Who can request a certified copy of a birth certificate or a death certificate?
For births within the past 75 years and deaths within the past 25 years, only the immediate family members to the person whose name is on the birth certificate or death certificate are eligible to request a copy. All those with any other relationship to this person must provide legal documentation, such as a court order establishing guardianship. If you are the legal representative of a qualified applicant, send us a release which documents a direct and tangible interest in the record you are requesting.
Who is considered an immediate family member?
Any of the following relationships by blood or marriage are considered to be immediate family members: self, child, parent, brother, sister, grandparent, and spouse.
How do I get a copy of the record if I am not an immediate family member?
You may present a written, notarized statement signed by an immediate family member along with a copy of a photo ID of that family member. The statement must give permission to release a certified copy of the certificate to you. You will be required to complete an application form and present your photo ID along with the notarized statement.
How can I order vital records from other states?
If you would like to request vital records from other states, visit the National Center for Health Statistics website for more information.
What will you accept as a valid ID?
A photocopy of the applicant's valid government-issued photo ID. The following are acceptable forms of ID:
- State-issued driver's license
- State/city/county ID card
- Student ID
- Government employment badge or card
- Prison ID
- Military ID
What if I don't have a photo ID?
If the applicant does not have a photo ID, another option is to present photocopies of two documents with the applicant's name, such as a utility bill, a recent paycheck stub, an employment or organizational ID, and a signed Social Security card. Applications received without photo ID or acceptable alternatives cannot be processed.
Why do I have to send a photo ID?
Birth certificates and death certificates are not open records. Access to birth certificates is restricted to qualified applicants for 75 years from the date of birth, and access to death certificates is restricted for 25 years from the date of death. An ID is required to prove your identity and to prove that you are a qualified applicant.
IT IS A THIRD DEGREE FELONY TO FALSELY OBTAIN, USE,
OR ALTER ANOTHER PERSON'S CERTIFICATE OF BIRTH OR DEATH
COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED BY MAIL
BY SUBMITTING THE FOLLOWING:
- COMPLETED APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFIED COPY [Go to Documents tab]
- REQUIRED FEE (see application)
- COPY OF APPLICANT S DRIVERS LICENSE
MAIL TO: HAYS COUNTY CLERK
137 NORTH GUADALUPE STREET
SAN MARCOS, TEXAS 78666
* ONLY A "QUALIFIED APPLICANT " CAN RECEIVE A CERTIFIED COPY *