Birth certificates are one of the most important forms of identification a person has. They are used to establish citizenship, enroll in school and get a Social Security card, and that's just the beginning. Yet for a variety of reasons, these documents can be lost or damaged. Fortunately, because they are a matter of public record, obtaining a new copy is a very simple process.

Where to Go

In Texas, you must visit your county seat to obtain official records. If you're in Dallas, the process is simple. Dallas is the seat for Dallas County; City Hall is located at 1500 Marilla St. Fort Worth, on the other hand is part of four counties, so the process is a bit more difficult. Check to see which county the birth occurred in. If it was in Denton County, you will need to head to 1450 McKinney St. in Denton. In Johnson County, you will need to go to 204 S. Buffalo Ave. in Cleburne. Wise County residents can report to the Wise County Courthouse at 101 N. Trinity St. in Decatur, while Parker County residents can collect their records from 1112 Santa Fe Dr. in Weatherford. Residents of Tarrant County should go to 100 E Weatherford in Fort Worth. Or you can simplifiy the entire process by going online to VitalChek (see resource 1).

Who Can Get It

After 75 years, birth certificates are open records and anyone can obtain them, but if the birth certificate was issued during the last 75 years, you will need to prove that you are a qualified applicant. Only the person whose name is on the certificate, an immediate family member or a qualified legal representative can obtain a birth certificate that is still sealed. This includes siblings, parents, children or those who you have granted legal standing. Those not in the immediate family will need to provide legal documentation demonstrating their ability to collect the certificate.You will also need to provide proof of identification.

What to Bring

Obtaining the record costs $23, and you will need identification to prove you are a qualified applicant. The State of Texas accepts the following as proof of identification: drivers license, Federal/State/County/City ID, student ID, military ID, employment card, Stewpot ID, a valid passport, Alien Residence Card/Visa, matricula or DART Reduced ID. If you do not have any of the previous forms of identification then two of the following may be used: Voter's Registration Card, Social Security Card, clinic or health insurance card, hunting or fishing license, library card, school records, DART Pass, marriage license, parole/jail release, Medicaid/Medicare, Sam's membership ID, debit card with picture, Certificate of Nationalization, lease/mortgage, legal documents, tax returns or check stubs. Once the clerk is satisfied that you are who you say you are, it is only a matter of time before you have a birth certificate in your hands.

Source:

Dallas City Hall

City of Fort Worth