The Texas Certificate Birth form, provided by the Texas Department of State Health and Human Services, serves as a vital tool for correcting records on a birth certificate. It outlines who is eligible to apply for a correction, the necessary steps to complete the application, and the appropriate documentation and fees required. This form is indispensable for individuals seeking to amend details on their birth certificate or that of their child, provided the changes do not pertain to adjustments following an adoption. For a smoother process in ensuring the accuracy of your or your child's birth certificate, consider filling out the form by clicking the button below.
In Texas, the procedure for altering a birth certificate is detailed and requires submission of a specific form, as outlined by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Eligibility for applying for corrections includes individuals named on the certificate who are 18 years old or older, parents listed on the certificate if the child is a minor, legal guardians, and representatives with proof of their authority, as well as hospital or medical facility representatives. The process demands the completion and notarization of an application form, coupled with the provision of valid identification and the necessary documentation to support the requested corrections. Sections of the form guide the applicant through specifying the type of amendment, such as changes in personal details due to hospital errors, name corrections, or alterations in parental information, all of which entail different documentation requirements. Moreover, for certain changes, like adjusting parentage details or correcting the certificate based on the child's sex, specific supporting documentation is mandated. Additionally, a non-refundable fee, whose amount varies depending on the nature of the correction, is required with the submission. With average processing times ranging from six to eight weeks for standard requests to 20-25 business days for expedited services, applicants are encouraged to carefully follow the instructions to avoid delays or denial of their application. This structured procedure underscores the Texas Health and Safety Code's emphasis on accuracy and legality in the vital records amendment process, highlighting the significant implications of providing false information.
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
Filling out the Texas Certificate of Birth Correction form is a meticulous process that requires attention to detail and accuracy. Ensuring that the birth record reflects the true and correct information is critical. This document is vital not only for legal and identification purposes but also for educational, medical, and future verification needs. By following a step-by-step guide, the person applying for the correction can navigate through the process more smoothly, thereby reducing the likelihood of delays caused by errors or omissions.
Once submitted, the estimated processing time can vary. Regular submissions may take 6-8 weeks, and expedited submissions 20-25 business days. Monitoring the status of your request can be done by telephone or online through the contact information provided on the application form. Following these steps carefully will help ensure the prompt and accurate correction of the birth certificate.
Corrections to a Texas Birth Certificate can be requested by a limited group of individuals. These include the person named on the certificate if they are 18 years or older, parents named on the birth certificate if the child is a minor, legal guardians or representatives with proof of their status, and the hospital or medical facility where the birth occurred. It’s vital to ensure that you are eligible before attempting to apply for a correction to avoid any unnecessary delays or complications.
Making a correction involves several specific steps:
The fees depend on the type of correction requested:
The mailing address for your application depends on whether you choose regular or expedited service:
Filling out the Texas Certificate of Birth form requires attention to detail. Making mistakes can lead to processing delays or even denial of your application. Here are nine common errors people make:
Ensuring all fields are accurately completed, attaching the correct documents, and following the application instructions can help avoid these common mistakes.
When dealing with the complexities of personal documentation in Texas, particularly when it comes to making amendments to a birth certificate or other vital documents, several forms and documents frequently come into play. These serve various purposes, from verifying identities to adjusting vital information as per the latest legal requirements. Understanding each of these documents can greatly simplify navigating through bureaucratic processes, ensuring accuracy, and maintaining compliance with state laws.
Handling these documents effectively requires a clear understanding of their purposes and requirements. Whether it's correcting a birth certificate, applying for a passport, or legal changes in name or paternity, each form plays a key role in verifying personal identity and ensuring the accuracy of official records. Keeping these documents up-to-date and consistent is crucial for legal, personal, and professional reasons.
The Texas Certificate for Birth Correction shares similarities with several other official documents. These documents are used in varying contexts but have commonalities in their application processes, the requirement for notarization, and the need for supporting documentation to validate requested changes or corrections. Here, an overview of eight such documents will be provided to understand their similarities with the Texas Birth Certificate Correction form.
A Marriage License can be akin to the Birth Certificate Correction form when it comes to the need for accurate, unaltered, and officially certified information. Similar to correcting a birth certificate, amending a marriage license may require providing substantiating documents, completing an application, and possibly getting notary verification to ensure authenticity and prevent fraud.
A Driver's License Renewal Application also shares similarities, particularly regarding the necessity for providing valid identification and completing specific sections accurately to avoid processing delays. Both forms emphasize the importance of original documentation and may involve updating personal information, such as an address or name change, contingent on supporting evidence.
An Adoption Record Update form can be comparable in the aspect that it might necessitate providing extensive supporting documentation and involves changes to very personal details. Just as with birth certificate corrections, amendments to adoption records are sensitive, often requiring a notary's presence to affirm the veracity of the information provided.
The process to Correct a Death Certificate in many jurisdictions requires steps similar to those found in the Birth Certificate Correction form, including the necessity for a notary's certification, submission of an original application, and provision of supporting documents that justify the requested amendments.
Passport Application Forms, particularly when correcting or updating personal information, share similarities with the birth certificate correction process. Both require accurate and complete information, notarization of signatures, and attaching valid photo identification to ensure the applicant's identity is authenticated.
Legal Name Change Petitions often necessitate a detailed application process, where one must submit original documents, including court orders, just as one would do for a birth certificate correction. Moreover, both processes require paying specific fees and possibly appearing before a notary or in court to verify the authenticity of the application.
The process to Amend a Social Security Record shares parallels, notably in the emphasis on the need for original documents and official forms of identification. Corrections to a birth certificate that alter key personal identifiers will likely necessitate subsequent amendments to social security records, underlining the interconnectedness of governmental documentation systems.
Lastly, immigration document corrections, such as updating a Green Card or Naturalization Certificate, can mirror the process of amending a birth certificate. These corrections might involve providing documentary evidence of a legal name change or other significant alterations, filling out detailed forms, dealing with processing fees, and ensuring all submissions are original and notarized where applicable.
When approaching the task of filling out a Texas Certificate of Birth form, accuracy, and attention to detail are of the utmost importance. To ensure a smooth process and prevent any delays or issues, here are 8 key dos and don'ts to keep in mind.
Filling out the Texas Certificate of Birth form correctly is crucial for ensuring the document reflects the accurate and legal details of the individual's birth. By following these dos and don'ts, applicants can navigate the process more effectively, resulting in a smoother experience and timely processing of their requests.
Misconceptions about the Texas Birth Certificate Correction process can lead to confusion and delay. Here are nine common misunderstandings clarified:
Understanding these points clearly helps streamline the correction process, ensuring accurate and timely updates to birth records.
When it comes to making corrections on a Texas Birth Certificate, there are essential factors to consider for a successful amendment process. Understanding these key points can streamline the process, ensuring accuracy and compliance with state requirements.
Adhering to these guidelines ensures a smoother experience in correcting a Texas Birth Certificate. Each step is vital to avoid delays and ensure the corrected certificate accurately reflects the required changes.
Ccad Program - The inclusion of total hours worked daily and weekly aids in payroll calculations and workload management.
Cr-2 Form Texas - Guidance is offered on the types of information that will improve the chances of successfully obtaining the report.