The Texas Department of Registration handles vital records, not vehicle or business registration
The Texas Department of Registration is a division within the Texas Department of State Health Services. It maintains and issues vital records — birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees — for events that occurred in Texas. This is separate from vehicle registration (handled by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles) and business registration (handled by the Texas Secretary of State).
If you need a copy of your birth certificate, death certificate, or marriage license from Texas, you will work with this department. The office is located in Austin and processes requests by mail, in person, and online through its official website.
Understanding which agency handles which record type matters because sending a request to the wrong office delays your paperwork. Many people confuse the Department of Registration with the Department of Motor Vehicles because both issue official documents, but they manage completely different records.
Key Takeaways
- The Texas Department of Registration issues birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees — not vehicle or business registrations.
- Requests can be submitted by mail to the Austin office, in person at the vital records office, or online through the department's website.
- You will need to provide specific information about the event (date, location, names involved) and proof of your relationship to the record holder.
- Processing times vary by method: online requests typically move faster than mail requests, and in-person service is available but requires a trip to Austin.
- Certified copies cost a fee that varies depending on the type of record and how many copies you need.
What records the department maintains and issues
The Texas Department of Registration holds vital records for births, deaths, marriages, and divorces that occurred in Texas. A vital record is an official document created at the time of a major life event. The department does not create these records — hospitals, funeral homes, courts, and county clerks do — but the department stores copies and issues certified versions when you request them.
Birth certificates are the most commonly requested record. You may need a certified copy for passport applications, employment verification, school enrollment, or legal proceedings. Death certificates are requested by family members, executors, and insurance companies. Marriage licenses and divorce decrees are needed for name changes, remarriage, benefits claims, and legal documentation.
The department issues certified copies, which bear an official seal and signature. A certified copy is what government agencies, employers, and courts accept as proof. Photocopies or uncertified versions are not accepted for official purposes.
How to request a record by mail or online
Mail requests go to the Texas Department of Registration, Vital Statistics Unit, P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040. You will need to complete a request form (available on the department's website), provide the required information about the event, and include payment. The department accepts checks and money orders by mail.
Online requests can be submitted through the department's website if you have the necessary details about the event. Online requests often process faster than mail because the department receives them electronically and can begin work when ready. You will pay by credit or debit card online.
For both methods, you must provide the full names of the people involved, the date of the event, the county where it occurred, and your relationship to the record holder. If you are not the person named on the record, you may need to provide proof of your relationship (such as a birth certificate showing you are their child, or a marriage certificate showing you are their spouse).
In-person service at the Austin office
The vital records office in Austin accepts walk-in requests during business hours. You can bring your request form and payment in person and sometimes receive a certified copy the same day, depending on how busy the office is. The office is located at 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756.
In-person service is useful if you need the record urgently or if you are unsure whether you have all the required information. Staff can answer questions about what you need to provide and may be able to search for a record if you have incomplete details.
Bring a photo ID and be prepared to wait. The office does not take appointments, so service is first-come, first-served. Hours and any temporary closures are posted on the department's website.
Fees and processing times
Fees for certified copies vary by record type and the number of copies you order. A single certified copy of a birth certificate typically costs less than a certified copy of a death certificate. Ordering multiple copies at once usually costs less per copy than ordering them separately later.
Processing times depend on the method you use. Online requests typically process within 5 to 10 business days. Mail requests take longer because of postal delays and the time needed to open and sort incoming mail — usually 2 to 4 weeks. In-person requests at the Austin office may be completed the same day or within a few days, depending on office volume.
The department's website lists current fees and estimated processing times. These can change, so check the official site before sending payment to make sure you are sending the correct amount.
What to do if you cannot find a record
If the department cannot locate a record after searching, they will notify you. This can happen if the event was not registered, if the record was filed in a different county than you expected, or if the names or dates you provided do not match the official record.
If a birth was not registered in Texas, you may need to file a delayed registration. This requires a court order and evidence of the birth (such as a hospital record, baptism certificate, or affidavit from someone present at the birth). The process is handled through the county district court in the county where the birth occurred.
If you believe the record exists but was filed in a different county, you can request a statewide search. This costs more than a single-county search but covers all Texas counties. The department can tell you whether a statewide search is worth trying based on the information you have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order a birth certificate for someone else?
You can order a certified copy if you have a direct relationship to the person — you are their parent, spouse, or adult child. You will need to provide proof of that relationship. If you are ordering on behalf of a minor child, you must be their parent or legal guardian. Unrelated third parties (such as employers or government agencies) must submit their own requests with proper authorization.
How much does a certified copy cost?
Fees vary by record type and are set by the state. A certified birth certificate typically costs between $20 and $30 for a single copy, but the exact amount changes and varies by how many copies you order. Check the department's website for current fees before submitting your request.
What if I need the record urgently?
Online requests process faster than mail requests. If you need the record within days, visit the Austin office in person — you may receive it the same day. Some counties also maintain copies of vital records and may issue certified copies locally, though the state copy is the most widely accepted.
Can I get a record if I do not know the exact date?
You can request a search with partial information, but it will take longer and may cost more. Provide the year or approximate year, the county, and the full names of the people involved. The department will search within a range of years. If the search returns no results, you may need to try a statewide search or file for a delayed registration if the event was never recorded.
Is there a difference between a certified copy and a regular copy?
Yes. A certified copy bears the official seal and signature of the vital records office and is accepted by government agencies, courts, and employers as proof. A regular photocopy has no legal standing for official purposes. Always request certified copies unless you are told otherwise.