Image this: Two days ago, you get a call from HR and are instructed to submit a copy of your birth certificate by the end of the week. You are told that the copy you submit must be the original long form version that is certified and notarized by the government agency that was responsible for producing it.
You spend the next three days searching the boxes in your closet, the drawers in your desk, and everywhere else where you normally keep important documents but still can’t find it. In a panic, you begin to search Google to learn how you can quickly acquire a new copy of your birth certificate.
During your online search, you find a few websites where you can order a certified copy of your birth certificate. The order process seems simple enough. To get pricing, you are asked to complete a short online form. But as you enter your information into form, you encounter a problem. You are asked to select the appropriate county of government agency responsible for producing birth certificate. However, while other counties in Texas are listed, Harris County is absent from the list. Unable to go further, you decide to choose another company and begin filling out another form. Once you complete the form, you are given the price for a Short Form Birth Abstract (With Raised Seal). The first copy will cost $23 with a service fee of $11 and an additional charge for shipping and handling. There’s only one problem, you were told you needed a long form certificate and it had to be certified and notarized by the government office that produced it.
You had planned to find a company that could provide an official copy of your birth certificate quickly and conveniently, but your experience was difficult, and it wasted precious time. If this sounds familiar, you aren’t alone. Luckily, you remembered the instructions of the HR representative and aren’t out any money. But what do you do now?
If you were born in the incorporated city limits of Houston, you should order an original copy of your birth certificate directly from The Houston Health Department Bureau of Vital Statistics. The Houston Health Department Bureau of Vital Statistics holds records of births, deaths, and fetal deaths and can produce original and official copies of your birth certificate that are certified and notarized.
THE FASTEST AND EASIEST WAY TO GET A US BIRTH CERTIFICATE
The city of Houston makes ordering birth certificates and death certificates easy and fast. You can either place an order online, schedule an appointment or wait in line. To place an order, you must be able to show proper ID. Ordering instructions are available in both English and Spanish. Same-day-service is available as long as your request is made Monday-Thursday between the hours of 8AM and 2PM and on Friday between 8AM and noon.
SAME DAY SERVICE-HOUSTON BIRTH CERTIFICATE REPLACEMENT COPIES
HOUSTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT
8000 N Stadium Dr, Houston, TX 77054
WHO NEEDS TO SEE YOUR BIRTH CERTIFICATE?
A birth certificate is a vital record. It is not a public record and therefore isn’t accessible to the general public. You must present proper identification in order to get a replacement copy.
Vital records are legal documents that record major life events and are maintained under governmental control. Examples of vital records include birth certificates, marriage licenses (or marriage certificates), separation agreements, divorce certificates and death certificates. Vital records are important because they establish and confirm your identity. You may be asked to show a copy of your birth certificate when involved in any of the following:
| Adoption (Domestic and International) | Employment | Inheritance/Probate |
| Driver’s License | Welfare and Social Security Benefits | Health and Life Insurance |
| Immigration and Dual Citizenship | Housing | Marriage (Domestic and International) |
| Academic Enrollment (Domestic and International) | Visa Application | Passport Application |
CERTIFIED TRANSLATIONS OF BIRTH CERTIFICATES IN HOUSTON
Houston is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country. Because of this, often our residents need to certified translations of critical vital records. Examples of vital records include birth certificates and death certificates. When vital records are required by a non-English speaking foreign government, you must also provide a certified translation that is apostilled or authenticated along with a certified copy of the birth certificate, death certificate or other vital record that is being requested.
When needing a certified translation, we recommend that you read Certified Translation Buying Tips For Houston. It helps answers all of the questions you will likely have about pricing, apostilles and other requirements.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you were born in Houston, The Houston Health Department Bureau of Vital Statistics offers the fastest, easiest and least expensive way to get an official copy of your birth certificate. You can order a copy through their website, stand in line or schedule an appointment to meet with a clerk. You will need to show proper identification.
The Houston Health Department Bureau of Vital Statistics is located off Old Spanish Trail, near NRG Stadium at 8000 N Stadium Dr, Houston, TX 77054. Their phone number is 713-837-0311.
The Houston Health Department Bureau of Vital Statistics offers same-day-service provided that you place your order from Monday-Thursday between 8AM and 2PM and on Friday between 8AM and noon.
The Houston Health Department Bureau of Vital Statistics offers three convenient ways to order a birth certificate. You can place your order online or in-person. Spanish instructions are available.
There are a number of local translation companies that provide certified translations in Houston. 24 Hour Translation Services is located near downtown Houston and can often provide same-day-service.
If you need to present your birth certificate in another country, it’s critical that you get an original copy of the certified translation and that it is notarized in Texas. Often, the birth certificate or the translation of the birth certificate will need to be authenticated or apostilled by the Texas Secretary of State in Austin.
Getting an apostille or authentication requires that the birth certificate translation be notarized by the translation company’s public notary. Further, the Secretary of State in Texas requires that all documents be notarized by a Texas notary. Thus, you should make sure you choose a Houston translations agency. 24 Hour Translation Services located off Allen Parkway, offers certified and notarized translations that can be apostilled and authenticated by the Texas Secretary of State.
24 Hour Translation Servies offers certified Spanish translations of birth certificates. We also translate into 50 other languages including French, German, Italian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Portuguese, Arabic and more. Call us for more information. Appointments are required.
If you weren’t born in Houston, but you were born in Texas, you can still get a Birth Fact from The Houston Health Department Bureau of Vital Statistics. A Birth Fact is a certified legal document that is often accepted in place of an official birth certificate. However, there are times when a birth certificate is necessary, particularly when applying for a passport or a foreign Visa.
If you were born in Houston, you need to order an official or certified copy from The Houston Health Department Bureau of Vital Statistics.
Birth certificates are not public records and you will need to present proof of your identity before you are given a replacement.
I need to get a copy of my bothers birth certificate. What do I need?
If he was born in Houston, you can contact the Bureau of Vital Records. They are located on Stadium Drive close to NRG Stadium. Their phone number is heir phone number is 713-837-0311.
Hi
My newborn baby was born in Pasadena Tx hospital two days ago
Can i go directly to the city hall to get the birth certificate , beca i have an urgent international flight and i need to get a pass for my baby ASAP
Thanks
You will want to contact the Pasadena Vital Statistics office. Their phone number is (713) 475-5593.
Can I get a birth certificate in Houston the same day. If I was born in Galveston tx.
No, because Houston is in Harris County. You will need to contact the Galveston County Clerk’s Office. They are located at 600 59th Street, Suite 2001 in Galveston, Texas. Their phone number is (409) 766-2200.
If you have lost all your identification documents, obtaining a birth certificate can be challenging. However, it is still possible to obtain a copy of your birth certificate without identification in some states. The process varies from state to state, but most states will require you to provide some form of alternative documentation to prove your identity. For example, some states may allow you to produce alternative forms of identification if you don’t have government-issued identification.
You can start by contacting the vital records office in the state where you were born or visit Vital Records Online to begin the process there 2. Some states may require that your parents or legal guardians submit a notarized letter with a copy of their photo IDs in order to have a replacement birth certificate issued on your behalf.
My husband was born in Port Arthur …can I get a birth certificate here in houston for him?
If I lost everything & have no identification how can I get a birth certificate
Thank you for your question!
Unfortunately, you cannot obtain a birth certificate for someone born in Port Arthur from the Houston Health Department Bureau of Vital Statistics. Birth certificates are typically issued by the vital records office in the city or county where the birth occurred.
For your husband’s birth certificate, you will need to contact the Port Arthur Health Department or use their online portal, Permitium, to request a certified copy. Here is how you can do this:
Visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website to find the contact details for the Port Arthur Health Department.
Use the Permitium system to order the birth certificate online if you prefer not to go in person. You can find the portal through the Port Arthur Health Department’s website.
Ensure that you have proper identification and any required documents to submit with your application.
By following these steps, you should be able to obtain the birth certificate directly from the correct issuing authority. If you need further assistance, the local health department staff in Port Arthur will be able to guide you through the process.
If you require a certified translation of the birth certificate or any other documents, remember that our Houston office can assist with translations and ensuring that your documents meet the necessary requirements for official use.
We hope this information helps, and wish you the best in obtaining the needed birth certificate!
Thank you for reaching out with your question.
Obtaining a birth certificate without any identification can indeed be challenging but it is usually possible by following certain procedures, depending on where you were born. Here are general steps you can take:
If You Were Born in the United States:
Determine Where You Were Born: You will need to know the specific city, county, or state to request your birth certificate from the correct vital records office.
Contact the Vital Records Office: Reach out to the vital records office of the place where you were born. Some offices may allow you to request a birth certificate by mail or in person by providing details like your name, date of birth, and place of birth. You may need to explain your situation regarding the lack of ID and ask about alternative ways to prove your identity.
Provide Alternative Identification: If some form of identification is required, consider submitting alternative forms of ID. These might include:
Medical or insurance records
School records
A letter from a government agency stating you are who you say you are
Social Security card (if available)
Pay Required Fees: Be prepared to pay any fees associated with obtaining a birth certificate. These are generally modest but necessary for processing your request.
If You Were Born Outside the U.S.:
Determine Your Birth Country and Location: Identify the specific country and city/town of your birth.
Contact the Vital Records Office in Your Birth Country: Each country will have its own method for requesting a birth certificate. You might need to contact a consulate or embassy if you are currently in the U.S., or directly reach out to the appropriate ministry or department in your birth country.
Provide Any Available Proof of Identity: Similar to the domestic process, you may use any alternative identification documents you have at your disposal that are recognized by the foreign office handling your request.
Cover Any Associated Fees: International requests may involve higher fees, especially if they involve secure international postage.
General Advice:
Explain Your Situation: Clearly explain your situation of having lost all identification to the relevant officials, whether in the U.S. or abroad. They may have procedures in place for such situations.
Seek Assistance: Consider seeking help from a legal professional or a community organization that assists people in obtaining vital records without standard forms of ID.
Unfortunately, as a translations company, we do not directly handle document retrieval but we can assist you by providing certified translations of any foreign documents you might obtain. For detailed and specific guidance tailored to your situation, and to ensure you are following all legal requirements, consulting with a legal professional or the appropriate government office is recommended.
We hope this information helps you in obtaining your birth certificate. Please let us know if you require any translation services once you have your documents.