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Health Vital Statistics

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1. How does one obtain a birth certificate if born in Wichita Falls?

You may personally go to the local Vital Statistics office or mail in a request for one.

2. I was born in Texas, but not in Wichita Falls. Can I get my birth certificate here?

Yes, we have access to birth certificates filed with the state Vital Statistics office in Austin, Texas.

3. Are birth records open to public inspection?

No. Births are public after 75 years and death is public after 25 years. These records are not open for public inspection, but you can purchase them with a valid I.D.

4. What is a certified copy of a Birth or Death Certificate?

An exact copy of the original record, issued on special form paper, as filed with the Texas Department of State Health Services, Vital Statistics Division in Austin, Texas. It also bears the facsimilie signature of the Local/State Registrar.

5. Is a hospital record a certified copy of the Birth Certificate?

No.

6. If a mistake (such as spelling of a name) occurs on the original birth certificate, can this be corrected and is there a charge for this correction?

Yes. It may be corrected by completing an "Application to Amend Certificate of Birth" form. There is a fee of $15.00 for this process. If you would like to purchase the amended ceritificate, it adds an extra charge of $22.00. This application is sent to the Texas Department of State Health Services, Vital Statistics Division in Austin, Texas, along with the total cost.

7. How do I get my child's father's name on the birth certificate at the time of my child's birth if I am not married.

Both parents will need to sign an "Acknowledgement of Paternity" form. This form can be obtained from the hospital at or before your child's birth.

8. Can this be done after I leave the hospital?

Yes. Contact the local Vital Statistics office and we can have you sign an "Acknowledgement of Paternity" form and the necessary papers to amend the birth certificate. This will add the father's name and change the Surname on the certificate, if necessary. Name and change of Surname on the certificate, if necessary, will incur a fee of $25.00 for this process.

9. How do I file a home birth?

You must call and set up and appointment to speak with the City Registrar at 940-761-7802