How much does it cost to order a birth certificate

The costs and fees for vital records are non-refundable and non-transferable, even if the record is not found or is identified incorrectly.

Note: For in-person orders at DSHS in Austin, payment made by credit card requires a $2.25 processing fee.
Birth Record Fees Death Record Fees Marriage/Divorce Record Fees Expedited Fees

Birth Records

Birth Record Orders

Type of Birth Record RequestCostCertified Long Form (e.g., for U.S. Passports)$22.00Certified Short Form (e.g., for school registration)$22.00For Military Personnel ( Texas Government Code 437.217)
*Letter from unit commander requiredFEE WAIVEDFor Homeless Youth ( Texas Health and Safety Code 191.0049)
*documentation requiredFEE WAIVEDCertificate for Election IdentificationFEE WAIVEDBirth Verification (not a certified copy)$22.00Heirloom (official record for display)$60.00Non-Certified Copy of Original Birth Certificate (Adult Adoptees Only)$10.00

By default, all record requests are returned via USPS First Class mail at no cost. For the fees associated with expedited orders, see the Expedited Processing and Shipping section below.

Birth Record Amendments

For more information on changing or correcting a birth record, see the Requirements for Changing Vital Records.

Type of Birth Record Amendment RequestCostCorrection to Birth Certificate – to add/remove/replace a parent and seal old record$25.00Correction to Birth Certificate – all other changes$15.00New, Certified Copy of Corrected Birth Record$22.00

By default, all record requests are returned via USPS First Class mail at no cost. For the fees associated with expedited orders, see the Expedited Processing and Shipping section below.

New Birth Certificate Based on Adoption

For more information on amending a birth record based to adoption, see the Updating a Birth Record Based to Adoption page.

Fees for New Birth Certificate Based on AdoptionCost1. New Certificate Filing Fee $25.002. New, Certified Copy of Corrected Birth Record$22.003. Central Adoption Registry (CAR) Fee*
*Only required for adoption decrees granted in Texas.$15.00*TOTAL:$62.00

By default, all record requests are returned via USPS First Class mail at no cost. For the fees associated with expedited orders, see the Expedited Processing and Shipping section below.

Delayed Birth Registration

See the Delayed Birth Registration page for complete instructions, including supporting documentation requirements.

Delayed Birth Registration FeesCostDelayed Birth Certificate Filing Fee$25.00Certified Copy of Delayed Birth Certificate(when submitting "Not Found" letter)*$ 0.00TOTAL:$25.00

*Must have applied, submitted fee(s) for, and received a "Not Found" letter a birth certificate. Additional fee of $22.00 will be applied if "Not Found" letter is not resubmitted with delayed birth registration packet.

Death Records

Death Record Orders

Type of Death Record RequestCostFirst Death Certificate$20.00Each Additional Death Certificate order at the same time$3.00Death Verification$20.00

By default, all record requests are returned via USPS First Class mail at no cost. For the fees associated with expedited orders, see the Expedited Processing and Shipping section below.

Death Record Amendments

For more information on changing or correcting a death record, see the Requirements for Changing Vital Records.

Type of Death Record Amendment RequestCostCorrection to Death Certificate$15.00First Certified Copy of Corrected Death Record$20.00Additional Certified Copies of Corrected Death Record (ordered at the same time)$3.00

By default, all record requests are returned via USPS First Class mail at no cost. For the fees associated with expedited orders, see the Expedited Processing and Shipping section below.

Marriage/Divorce Records

Verification Letter Costs

Verification TypeYears AvailableCostMarriage1966-2011$20 per verificationDivorce/Annulment1968-2011$20 per verification

By default, all record requests are returned via USPS First Class mail at no cost. For the fees associated with expedited orders, see the Expedited Processing and Shipping section below.

Marriage Application Indexes Costs

Years AvailableAvailable on the WebCost1966-2011Downloadable Indexes$10 for first year
$5 for each additional year ordered at the same time

Report of Divorce/Annulment Indexes Costs

Years AvailableAvailable on the WebCost1966-2011Downloadable Indexes$10 for first year
$5 for each additional year ordered at the same time

Expedited Processing and Shipping

To request EXPEDITED service, you must:

1. Send your complete application packet (including the application with a notary seal, any required supporting documentation, and payment for your application) through an overnight mail service, such as FEDEX, LoneStar, or UPS;
2. Send the order to the Expedited Processing Mailing Address;
3. Select and provide payment for one of the expedited return shipping methods:
4. Expedited Return Shipping MethodCostEXPEDITED – Overnight Mail (shipping within USA ONLY)$12.50EXPEDITED – USPS Express Mail (shipping overnight to PO Box ONLY)$22.95
5. Provide expedited processing fee*:Expedited Processing FeeCostExpedited Processing Fee$5.00

   *You can request overnight return shipping without an expedited processing; however, if expedited processing is selected, expedited return shipping is required.

   How much is a birth certificate in Virginia?

   The Code of Virginia requires a cost of $12.00 per certificate/search. There is no refund if the certificate is not found. If no record is found for a birth certificate request, a “No Record” letter will be issued. METHOD OF PAYMENT – Online requests can be paid by credit card or mailed in with a check or money order.

   How much is a birth certificate in New Jersey?

   Birth. Cost of copy: $25.00 for initial copy. Additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time are $2.00 each. Please visit the New Jersey Vital Statistics website for the most up to date information regarding ordering options and information or call toll-free at 1-866-649-8726.

   How much is a birth certificate in Alabama?

   Cost. The fee to search for a birth certificate is $15.00, which includes one certified copy of the birth record or a "Certificate of Failure to Find." Additional copies of the same record ordered at the same time are $6.00 each. There is an additional fee of $15.00 to expedite a request.

   How much is a birth certificate in North Carolina?

   Complete, print, and sign the appropriate form below. Include a $24 money order, certified check, or business check (not a personal check) for the first copy of the certificate and $15 for each additional certificate. Make payment to "NC Vital Records".