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In Texas, to obtain vital records such as birth or death certificates, you must present acceptable identification (ID). The state recognizes three categories of ID: Group A (Primary), Group B (Secondary), and Group C (Supporting). Depending on the documents you have, you can establish your identity using one of the following methods:
- One ID from Group A, or
- Two IDs from Group B, or
- One ID from Group B accompanied by Two Supporting Documents from Group C
If you lack a Primary ID from Group A, you can present two Secondary IDs from Group B, or one Secondary ID from Group B along with two Supporting Documents from Group C. Ensure all documents are current and contain your name. For a comprehensive list and more details, refer to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
It's advisable to contact the specific vital records office where you plan to apply, as requirements may vary slightly by location. For instance, the Wichita Falls - Wichita County Public Health District provides detailed instructions and acceptable forms of ID on their official application form.
Ensuring you have the appropriate identification will facilitate a smoother process when requesting vital records in Texas.
CLICK THE TABS BELOW TO VIEW THE DOCUMENTS FROM EACH GROUP
Group A – Primary Acceptable ID (must be current and valid):
- Driver's license issued by a U.S. state
- Federal or state ID card
- U.S. passport
- Military ID card
- License to Carry a Handgun
- Pilot's license
- Law enforcement employment ID (federal, state, or city)
- Offender ID issued by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or an ID from a federal or U.S. state correctional facility or institution
- Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued:
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
- Travel documents:
- Re-entry permit
- Refugee travel document
- Advance parole
- SENTRI card
- U.S. citizen ID card
- U.S. Department of State issued
- Border Crossing Card (BCC) – B1 for business or pleasure or B2 for medical purposes
- Visa
Group B – Secondary Acceptable ID:
- Current student ID
- Any Primary Acceptable ID from Group A that is expired
- Signed Social Security card or Numident
- DD Form 214 Certificate of Release
- Medicaid or Medicare card
- Veterans Affairs card
- Medical insurance card
- Foreign passport accompanied by a visa issued by the U.S. Department of State
- Foreign passport in accordance with the U.S. Department of State, Visa Waiver Program
- Certified birth certificate from the U.S. Department of State (FS-240, DS-1350, or FS-545)
- Private company employment ID card
- Form I-94 accompanied by the applicant's visa or passport
- Mexican voter registration card
- Foreign identification with identifiable photo of applicant (including El Salvador consular certification, El Salvadoran Unique Identity Card [DUI], and Honduran consular certification)
Group C – Supporting Documents:
- Recent utility bill or cell phone bill with current address
- Recent paycheck stub
- Any Secondary Acceptable ID from Group B that is expired
- Public assistance applications or letters
- Signed valid voter’s registration card
- Police report of stolen ID
- Official school transcript
- Bank account statement
- Social Security letter
- Marriage license or divorce decree
- Certified birth certificate from a state other than Texas, District of Columbia, or other country
- Automobile insurance card or contract
- Lease agreement
- Loan or installment payment contract
- Promissory note or loan contract
- Court order
- Property title or lien
- Automobile title or registration
- Library card
- Fishing or hunting license
- Recent medical record or bill
- Religious record with signature of religious official
- Recent rent receipt with address and name
- Federal, state, or local tax records
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security notice or correspondence