Delayed Certificate of Birth Registration

If a birth occurring in this state is not officially registered within the first year, a Delayed Certificate of Birth may be requested through the Texas Vital Statistics office.

The procedures for filing a Delayed Certificate of Birth:

1. A formal search must first be conducted to determine that the birth record is not on file.  Submit an application or written request for a certified copy of the birth certificate, along with the fee of $22.00 to Vital Statistics in Austin.
   ( For information on how to do this, please go to www.dshs.state.tx.us/vs/reqproc/certified_copy.shtm )

2. If a birth record is found, Vital Statistics will send a certified copy of the record.  If record is not found, Vital Statistics will provide forms and instructions for filing a Delayed Certificate of Birth. Vital Statistics will retain the $22.00 as a search fee.

3. When accepted for filing, the Delayed Certificate of Birth form (VS-122) will become the original birth certificate.  It must be completed neatly and legibly, signed before a notary public, and submitted along with the necessary supporting documentation to Vital Statistics in Austin. There are several acceptable forms of documentation, and they are explained in detail in the instructions provided. The cost for filing a Delayed Certificate of Birth is $25.00. Certified copies of the Delayed Certificate of Birth are $22.00 each.

4. Supporting Documentation must be verified by Vital Statistics staff, sometimes with outside entities such as schools, churches, etc. Because of this requirement, the processing time generally takes 8 to 10 weeks.

5. If the supporting documentation is not sufficient to file the Delayed Certificate of Birth, processing time could take several more weeks.

Suggested types of supporting documents must show name, date of birth, and place of birth.

Requirements for filing a Delayed Certificate of Birth (VS-122) form.

• For children over 1 year of age but less than 4 years of age.


• For children between 4 and 15 years of age.


• For children 15 years of age and older.

Delayed Certificate of Birth Registration Staff. Click on the name of the specialist you want to Email.