Vital Records FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Birth and Death

How do I get a copy of birth certificate? What do I need?

Birth certificates may be issued to immediate family members. A current government-issued picture identification is required to obtain a certified copy. All copies are certified. Birth certificate fees are $23 for each copy. You may visit any one of our locations to purchase a copy, request by mail, or order online through VitalChek.

Our application is available online for download (we offer an English language application and a Spanish language application) or you may complete the application in person at any of our locations.

How do I get a copy of birth certificate if not living locally? What do I need?

To request a birth certificate remotely, you may either request by mail or online through our only approved vendor, VitalChek. Visit VitalChek's website for instructions on online requests.

To request by mail, download the application (we offer an English language application and a Spanish language application), and mail to our office with copy of identification, a sworn statement of identity, a self-addressed and stamped envelope, and a check or money order made out to the Tarrant County Clerk's Office in the correct amount ($23 per copy requested).  

Can I get a copy of my birth certificate if born somewhere else in Texas?

Yes, Texas has a remote system managed by DSHS VSS in Austin. A remote certificate can be obtained in person, by mail or VitalChek's website following the same processes above. The federal government requires birth certificates from State Registrar or registrar in city/county of birth for passport or immigration purposes.

Can I get a copy of my birth certificate from another state at the County Clerk’s Office?

No, customers must contact the registrar in the city/county/state where they were born. Please visit the CDC website for more information.

What is the difference between a long form and short form birth certificate?

A long form birth certificate is a copy of the original birth certificate plus a history of corrections that have been made to the record, if applicable. A short form or abstract birth certificate will only show current information including name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, and name of parent(s) and does not provide a history of corrections.

How do I correct a misspelled name on my birth certificate?

All corrections are submitted to DSHS VSS in Austin; forms are available at any location or online on the Texas Health and Human Services website.

How do I add the birth father to the birth certificate?

The process to add the birth father to the birth certificate depends on the circumstances. Please call 817-884-1550 to discuss and obtain further information.

How do I get a copy of death certificate? What do I need?

Death records are confidential for 25 years from the date of the event. Copies of death certificates may be issued to immediate family members who present valid, government-issued ID. All copies are certified. We cannot issue copies of a death record until the funeral home has filed the record with our office. Death certificate fees are $21 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy when purchased at the same time. You may visit any one of our locations to purchase a copy, request by mail, or you may order online through VitalChek.

Our application is available online for download (we offer an English language application and a Spanish language application) or you may complete the application in person at any of our locations.

How do I get a copy of death certificate if not living locally? What do I need?

To request a death certificate remotely, you may either request by mail or online through our only approved vendor, VitalChek. Visit VitalChek's website for instructions on online requests.

To request by mail, download the application (we offer an English language application and a Spanish language application), and mail to our office with copy of identification, a sworn statement of identity, a self-addressed and stamped envelope, and a check or money order made out to the Tarrant County Clerk's Office in the correct amount ($21 for the first copy plus $4 per additional copy requested).  

Marriage

How do I get a marriage license? What do I need? Where? How much?

Complete an online application at Tarrant County's website or at any location; both parties must be 18 and appear in person or one party with a completed and notarized absentee affidavit; need identification; $76 or $16 with verified certificate of pre-marital counseling.

How do I obtain a remote marriage license? What do I need? How much?

Complete the application using our Remote Marriage License website. You will need the ability to upload any required documentation and have a selected date of when applicants will be able to participate in the video conference. Costs are the same as listed above.

Can I get a marriage license if I am not a Texas resident? What do I need? Where? How much?

Yes, complete an online application at Tarrant County's website or at any location; both parties must be 18 and appear in person; need identification; $100 out of state fee + $76 or $16 with verified certificate of pre-marital counseling.

Can I marry someone incarcerated? What do I need? Where? How much?

Yes, complete an online application at Tarrant County's website or at any location; both parties must be 18; must provide a completed and notarized absentee affidavit; need identification; $76. Both parties must be present for ceremony.

How do I file a Common Law Marriage? What do I need? Where? How much?

Complete an application at any location; both parties must be 18 and appear in person; need identification; $41.

How do I obtain an electronic certified copy of marriage license? What do I need?

Marriage Licenses can be searched and viewed on our free Tarrant Clerk Official Records website, but only for marriage licenses obtained and recorded in Tarrant County. A free unofficial copy can be downloaded, or you can purchase an electronic certified copy from this site and it will be emailed to your email address.

How do I get a certified copy of marriage license in-person or by mail?  What do I need?  Where?  How much?

To obtain a copy in person, please visit any of our eight locations. You will need to know both applicants names and date of marriage. The fee is $21, then $11 for each additional copy ordered. To obtain a request by mail, please mail your request to our office, include names of applicants and date of marriage, along with a self-addressed and stamped envelope, or visit VitalChek to order a mailed copy online. Fees are the same, however, VitalChek charges an additional $10 processing fee + delivery fee selected at time of order, but only for marriage licenses obtained and recorded in Tarrant County.

How do I get a copy of marriage license if not living locally? What do I need? How much?

To obtain a mailed certified copy online, please visit VitalChek to place an order. Fees are the same, however, VitalChek charges an additional $10 processing fee + delivery fee selected at time of order, but only for marriage licenses obtained and recorded in Tarrant County.

Where can I get married?

If you do not have your own officiant, any Vital Records location can provide a list of Justice of the Peace Courts in Tarrant County.  

How do I obtain an Apostille (Records for Foreign Governments)?

Upon obtaining the certified document (Birth, Death or Marriage), send it to the Texas Secretary of State's office with the required fee for an apostille. Visit the Texas Secretary of State's website for further instructions, including the required fee and locations.

Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Tarrant County are handled by the District Clerk's office. Please visit the District Clerk's website for more information or call 817-884-1880.

Assumed Names/DBAs

How do I file an Assumed Name? What do I need?

Complete an online application at Tarrant County's website or at any location; need identification; $24+$.50 for each additional owner. Notarized applications can be mailed with fee and self-addressed and stamped envelope.

Acceptable Identification

What forms of identification are acceptable?

A complete list of acceptable identification can be found online at the Texas Health and Human Services website.

My ID is expired.  Will you accept my expired ID?

In some cases, an expired ID is accepted, but only when provided along with another form of non-expired ID.  See requirements at the Texas Health and Human Services website.

What if I do not have an acceptable form of ID?

An acceptable form of ID is required to process your application. See the Acceptable ID page for complete details.

If you do not have acceptable ID, an immediate family member with acceptable ID may also obtain the birth certificate. See the Persons Qualified to Request or Change Records page for full details, including who is considered an immediate family member.

General Info

Where are you located? Address? Hours?

We have eight Vital Records locations in Tarrant County. Hours are M-F 8-5, excluding county holidays. Locations are listed on the Tarrant County website.