Bureau of vital statistics north stadium drive houston tx

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:

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

What is the fastest way to get a certified birth certificate in Houston, Texas?

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.

Where is the Office of Vital Statistics in Houston?

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.

Can I get an official birth certificate the same day in Texas?

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. 

Can I order a copy of my birth certificate online?

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.

Where can I get my birth certificate translated?

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.

Do I need a certified birth certificate translation?

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.

How do I get my birth certificate apostilled?

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.

Can I get a certified Spanish translation of a birth certificate in Houston?

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.

How do I get a certified birth certificate the same day if I wasn’t born in Houston?

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.

Can I get my birth certificate at any courthouse in Texas?

If you were born in Houston, you need to order an official or certified copy from The Houston Health Department Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Is a birth certificate a public record?

Birth certificates are not public records and you will need to present proof of your identity before you are given a replacement.