REQUEST PROCESSING AND

ISSUANCE

REQUEST ISSUANCE TEAMS

Mail in teamTexas online teamLobby teamAction team

MAIL IN TEAM

11 Members in the Team.Processes approximately 102,360

requests in the last year.Currently at 19 Days to Completion (6 to 8

weeks quoted DTC).Displaced due to Imaging Project, which

will be for two years.

TEXAS ONLINE TEAM

Started in December of 2005. Processes approximately 108,600 requests in

the last year. Comprised of 12 members. Currently at 6 DTC in processing time. Accessed at www.texasonline.gov. Handles birth and death certificates and

verifications, marriage and divorce verifications.

LOBBY TEAM

Direct customer service at our facility. Comprised of 7 team members and support from

all other teams. Handles 55,359 customer requests in the last

year. Quick, personal service, usually within 3 hours

or less. Also handles supplementals, paternities and

adoptions. Turn around in 48 hours.

ACTION TEAM

Processes credit card faxed orders and expedited overnight orders.

Credit card orders increased from 155 per month in Sept. 2007 to 2,264 per month in Sept. 2008.

Processes the DCOA orders. Increased from 108 orders per week in Sept. 2007 to 1009 orders per week in Sept. 2008.

Comprised of 4 team members.

INTERNET ACCESS

www.texasonline.gov or www.texasonline.com

http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/vs

Swifter credit card processingOnline Identification checkFaster response timeCustomer convenienceCustomer security

Qualified applicant Restrictions on Closed records!

Greater paymentFlexibility!

Have you seen our website?

It has everything!

VITAL STATISTICS WEB PAGE

VITAL STATISTICS APPLICATIONSCredit Card Application

Credit card fee is now $8.00.

Most common problems:

1. Both signatures need to be on application.

2. Legible photo ID not received.

OFFICE USE ONLY Cert # DOCUMENT CONTROL # By______________

EXPEDITED APPLICATION FOR

BIRTH OR DEATH RECORD

OFFICE USE ONLY Remit No. By______________

PLEASE PRINT. INCLUDE A PHOTOCOPY OF VALID PHOTO ID OR YOUR ORDER WILL NOT BE PROCESSED.

For any search of the files where a record is not found, the searching fee is not refundable or transferable.

1. Full Name of Person on Record

First Name

Middle Name

Last Name

2. Date of Birth or Death

Month

Day

Year

3. Sex

4. Place of Birth or Death

City or Town

County

State

5. Full Name of Father

First Name

Middle Name

Last Name

6. Full Maiden Name of Mother

First Name

Middle Name

Maiden Name

7. YOUR NAME 8. TELEPHONE # ( ) - AM or PM (circle)

(MON-FRI 8:00-5:00)

9. MAILING ADDRESS:

STREET ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP

10. RELATIONSHIP TO PERSON NAMED IN ITEM 1: 11. PURPOSE FOR OBTAINING THIS RECORD:

11. WILL THIS RECORD BE USED TO OBTAIN A PASSPORT, FOR IMMIGRATION OR FOR THE INDIAN REGISTRY? YES NO

I authorize mailing to the address below instead of my mailing address. I have verified that the address below will receive my order. I agree to pay the above amount according to the card member agreement. NAME

STREET

Cardholder signature

CITY

STATE

ZIP

Your Signature Date of Application

FAX THIS APPLICATION WITH PHOTOCOPY OF VALID PHOTO ID TO 1-866-924-6317. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR PHOTO ID IS LEGIBLE. ALSO, PLEASE WRITE YOUR ID NUMBER AND EXPIRATION DATE BELOW: ID #_________________________ID EXPIRATION_____________

FAXED ORDERS ARE PROCESSED IN 10-15 BUSINESS DAYS

WARNING: THE PENALTY FOR KNOWINGLY MAKING A FALSE STATEMENT IN THIS FORM CAN BE 2-10 YEARS IN PRISON AND A FINE OF UP TO $10,000. (HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE, CHAPTER 195, SEC. 195.003) VS-142.2 Rev. 8/2008

Birth Certificates Type Cost X # of copies= Total Certified Copy $22 Heirloom-Flag $60 Heirloom-Bassinet $60

(optional) $8 UPS OR $16.50 USPS Express mail OR ($4.60 Priority mail for overseas military address ONLY)

Expedite fee (required) $5.00 Subtotal

Handling fee (required) $8.00 Total

Death Certificates Type Cost X # of copies= Total 1st Copy $20 1 $20 Additional copies $3

(optional) $8 UPS OR $16.50 USPS Express Mail Expedite fee (required) $5.00

Subtotal Handling fee (required) $8.00

Total

Payment Credit Card (check one):

Mastercard Visa Discover Credit Card Number: Name on Credit Card: Expiration Date Month Expiration Date Year Security Code on Back of Credit Card:

Billing address (if different from mailing address):

Application to Amend Certificate of Birth.

Application to Amend Certificate of Death.

Application for New Birth Certificate Based on Parentage.

Certificate of Adoption.

VITAL STATISTICS FORMS

Application to Amend Certificate of Birth

May be used to:

correct items on the Birth Certificate that have been proven by satisfactory evidence to be mistakes.

add items that were left blank.

This form cannot be used to add or delete the father from the Birth Certificate.

Cost: 15.00

Proper Completion of Amendment Application

Part 1: Information as it is on the record now! (Before Amendment)

Part 2: Information that needs to be Corrected

Part 3: Affidavit portion of amendment form must be a sworn statement

Please Note: This form can not be used to add the father to the birth record. No exceptions!

Part One of the Amendment Application.

If child has no name put “Infant of” then last name of father if he is listed on record. If the father is not listed, put “Infant of” then Mother’s last name.

If you do not know the state file number leave it blank.

If the father is not listed on the birth record leave it blank.

Proper Completion of Amendment Application

Item Number or Name as it is on the birth record: “First Name” “Item 1a”

How it appears on the original birth

record

What the Correct information is.

First Name John Jon

Last Name Smitth Smith

Proper Completion of Amendment Application

James Smith and Kathy Smith

“Parents” or “Mother and Father”

If the child is a minor and both parents are listed on child’s the birth record BOTH Parents must sign the affidavit portion.

It must say how the person who is signing the affidavit portion is related to the registrant (The person listed on the birth record) i.e. “Parents” “Mother and Father” “Older Sister” etc.

Application to Amend Certificate of Death

May be used to:

correct items on the Death Certificate.add items that were left off.the informant is the only one who can

amend the marital status.

Cost: $15.00

Application for a New Birth Certificate Based on Parentage

May be used to:

add the biological father’s name and information.

remove the father or mother’s name and information with a court order.

substitute the Intended Parents in a gestational agreement.

Cost: $25.00

Adding The Biological Father To The Birth Certificate.

Texas VSU must have The Application for New Birth Certificate Based on Parentage (VS-166) completed and signed in front of a Notary Public by both parents.

If a court order establishing parentage is being submitted with the request only one parent need sign the VS-166 in front of a Notary Public.

Adding The Biological Father To The Birth Certificate; Cont.

Texas VSU will also need one of the following in addition to a properly completed VS-166 form:

If the biological parents were married before, at the time of the child's conception, at the time of the child's birth, or after the child's birth, a certified copy of a marriage license between the mother and the biological father [HSC § 192.005 (a)(1)];

If the parents are not married, a properly completed State of Texas Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP) form (VS-159.1) [HSC § 192.005 (a)(3)]; or

Certified copy of a court decree establishing parentage between the child and the biological father [HSC § 192.005 (a)(2)].

Changing The Father's Name And Information On A Birth Certificate When There Is Already A Father Listed On It.

If the person listed on the birth certificate completed an AOP, Texas VSU must have a court decree stating person that is being added to the birth certificate is the biological father and that he is to be placed on the birth certificate.

If man is on a birth record because he is married to the mother of the child but is not the biological father, the mother and biological father can complete an AOP form with the man presently listed as the father on the existing birth certificate completing the denial portion of the AOP form.

Removing The Father's Name And Information From A Birth Certificate?

This requires a certified copy of a court order indicating that:

The man currently listed as the father on the birth certificate is not the biological father, or

The father's rights have been terminated, and his name is to be removed from the birth certificate.

The Application for a New Birth Certificate Based on Parentage (VS-166) can be signed in the presence of a notary public by either the mother or by the man whose name is being removed from the birth certificate.

Important Note!!!

When a court decree Terminates the Parental Rights of the father, it must also state he is to be removed from the birth record in order for us to remove him from

the birth record.

Removing The Mother's Information From A Birth Certificate.

The mother's birth information can be removed using the Application for a New Birth Certificate Based on Parentage if a court order was granted that terminates the mother's rights and specifically states that her information is to be removed from the birth certificate.

Changing the parents information on a birth certificate based on Gestational Agreements

A gestational agreement is an agreement under which a woman agrees to bear the child of a married couple. The child being carried by its "gestational mother" does not share any of her genetic material. The baby's genetic parents are usually referred to as the "intended parents.“

Based on a gestational agreement, the court may order the birth certificate of a child born to a gestational mother be changed to show the genetic parents' names and information.

Changing the parents information on a birth certificate based on Gestational Agreements, Cont.

The Hospital can place the intended parents on

the birth certificate if the court decree specifically states that the hospitals is to do so.

The birth certificate can also be changed after record has been filed with the state by submitting the Application for New Birth Certificate Based on Parentage and a certified copy of the gestational agreement, indicating the intended parents to be placed on the birth certificate, with the required fees.

Changing the Child’s Last Name

The parents may change the child’s last name (surname) to that of the father without a court order when adding the father to the birth record.

John Jacob Black 01 01 2008 Travis

Lucy Black

John Jacob Grey

Jim

BlackLucy

Grey 01 31 1970

07 04 1976

Texas

Texas

Changing the Child’s Last Name, Cont.

The parents also have the option of adding the father’s surname to the child’s existing surname when adding the father to the birth certificate.

John Jacob Black 01 01 2008 Travis

Lucy Black

John Jacob Grey Black

Jim

BlackLucy

Grey 01 31 1970

07 04 1976

Texas

Texas

Changing the Child’s Last Name, Cont.

If a court decree is being used as proof of parentage and it indicates the child’s surname is to be changed, we must change the child’s last name to what the court decree specifies.

If the court order does not address any name change at all, the parents may change the child’s last name to that of the father if BOTH parents sign the application for new birth certificate based on parentage in the presence of a notary public.

Does sending in an AOP automatically change the Birth Certificate?

No. The AOP only establishes legal parentage. An Application For New Birth Certificate Based On Parentage completed and signed in the presence of a notary public by both parents would still need to be sent into our office.

If an AOP is on file but one of the parents refuses to sign Application For New Birth Certificate Based On Parentage, we would need a court decree stating that the father is to be added to the birth certificate.

Certified Copies of Court Decrees

We must have a certified copy of the entire court decree. This certified copy must have the seal of the district clerk where it is filed.

Acknowledgment of Paternity and Divorce Decree

The denial of paternity portion of the Acknowledgment of Paternity form does not have to be completed by the presumed father if the biological mother states to the certified entity that there is a court order that states that the man the mother was married to is not the father of the child.

Acknowledgment of Paternity and Divorce Decree, Cont.

If the man the mother was married to is listed on the birth certificate as the father, VSU will need to have a certified copy of the court order to remove the presumed father from the birth certificate and place the biological father on the birth record.

Successfully Rescinding or Challenging an AOP.

To remove the father listed on the birth record we will need:

A certified copy of the court decree successfully rescinding or challenging of the AOP

The VS-166 form signed by the mother or the person who is to be removed from the birth record in the presence of a notary public

Please Note: This will not automatically change the child’s last name to the mother’s maiden name. The court order would specify the surname is to be changed or the mother would have to sign the Application for New birth Certificate Based on Parentage in front of a notary public indicating that the surname of the child is to be changed to her maiden name.

Adding A Step-Father To A Birth Certificate.

This can not be done with The Application for a New Birth Certificate Based on Parentage (VS-166). This form can only be used when adding the biological father to the birth certificate. The Step-Father must legally adopt the child in order to be placed on the birth certificate.

Obtaining a Certified Copy of the AOP.

To obtain a certified copy of the AOP, the Acknowledgement of Paternity Inquiry Request Form (VS-134.1) would need to be completed and sent into our office. The instructions are located on the application.

Access is limited to a signatory of the acknowledgment or denial (mother, father, or presumed father) and to the courts and the Title IV-D agency of this state or another state. [FC § 160.313]

The Title IV-D agency for the state of Texas is the Office of the Attorney General.

Obtaining A Copy Of The Application Used To File The

New Birth Certificate Based On Parentage.

Once a new birth certificate based on parentage has been filed the original information (Original birth certificate, VS-166 form, and the supporting proof of parentage) are sealed.

Access to the original certificate of birth and related documents shall not be authorized except upon order of a court of competent jurisdiction. [Title 25 TAC §181.9 (a)]

We strongly encourage parents to retain copies of the documents that were submitted to change their child's birth certificate.

Obtaining A Copy Of The Application Used To File The New Birth Certificate Based On Parentage; Cont.

The court decree must identify the correct sealed file by including the registrant's name as it appears on the current birth certificate, the registrant's date of birth, and the registrant's place of birth.

Once the decree has been obtained, a certified copy of the court decree along with $10 sealed file opening fee would need to be sent into our office. We will retain the certified court decree.

Last name change and the Social Security Administration, DMV, etc.

In some cases the SSA, DMV, or some other entity might need to see proof of name change other than the new birth certificate.

If a court order was used to change the last name of the child they can present the court decree granting the name change.

Last name change and the Social Security Administration, DMV, etc.

When the surname of the child was changed due to a paternity action without a court order and proof of name change is needed, Texas VSU can provide a certified statement stating that the name on the birth certificate was changed and on what date it was changed.

Last name change and the Social Security Administration, DMV, etc.

The following is needed to obtain a Paternity Verification Letter: Name and Date of Birth

of the Child before and after the change

Parents Names Return Address Photo Identification $22.00 Processing Fee.

Certificate of Adoption

May be used to:

file an adoption which has gone through the Texas courts.

file an adoption for a child who was born in another country and adopted in a Texas court.

The Certificate of Adoption is now available on our website.

Cost: $25.00

Adding the Father or Mother to the birth certificate based on Adoption.

The following information will be needed:

A certificate of adoption would need to be sent into our office with, at the least, Parts 1 and 2 completed.

Part 4 would need to be completed and signed by the district clerk’s office. If part 4 cannot be completed we will need a certified copy of the court decree granting the adoption.

$25.00 processing Fee

$22.00 for Certified Copy of the New Birth Certificate

$15.00 Central Adoption Registry Fee (If it has not already been paid at the county.)

Foreign Adoption

A resident of the State of Texas who adopt children in foreign countries can have a new

birth certificate based on adoption filed in Texas [Title 25 TAC §181.29]

Information needed to Complete a New Birth Certificate Based on Foreign Adoption.

A certified copy of the decree of adoption granted in a foreign country and information with translation into the English language relating to the adoptive parent(s) and adoptee should be submitted to a court of competent jurisdiction of this state for validation.

It is the responsibility of the applicant(s) to have all required documents translated into the English language.

An official certificate of adoption(VS-160) must be prepared and submitted to the Bureau by the clerk of the court validating the foreign adoption.

Title 25 TAC §181.29(b)

Certificates of Adoption received by VSU with No Processing Fee.

The Certificate of Adoption is placed in a permanent pending file.

If the Certificate of Adoption was sent in by the attorney, a letter is sent to the Attoney’s office requesting the processing fee.

If it is sent in by the district clerk’s office, a letter is sent to the adoptive parents requesting the processing fee.

IDENTITY OF THE COURT

Pertains to the Court that Granted the Adoption

Cost: $10.00

Sealed File Opening

Can be either an Adoption or Paternity sealed file opening.

Cost: $10.00

Electronic Death Registration

Faster registration

Immediate availability

Social security number verification

Fewer amendments

Electronic Death Registration Improvements

HEIRLOOM AND COMMEMORATIVE CERTIFICATES

BIRTH CERTIFICATEWEDDING ANNIVERSARY

CERTIFICATEBIRTH RESULTING IN STILLBIRTH

HEIRLOOM BIRTH CERTIFICATE

Cost: $60.00

NEW HEIRLOOM BIRTH CERTIFICATE

COMMEMORATIVE WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CERTIFICATE

Cost: $60.00

Cost: $20.00

CERTIFICATE OF BIRTH RESULTING IN STILLBIRTH

Who is a Qualified Applicant ?

BIRTH & DEATH RECORDS

BIRTH RECORDS ARE CONFIDENTIAL FOR 75 YEARS FROM THE DATE OF FILING

DEATH RECORDS ARE CONFIDENTIAL FOR 25 YEARS FROM THE DATE OF FILING

THE FACT OF BIRTH OR DEATH IS NOT CONFIDENTIAL. NAME, DATE

AND PLACE OF EVENT, AND FILE # CAN BE PART OF AN INDEX WHICH

IS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC WHEN THAT INFORMATION DOES NOT REVEAL THE FACT OF ADOPTION.

QUALIFIED APPLICANT

A QUALIFIED APPLICANT IS AN:

IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBER BY BLOOD OR MARRIAGE

LEGAL GUARDIAN LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE FAMILY ORGANIZATIONS OR GOVERNMENTAL

AGENCIES THAT HAVE AN ABSOLUTE TANGIBLE NEED FOR THE RECORD

(CHAPTER 25, T.A.C., 181.1, 1995).

TYPES OF QUALIFIED APPLICANT

BY MARRIAGE – STEP-SIBLING OR IN-LAW CASEWORKER HOUSING CENTER - HOMELESS PERSON

MAY SOLICIT HELP FROM A SHELTER LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE – ATTORNEY,

BENEFICIARY OF AN ESTATE, MANAGING CONSERVATOR

LOCAL, STATE, AND FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT- DPS, BORDER PATROL, RECURITER

1. Make sure the customer is a qualified applicant

Our first job is to determine if someone is a qualified applicant. Once we determine that they are, we shouldn’t deny them their record.

2. Properly Identifying the Record

The purpose of having someone properly identify the record is to ensure the correct certificate is issued.

3. ISSUING THE CERTIFICATE

The decisions on issuing certified copies will not always be black and white.

You can always ask for additional information from the requestor to become more comfortable with issuance.

4. USE YOUR SOUND JUDGEMENT

Someone might not know all the identifying information.

Someone might not have one of the ID’s listed.

WHAT IS AN ACCEPTABLE ID?

STATE-ISSUED DRIVERS LICENSE STATE/CITY/COUNTY ID CARD STUDENT ID GOVERNMENT EMPLOYMENT BADGE OR CARD PRISON ID MILITARY ID PASSPORT

Must be valid picture ID’s [Title 25 TAC §181.1 (13)]

Acceptable ID for Issuance

Stand Alone Identification: Stand alone identification would be considered identification that can be used by itself and no other additional form identification is needed.

Unexpired United States Passport Unexpired Passports for other Countries Unexpired Permanent Resident Card Unexpired Border Crossing Card:USA B1/B2

VISA/BCC Unexpired Reentry Permit Form. Issued from

Homeland Security (1-327) Matricular Consular (No Longer Accepted By

VSU)

Why isn’t the Matricula Consular Accepted by VSU

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (formally INS) does not recognize the Matricula Consular as proper identification.

According to testimony before the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have concluded that the Matricula Consular is not a reliable form of identification.

A letter was sent to the Consul General of Mexico by DSHS Chief Operating Officer Dee Porter stating that DSHS Office of General Counsel concurs with the U.S. Department of Justice, FBI, and The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that the card is not a reliable form of identification and DSHS/VSU cannot accept it.

Acceptable ID for Issuance cont…

Secondary Identification: At least two forms of secondary identification must used be presented. At least one of the

documents must have the signature of the applicant.

Social Security Card with SignatureSam’s Club CardMedicaid LetterDD214Official School TranscriptCourt Orders

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE PHOTO ID?

If the applicant does not have a valid photo ID, an alternative would be:

a) have an immediate family member, submit a request along with their photo ID.

b) submit photocopies of two documents with the applicant’s name, such as an expired Driver’s License, a recent paycheck stub, or a Social Security card. One of the

documents must have the applicant’s signature.

Applications received without a valid photo ID or acceptable alternatives cannot be processed.

AUTHORIZATION FORM

IF THE CUSTOMER IS NOT A QUALIFIED APPLICANT, THEY MUST SUBMIT AN AUTHORIZATION FROM AN IMMEDIATE FAMILY

MEMBER. THE AUTHORIZED PERSON WILL THEN HAVE TO PROVIDE PROPER

IDENTIFICATION.

How do I sign up for the Electronic

Death Registration?

Thank you for attending