There are four ways to get a birth or death certificate: walk-in, online, by phone, or by mail.
Walk In – Receive within 30 minutes.
- Where we are: The Office of Vital Records is at 7201 Levander Loop, Building C, Austin, TX, 78702. It is on the Betty Dunkerley Campus next to the Animal Center.
- Our hours: The office is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. The last application is accepted at 4:15pm.
- Current government-issued photo identification is required. See the list of types of identification that are accepted.
- Bring an application for faster service while you are here. Download and print in English or Spanish.
- Payment: You can pay by cash, money order in the exact amount, personal check, or credit or debit card in your name.
- The cost for each birth certificate is $23.
- The cost for one death certificate is $21. If you order more copies at the same time, the cost for each extra one is $4.
Online – Pickup in person OR receive in 2 to 7 business days
- Website link: www.VitalChek.com.
- Payment: You must use a credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover). Processing and UPS shipping fees will be added.
- Processing and shipping: Order processing takes about 1 to 3 business days if your request is approved. Shipping options are will-call pickup, UPS shipping within 2 business days OR regular US mail within 7 business days.
- Proof of identity: VitalChek may be able to verify your identity for you. If they cannot, you will be instructed to upload a copy of your current government-issued identification and proof of shipping address before your application can be processed. This will delay the processing and delivery time.
By Phone – Receive in 3 to 7 business days
- Call: VitalChek, our secure online agent, at 1-800-457-7586.
- Payment: You must use a credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover). Processing and UPS shipping fees will be added.
- Processing and shipping: Order processing takes about 2 to 3 business days for if your request is approved, plus UPS shipping within 2 business days OR regular US mail within 7 business days.
- Proof of identity: VitalChek may be able to verify your identity for you. If they cannot, you will be instructed to send a copy of your current government-issued identification and proof of shipping address before your application can be processed. This will delay the processing and delivery time.
By Mail – Receive in 2 to 3 weeks
Note: Incorrect or incomplete information will delay processing time on all orders.
Mail the following items:
- A completed and notarized application (download and print one in English or Spanish)
- A check or money order payable to the Office of Vital Records ($23 for each copy of a birth certificate; $21 for one death certificate plus $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time). Note: Personal checks must be signed by the same person who signs the application.
- A copy of your current government-issued photo identification. See a list of accepted forms of ID.
- If your home address is different from the address on your photo ID, you need to send a copy of your proof of residence, such as a utility bill, voter registration card, etc.
- A postage-paid (stamped) self-addressed envelope of your choice. (You may use an express mail envelope for faster delivery).
Mail your application to our mailing address:
Office of Vital Records
PO Box 1088
Austin, TX 78767-1088
If you need the certificate quickly, use an Express form of delivery, such as FedEx, USPS, or UPS, and send your application to our office at:
Office of Vital Records
7201 Levander Loop, Bldg. C
Austin, TX 78702