TemplatesOwl
Homepage ↦ Fill Out Your Texas Adoption Papers Form
Article Structure

The Texas Adoption Papers form is a critical document used in the process of amending a birth certificate following adoption. This form serves several key purposes, including allowing the adoptive parents or the individual named on the birth certificate to request corrections that reflect the new family structure. The process begins with completing various sections, ensuring that all required signatures and certifications are in place. It outlines who is eligible to apply for corrections, such as the adoptive parents, whether individuals are at least 18 years old, or attorneys representing them. There are specific steps that must be followed; for instance, applicants need to provide a valid photo ID and submit original documents without any alterations. Furthermore, the form includes detailed sections for the child's previous birth information and the new adoptive parents' details. Each section must be completed meticulously, as incomplete forms may lead to processing delays or denials. Additionally, there are associated fees for filing corrections and acquiring certified copies of the new birth certificate, which must also be adhered to for successful processing. With the option for expedited service, applicants have a clearer path to ensure their requests are handled efficiently.

Texas Adoption Papers Example

Amending a Birth Certificate

based on Adoption

Who Can Apply for a Correction?

•The person named on the birth certificate, if at least 18 years of age.

•Adoptive Parent(s) of the person named on the birth certificate.

•Attorney representing the adoptive parent(s) of the person named on the birth certificate.

•District clerks (district clerks do not need to complete sections 6 and 7).

How Do I Make a Correction?

☐Complete all sections and sign the Certificate of Adoption. See pages 3 and 4.

☐Section 5 on page 3 MUST be completed and certified by the clerk of the court.

☐The applicant must ATTACH A COPY OF THEIR VALID PHOTO ID. If the District clerk is submitting the application, the clerk needs to provide as a form of ID a cover letter on office letterhead referencing the adoptee(s).

☐The application must be original. Photocopies, alterations, strike-through, or write overs will not be

accepted.

☐Submit a certified copy (with original certification) of the final decree of adoption if section 5 is not complete or certified.

☐Submit the appropriate fees. See fee schedule below.

For Frequently Asked Questions, go to: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/vs/faq/#adopt

Where Do I Mail the Application?

Regular Mailing Instructions - Estimated processing time is 6-8 weeks.

See https://www.dshs.texas.gov/vs/processing/ for current times.

Please submit your application, supporting documents (if required) and fees to:

DSHS – Vital Statistics Section, P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040.

Expedited Service Mailing Instructions - Estimated processing time is 20-25 business days.

The order and $5.00 processing fee must be sent to the Vital Statistics Section via an overnight mail service such as: FedEx, Lone Star, or UPS.

Please submit your application, supporting documents (if required) and fees to:

DSHS-Vital Statistics Section, MC 2096, 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756.

•

FAILURE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION REQUESTED ON THIS FORM, MAY RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT

PROCESSING DELAYS AND/OR DENIAL OF YOUR APPLICATION.

•

Fees: How much must I submit?

 

Fee Schedule

 

 

Fee ($)

 

Qty (#)

 

Total ($)

 

Filing Fees:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O

Correction to Birth Certificate based on adoption

$25.00

 

 

 

=

$25.00

 

Birth Certificate(s):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O

Certified Corrected Birth Certificate ($22.00 per copy)

$22.00

 

X

 

=

 

 

Central Adoption Registry Fee:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O

Central Adoption Registry Fee (per adoption decree granted in Texas)

$15.00

 

 

 

=

$15.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For urgent requests, orders may be EXPEDITED by paying the below expedited processing fee AND sending the order through an overnight mail service, such as: FEDEX, LoneStar, or UPS to: DSHS-Vital Statistics Section, MC 2096, 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756.

O

Expedited processing Fee

$5.00

 

=

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All orders are returned free of charge by USPS regular mail. For expedited return mail service, select one of the overnight return shipping methods below.

O

Expedite Overnight Mail (shipping within USA)

$12.50

 

=

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O

USPS Express Overnight Mail (shipping overnight to PO Box ONLY)

$22.95

 

=

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grand Total

 

 

 

 

Fees may be combined in one check or money order made payable to DSHS – Vital Statistics

For the status of your request, contact VSS by telephone at 1-888-963-7111 or online at: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/orderstatus/.

Page 1 of 4

VS-160 (Rev. 3/22)

INSTRUCTIONS:

Once the application is approved, a new birth record will be filed with the adoption information.

Section 1: Birth Certificate Information

•The information completed in this section should show the child’s information prior to this adoption. This is required to locate the birth certificate our office will be amending.

•The child’s name, date of birth, sex, and place of birth are required.

•Parents’ names are required for Texas-born adoptions; parents’ names are not required for foreign-born adoptions.

Section 2: Information for New Birth Certificate

•This section must show the adoptive parents information. Do not list married name as maiden name.

•If this is a step-parent adoption, the biological parent’s information should also be included in this section. A step-parent adoption is NOT a single parent adoption.

•All items in this section are required. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Section 3: Parent’s Signature

•An adoptive parent’s signature is required. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Section 4: Attorney/Placing Agency Information

•Include the name, address and telephone number of the attorney of record.

•If applicable, include the child placing agency or managing conservator.

Section 5: Certification of the Court

•This section must be completed by the clerk of the court granting the adoption, including the new name of the child.

•If this section is not certified by the clerk of the court granting the adoption, then the applicant may complete this section and must submit a certified copy (with the original certification) of the final decree of adoption. The adoption decree must properly identify the birth record to be amended – including the child’s original name, date of birth and adoptive name. For foreign-born adoptions, the adoption decree must also include the country of birth.

Please note: All documents, both certified and photocopied, submitted will be retained by our office and placed in a sealed file. A court order is required to unseal a file. Parents should keep copies of certified documents for their records and future use before sending them.

Section 6: What is Your Name? (Applicant’s Information)

•This section must be completed with the applicant’s contact information and relationship to the person named on the birth certificate. District clerks do not need to complete this section.

•This section must include to whom our office will mail the newly filed birth certificate.

•A copy of the applicant’s valid photo ID must be included with the application.

Section 7: Would the applicant like to order a certified copy of the new birth record?

•The information completed in this section is used by our office to determine if a certified copy of the newly filed birth certificate reflecting the adoptive information is being ordered and the number of certified copies being ordered. District clerks do not need to complete this section.

•If a birth certificate is not ordered, this section does not need to be signed in the presence of a notary public, county clerk, or other person authorized to administer oaths.

•If a birth certificate is ordered, this section must be signed by the applicant in section 6: one of the adoptive parents, the adult adoptee, or attorney in the presence of a notary public, county clerk, or other person authorized to administer oaths. The application must include a photocopy of the valid photo ID for the person signing.

•The notary public’s signature, seal or stamp, and commission expiration date must be shown in this section.

Page 2 of 4

VS-160 (Rev. 3/22)

IMPORTANT: Photocopies, alterations, strike-through, or write overs in Section 1 through 7 will not be accepted. Please use a new application if you make a mistake. Copies of E-filed Certificates of Adoption will be accepted.

Certificate of Adoption

THIS IS A PERMANENT RECORD. Type or Print (blue or black ink ONLY). Remittance No.___________

Section 1: Birth Certificate Information

Enter information as it appears on the current birth certificate (before this adoption).

Birth Certificate Number, if known: 142 -

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Child’s First Name:

 

Middle Name:

 

Last Name:

Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY):

Sex:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Time of Birth:

 

Name of Hospital/Facility:

 

 

City:

 

County:

State or Foreign Country:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full Maiden Name (First, Middle, Last) of Parent 1:

 

Full Maiden Name (First, Middle, Last) of Parent 2:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 2: Information for New Birth Certificate

All information below MUST be provided or a new birth certificate cannot be completed.

 

 

Is this a Single Parent Adoption? ☐ Yes

☐ No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent 1

 

Title to Appear on Birth Record (check one):

Mother

Father

Parent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adoptive

 

First Name:

 

Middle Name:

 

 

Current Last Name:

 

 

Maiden Last Name(s) before marriage:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Biological

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY):

 

 

 

 

Place of Birth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(State or Foreign Country):

 

 

 

 

 

Parent 2

 

Title to Appear on Birth Record (check one):

Mother

Father

Parent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adoptive

 

First Name:

 

Middle Name:

 

 

Current Last Name:

 

 

Maiden Last Name(s) before marriage:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Biological

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date of Birth (MM/DD/YYYY):

 

 

 

 

Place of Birth

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(State or Foreign Country):

 

 

 

 

 

Parent(s) Address

Street Address

 

City

County

 

State

Zip

 

Inside City Limits:

 

 

 

at the time of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes No

 

 

 

child’s birth:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent(s) Current

Street Address

 

City

County

 

State

Zip

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent(s) Email Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent(s) Phone No.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(

 

)

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 3: Parent’s Signature

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent’s Signature (REQUIRED):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 4: Attorney/Placing Agency Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name of Attorney of Record:

 

 

 

 

 

Attorney’s Email Address:

 

 

 

 

 

Attorney’s

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Information:

Mailing Address (Street address, City, State, Zip):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phone No.:

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Placing

Name of Child Placing Agency or Managing Conservator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agency or

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Managing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mailing Address (Street address, City, State, Zip):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Phone No.:

 

 

 

 

 

Conservator:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(

)

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 5: Certification of the Court

Please complete the child’s name as set forth in the Decree of Adoption.

Name of the child as set forth in the Adoption Decree:

First

Middle

Last

I hereby certify that the above information is correct as stated in the Decree of Adoption which was granted on _______________

day of ________________________,___________ in the _________________ Court of ________________ County, Texas in

Cause #__________________________.

________________________________________________

[Stamp or Seal]

 

District Clerk’s Signature

 

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. (Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 195).

Page 3 of 4

VS-160 (Rev. 3/22)

Section 6: What is Your Name? (Applicant’s Information)

Name (First, Middle, Last):

Address (Mailing Address, City, State, Zip):

Email Address:

Telephone # (8am-5pm):

(

)

-

 

Your relationship to Person named on the birth certificate: ☐ Adoptive Parent ☐ Self ☐ Attorney representing Adoptive Parent(s)

>>>>>>>A COPY OF THE APPLICANT’S VALID PHOTO ID MUST BE ATTACHED<<<<<<<

Section 7: Would the applicant like to order a certified copy of the new birth record?

Check one:

 

No, I would not like a certified copy of the new birth record.

 

Yes, I would like a certified copy of the new birth record.

Number ordered: ________

If Yes, verify the fees and quantity ordered in the fee box on Page 1 and mailing address in Section 6. Sign below in the presence of a notary public and ATTACH a copy of your valid Photo ID. Applications without acceptable valid ID attached will not be processed. Cross-outs or white-outs will VOID your application.

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. (Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 195).

Adoptive Parent, Adult Adoptee, or Attorney

>>>>>ATTACH A COPY OF YOUR VALID PHOTO ID<<<<<

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Printed Name:

 

 

Signature:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

City:

State:

 

Zip:

 

 

 

 

 

Notary Public, County Clerk, or other person authorized to administer oaths

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sworn to and subscribed before me, this ______ day of ____________ 20______.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Stamp or Seal]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Printed name and title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 4 of 4

VS-160 (Rev. 3/22)
Get Texas Adoption Papers PDF Form

Form Characteristics

Fact Name Details
Eligibility to Apply Individuals named on the birth certificate (18+), adoptive parents, their attorney, or district clerks can apply for amendments.
Completion Requirements All sections must be completed and signed. A valid photo ID must be attached, along with the final decree of adoption if certain sections are not certified.
Mailing Instructions Applications can be submitted via regular or expedited mail to the DSHS – Vital Statistics Section in Austin, TX.
Processing Time Regular processing takes 6-8 weeks, while expedited service takes 20-25 business days.
Governing Law This process follows the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 195, regarding birth certificate amendments due to adoption.

Guidelines on Utilizing Texas Adoption Papers

Completing the Texas Adoption Papers form is an essential step in ensuring that the adoption process is legally recognized and that a new birth certificate can be issued with the child’s adoptive information. Once filled out, this application will be submitted to the Department of State Health Services, where it will undergo processing, allowing for permanent records to be updated accordingly.

  1. Gather necessary documents, including a valid photo ID, the final decree of adoption, and any other supporting materials.
  2. Begin by completing Section 1, which requires the child's name, date of birth, sex, and place of birth, as it appears on the current birth certificate.
  3. Move on to Section 2. Here, enter information about the adoptive parents. Make sure to clarify if this is a step-parent adoption by listing the biological parent as well.
  4. Sign Section 3. An adoptive parent's signature is mandatory for the form to be processed.
  5. In Section 4, include the name, address, and phone number of the attorney of record or child-placing agency, if applicable.
  6. Complete Section 5, ensuring it is certified by the clerk of the court that granted the adoption. If not, submit a certified copy of the final decree of adoption instead.
  7. Fill out Section 6 with the applicant's contact information and their relationship to the child on the birth certificate. Remember, district clerks do not need to complete this section.
  8. Section 7 asks if you would like to order a certified copy of the new birth record. Indicate your choice, and if yes, sign in front of a notary public.
  9. Attach a copy of your valid photo ID, as it is required for application processing.
  10. Review the entire application for completeness and correctness. Ensure that there are no cross-outs or alterations before submission.
  11. Submit the application along with fees to the appropriate mailing address based on your choice of regular or expedited service.

What You Should Know About This Form

Who can apply for a correction to a birth certificate based on adoption?

Individuals who can apply for a correction include the person named on the birth certificate if they are at least 18 years old. Additionally, adoptive parents and attorneys representing them are eligible to submit an application. District clerks can also submit applications on behalf of adoptive parents without completing specific sections of the form.

What steps are involved in correcting a birth certificate?

To correct a birth certificate, first, complete all required sections of the Certificate of Adoption and sign it. Section 5 must be certified by the clerk of the court. It’s essential to attach a valid photo ID copy. If the district clerk is submitting, they must include an office letterhead cover letter referencing the adoptee(s). Ensure your application is original; copies or altered forms will not be accepted. Finally, attach a certified copy of the final decree of adoption if Section 5 isn't completed and include the necessary fees.

Where should I mail the adoption application?

You can send your application to the DSHS – Vital Statistics Section at either of two locations, depending on whether you choose regular or expedited service. For regular mail, send it to: DSHS – Vital Statistics Section, P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040. The estimated processing time for this option is 6-8 weeks. For expedited processing, use an overnight service to send your application and fee to: DSHS-Vital Statistics Section, MC 2096, 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756. This option has a quicker estimated processing time of 20-25 business days.

What fees am I required to submit for the application?

The fees for the application vary based on what is requested. A correction to the birth certificate stemming from adoption costs $25. If you want a certified corrected birth certificate, that fee is $22 for each copy. Additionally, there is a $15 fee for the Central Adoption Registry for each adoption decree granted in Texas. If you choose to expedite the processing, there is an additional fee of $5. All total fees can be combined in one check or money order made payable to DSHS – Vital Statistics.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Texas Adoption Papers can be a complex process. One common mistake is failing to complete all required sections. Every section of the application must be filled out in detail. Incomplete applications often lead to delays or outright denial. Ensuring that all information is thoroughly provided can help streamline the approval process.

Another frequent error involves the certification process for Section 5. This section must be certified by the clerk of the court that granted the adoption. If it isn’t certified or completed correctly, applicants may need to provide additional documentation, such as a certified copy of the final decree of adoption. This requirement is critical, as it can significantly prolong the processing time of the application.

Many people also overlook attaching a copy of their valid photo ID, which is expressly required. Whether the applicant is the adoptive parent, adult adoptee, or an attorney, failure to include a photo ID can result in the application being rejected. This simple yet essential step ensures the identification of the applicant and protects the integrity of the adoption process.

Submitting the application as a photocopy or with alterations is another mistake that can cause issues. The guidelines are clear: only original documents should be submitted without any strike-throughs, write-overs, or other forms of alteration. If there are any mistakes, it's better to start fresh with a new application rather than attempting to fix the original.

Lastly, many applicants neglect to verify the appropriate fees before submitting their application. This can lead to additional delays if the necessary payment isn’t included. Understanding the fee structure outlined in the adoption papers and ensuring that payment is made in compliance with the instructions will prevent unnecessary processing delays.

Documents used along the form

When navigating the adoption process in Texas, several key documents are often used alongside the Texas Adoption Papers form. Each of these documents plays a vital role in ensuring that the adoption process is completed effectively and that all legal requirements are met.

  • Final Decree of Adoption: This official document finalizes the adoption and serves as proof that the adoption has been legally completed. It includes essential information, such as the child's new name and the adoptive parents' details.
  • Certificate of Adoption: This form records the adoption specifics and is a necessary document when amending the birth certificate. It's crucial for reflecting the new legal status of the adopted child.
  • Birth Certificate: The initial birth certificate may need to be amended to reflect the child's new name and adoptive parents. It provides the child's identity before adoption.
  • Application for Amendment of Birth Certificate: This form is used to request changes to the birth certificate based on the adoption, ensuring that all new details accurately represent the child's status.
  • Affidavit of Consent: If one biological parent is not involved in the adoption, this document may be required to show their consent to the adoption process, affirming that they relinquish their parental rights.
  • Verification of Identity: Often required as part of the application process, this document includes copies of valid photo IDs from the adoptive parents or the attorney involved, ensuring that all parties are legally identifiable.

Having these documents organized and ready will facilitate a smoother adoption experience. Each form plays a unique role in the process, so understanding their purpose is essential for all parties involved.

Similar forms

The Texas Adoption Papers form serves a specific function in the adoption process, particularly in amending birth certificates. However, there are several other documents with similar purposes and requirements related to identity changes and legal processes. Below are four documents that share key similarities with the Texas Adoption Papers form:

  • Birth Certificate Amendment Form - This form is typically used to correct or update information on a birth certificate due to various reasons, such as marriage, divorce, or name changes. Like the adoption papers, it requires detailed personal information and must be signed by the individual or their representative. Both documents necessitate the submission of supporting legal documents.
  • Name Change Petition - When individuals wish to legally change their name, they often file a name change petition. This document outlines the individual's current name, proposed new name, and reasons for the change. Much like the Texas Adoption Papers, it requires a court's oversight and a signed decree once approved.
  • Final Decree of Adoption - This document officially finalizes the adoption process. It provides legal recognition of the new relationship between the adoptive parents and the child. Similar to the Texas Adoption Papers, this decree must include specific details about the child, the adoptive parents, and the previous records that are affected.
  • Court Order for Change of Name - A court order for a name change is issued following a legal process where the petitioner requests a name change for valid reasons. Both this order and the Texas Adoption Papers require court certification and processing fees; they are also crucial in updating personal records.

Dos and Don'ts

Things To Do When Filling Out the Texas Adoption Papers:

  • Carefully complete all required sections of the form.
  • Sign the Certificate of Adoption to ensure it is valid.
  • Attach a copy of your valid photo ID.
  • Mail the original application, avoiding any photocopies or alterations.
  • Include the applicable fees as outlined in the fee schedule.
  • Ensure that Section 5 is certified by the court clerk if applicable.
  • Provide accurate information about the child as it appears on the current birth certificate.
  • Check the application for completeness before submission to avoid delays.

Things Not To Do When Filling Out the Texas Adoption Papers:

  • Do not leave any required sections blank.
  • Avoid submitting photocopies of the final decree of adoption unless specified.
  • Do not use white-out or make strike-throughs on the application.
  • Do not mix married names with maiden names in the adoption form.
  • Do not attempt to submit incomplete applications; they will be rejected.
  • Do not forget to sign in the presence of a notary if ordering a certified copy.
  • Do not send applications without the required fees.
  • Do not forget to keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.

Misconceptions

  • Myth: Only biological parents can amend a birth certificate. In Texas, adoptive parents have the right to apply for an amendment. Adoptive parents, the adopted individual (if over 18), or the attorney for the adoptive parents can all submit the application.
  • Myth: You can submit a photocopy of the required documents. This is not true. The application must be original. Photocopies, alterations, or strike-throughs will lead to rejection of the application.
  • Myth: You don’t need to provide a valid photo ID. Actually, a valid photo ID is a must. This helps verify the identity of the applicant. If a district clerk is submitting on behalf of the applicant, they must provide a cover letter on official letterhead instead.
  • Myth: Processing times are the same for all applications. There are different processing times. Regular applications take about 6-8 weeks, while expedited requests can be processed in about 20-25 business days, but there is an additional fee for faster service.
  • Myth: Birth certificate corrections can be done without court certification. This is misleading. Section 5 on the application must be certified by the court clerk. Without this certification, the application may be denied.
  • Myth: You can apply for a birth certificate correction anytime. While there’s generally no strict deadline, delays may impact an adopted individual’s ability to access benefits or services that require an updated birth certificate.
  • Myth: Emotional issues don’t affect the adoption process. In reality, emotional considerations are critical. While the paperwork is essential, the feelings and well-being of all involved are fundamental during adoption proceedings.
  • Myth: It's unnecessary to keep copies of submitted documents. This is incorrect. It's essential to keep certified copies of all documents submitted for your records as well as for any future legal or administrative purposes.

Key takeaways

Key takeaways for filling out and using the Texas Adoption Papers form:

  1. Eligibility: The applicant can be the person named on the birth certificate if they are 18 or older, adoptive parents, their attorney, or the district clerk.
  2. Complete All Sections: Ensure every section of the form is filled out completely and accurately. Incomplete applications will not be processed.
  3. Photo ID Required: Attach a copy of a valid photo ID with your application. If the district clerk submits the application, a letter on office letterhead is necessary.
  4. Original Documents Only: Submit the original application. Photocopies or altered documents will be rejected.
  5. Fees: Pay the required fees upon submission. A certified corrected birth certificate costs $22.00 per copy, and filing fees are $25.00.
  6. Submit Correctly: Regular applications take approximately 6-8 weeks to process, while expedited requests may take 20-25 business days.
  7. Section Verification: The court clerk must complete Section 5. If not certified, include a certified copy of the final decree of adoption.
  8. Document Retention: All submitted documents will be kept in a sealed file. Keep your own copies for future reference.
  9. Mailing Instructions: Regular applications go to the DSHS – Vital Statistics Section at P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX. Use expedited service for faster processing.
  10. Validation of Information: Double-check all information provided. Errors may cause significant delays or denial of your application.

Following these guidelines will help ensure a smoother process in your adoption paperwork. Good luck!

Browse Other Templates

Papa Johns Jobs - Detail any motor vehicle-related convictions by selecting yes or no.

Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test Answer Key - The results validate the use of mechanical comprehension tests in hiring practices.

Dwc Forms California - Clear and complete descriptions of incidents help in claims evaluations.