Birth Records
Birth records are vital for monitoring population growth and birth outcomes like low birth weight or premature births. This data helps health departments improve maternal and child health services and respond quickly to emerging public health concerns, ensuring better care and healthier communities.
Death Records
Death records provide critical insights into mortality trends and causes of death. Health departments can evaluate the effectiveness of health interventions, identify areas of need, and shape policies to improve public health outcomes, ultimately helping to save lives for current and future generations.
Vital Statistics FAQ's
Vital Statistics refers to the data collected on important life events, such as births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. These records are used by government agencies, researchers, and public health officials to understand demographic trends and improve public services.
Vital records are essential for legal and administrative purposes. They are used to establish identity, apply for government benefits, get a passport, enroll in school, settle estates, and perform genealogical research. Public health officials also use vital statistics to monitor the health of the population and plan services.
The Vital Statistics office maintains records of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces that occur within the jurisdiction. These documents are used to verify life events and provide official copies upon request.
You may need to visit the Vital Statistics office to obtain certified copies of birth or death certificates, apply for a marriage license, or get a record of a divorce. These documents are often required for legal purposes, such as applying for government benefits or settling a loved one’s estate.
To obtain a certified copy of a birth or death certificate, you will need to complete an application form and provide valid identification. There may be a fee for each copy. You can visit the office in person, apply online if available, or send a request by mail.
When visiting the Vital Statistics office, bring a government-issued photo ID and any necessary documentation required to prove your relationship to the person named on the record. Check with the office beforehand to ensure you have all the needed information and payment for any fees.
In most cases, only certain individuals, such as immediate family members or legal representatives, can request vital records on your behalf. They may need to provide proof of their relationship to you and valid identification. Be sure to check the specific requirements of the Vital Statistics office.
Processing times vary based on the method of request and the office’s workload. In-person requests are often processed more quickly, while mail-in or online requests may take longer. It’s best to check with the office for an estimated timeline.
es, but the process for correcting a birth or death certificate may require specific documentation and a formal application. Changes to vital records often require proof of the error and may involve a review period. Contact the Vital Statistics office for details on making corrections.
Yes, many vital records are considered confidential and are only available to certain individuals, such as the person named on the record or immediate family members. Laws vary by state, and the Vital Statistics office can provide guidance on who is eligible to access records.
How to Obtain A Certificate
Qualified Applicants
Birth and death records are not public records and are therefore issued only to qualified applicants.
A qualified applicant is defined by the State of Texas as the registrant, his/her immediate family member either by blood, marriage, or adoption; his/her guardian or legal agent (must provide proper documentation).
Immediate family includes yourself, mother, father, brother, sister, grandparent, or child.
Be advised! - If the father is not listed on the certificate, then no one on the father's side of the child's family is allowed to obtain copies.
Ways to Obtain a Record
In Person:
Visit our office at 815 N. Broadway, Tyler, Texas. Fill out an application with the necessary details and provide a state-approved ID. The process takes about 10 minutes.
Online:
Order your records at VitalChek. If you cannot visit in person, this is the best alternative. Orders are delivered by UPS.
By Mail:
Send a completed application, notarized verification, a copy of your state-approved ID, and a money order or cashier's check for the fee. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail to:
NET Health, Local Registrar
815 N. Broadway Ave.
Tyler, Texas 75702
Mail requests are processed in 3 - 4 days, often on the same day they are received.
Fees
Fees for certified birth and death records are set by the Texas Legislature.
Birth certificates are $23.00 each.
A death certificate is $21.00 for the first and $4.00 for each additional certificate, but they must be requested during the same financial transaction.
In-person requests allow us to accept cash, local personal checks (over #300), business checks, or debit/credit cards.
Requests by mail require a money order or a cashier's check.
VitalChek orders will require the use of a debit/credit card.
Additional Forms
Please print and complete the NotaryVerificationForm (required for mail-in orders) along with the appropriate form(s) below:
