BIRTH AND DEATH RECORDS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Only a qualified applicant may obtain a certified copy of a birth or death certificate.
Q. Who is a Qualified Applicant?
- The registrant (the person named in the record).
- The parent, child, brother, sister, spouse, grandparent, legal guardian or managing conservator of the registrant.
- Legal representative, agent or other person acting under contract for the registrant. Must provide a letter of permission and copy of identification from the registrant.
An applicant must provide all necessary information and show proper identification before obtaining the certificate.
Any Texas birth certificate may be purchased in Somervell County. This office uses a remote access system to the State’s records dating from 1926 to the present. However, new births are usually not available in our computer system until approximately 3-4 weeks after the date of birth.
Q. How do I get a copy of the record if I am not an immediate family member?
You may send in a written, notarized statement signed by an immediate family member. The statement must give permission to Texas Vital Statistics to release a certified copy of the certificate to you. The statement must also identify you by your full name, and you must present a photocopy of your picture ID with the notarized statement.
Q. How much does it cost to obtain a BIRTH certificate?
$23.00 per certified copy
Q. How much does it cost for a copy of a DEATH certificate?
$21.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy.
Q. What information is needed to obtain a birth or death certificate?
The information required is the same for either a birth or death certificate and is as follows:
- Full name on birth or death certificate
- Date and place of birth or death
- Father’s full name
- Mother’s full name including maiden name
- Name, address and phone number of the requestor
- Relationship to person on birth or death record
- Valid identification (Driver’s License preferred)
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 some 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
Click the link to view more options on acceptable forms of identification http://www.dshs.texas.gov/vs/reqproc/Acceptable-IDs/
Q. May I obtain a birth or death certificate by mail?
Yes, you may obtain a birth or death certificate by mail by completing and mailing in the Mail Application for Birth and Death Record (VS-142.3 Rev. 09/2015) along with a photocopy of your valid photo ID. Signatures must be original. Requests should be mailed to: Michelle Reynolds, Somervell County Clerk, PO Box 1098, Glen Rose, TX 76043. Please provide a daytime telephone number and a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your request.
Q. How can I amend a birth/death certificate if I found an error on my birth/death certificate?
On occasion someone will find an error or mistake on their birth or death certificate that needs to be corrected. Depending on the circumstance, form VS-170 can usually correct the problem. Click here for the form.
Acceptable payment options:
In Office: Credit/Debit Cards (convenience fee applies), Cash, Money Order, or Check.
By Mail: Check, Cash or Money Order
Q. Can I download the birth or death certificate application forms?
Yes, select the form below and print as needed.
MAIL APPLICATION FOR BIRTH AND DEATH RECORD (VS-142.3 Rev. 09/2015)
You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to download the application forms.
Click on the following link to visit the Bureau of Vital Statistics site on Birth & Death Indexes