provide:
- Full names of the spouses
- Date and place of marriage
- Appropriate fees and proof of eligibility
Marriage certificates are typically certified and notarized, making them suitable for official purposes.
Are Texas Divorce Records Available to the Public?
Yes, Texas divorce records are generally public information. However, sensitive details such as financial agreements and identifying information of domestic violence victims may be excluded from public access.
How to Get Divorce Records in Texas?
To obtain Texas divorce records, requesters must contact the district court clerk’s office in the county where the divorce occurred. Required information includes:
- Full names of the parties involved
- Date or approximate date of the divorce
- Case file number
Requests can be made in person, via mail, or online, and may involve fees for copies and certification.
How to Obtain a Certified Divorce Certificate in Texas
Certified divorce certificates are issued by the District Court Clerk’s office in the county where the decree was issued. To obtain a certified copy, requesters must provide:
- Full names of the parties involved
- Date of the divorce
- Case file number
- Government-issued I.D. and proof of eligibility
These documents are only available to eligible individuals or those with legal authorization.