The Texas Adoption Papers form is a legal document used to amend a birth certificate following an adoption. This form must be completed by eligible individuals, including the adoptive parents or their attorney, and submitted with required documentation and fees. To start the process, fill out the form by clicking the button below.
The Texas Adoption Papers form is a crucial document for families navigating the adoption process. It encompasses several important sections that need to be completed accurately to ensure a smooth amendment of a birth certificate following an adoption. First, the form requires detailed information about the child prior to adoption, including their name, date of birth, and place of birth. This information is essential for locating the original birth certificate that will be amended. Additionally, the form mandates the inclusion of the adoptive parents' details, ensuring that all required information is provided to avoid processing delays. A signature from an adoptive parent is necessary, along with certification from the court clerk, which verifies the adoption decree. The form also outlines the fees associated with filing and obtaining a corrected birth certificate, emphasizing the importance of submitting original documents without alterations. Finally, applicants must provide a valid photo ID and specify whether they wish to order a certified copy of the new birth record. Each section of the form plays a vital role in the legal recognition of the adoption, making it imperative for applicants to follow the instructions carefully.
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 $5.00 processing fee must be sent to the Vital Statistics Section via an overnight mail service such as: FedEx, Lone Star, or UPS.
DSHS-Vital Statistics Section, MC 2096, 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756.
•
FAILURE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION REQUESTED ON THIS FORM, MAY RESULT IN SIGNIFICANT
PROCESSING DELAYS AND/OR DENIAL OF YOUR APPLICATION.
Fees: How much must I submit?
Fee Schedule
Fee ($)
Qty (#)
Total ($)
Filing Fees:
O
Correction to Birth Certificate based on adoption
$25.00
=
Birth Certificate(s):
Certified Corrected Birth Certificate ($22.00 per copy)
$22.00
X
Central Adoption Registry Fee:
Central Adoption Registry Fee (per adoption decree granted in Texas)
$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.
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.
Expedite Overnight Mail (shipping within USA)
$12.50
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
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.___________
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:
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:
Current Last Name:
Maiden Last Name(s) before marriage:
Biological
Place of Birth
(State or Foreign Country):
Parent 2
Parent(s) Address
Street Address
City
County
State
Zip
Inside City Limits:
at the time of
Yes No
child’s birth:
Parent(s) Current
Address:
Parent(s) Email Address:
Parent(s) Phone No.:
(
)
Parent’s Signature (REQUIRED):
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
Conservator:
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
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<<<<<<<
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.
Adoptive Parent, Adult Adoptee, or Attorney
>>>>>ATTACH A COPY OF YOUR VALID PHOTO ID<<<<<
Printed Name:
Signature:
State:
Zip:
Notary Public, County Clerk, or other person authorized to administer oaths
Sworn to and subscribed before me, this ______ day of ____________ 20______.
Printed name and title:
Page 4 of 4
After filling out the Texas Adoption Papers form, you will need to submit it along with the required documents and fees. Ensure that all sections are complete to avoid delays in processing. Follow the steps below to fill out the form correctly.
The following individuals can apply for a correction:
To make a correction, follow these steps:
You can choose between regular and expedited mailing:
Here’s a breakdown of the fees:
If you fail to provide the requested information, your application may experience significant delays or even denial. It’s crucial to ensure that all sections are fully completed and accurate.
Include the following documents:
Yes, you can order a certified copy. Indicate your request in Section 7 of the application. Ensure you verify the fees and quantity ordered, and sign in the presence of a notary public if applicable.
If you make a mistake, do not attempt to correct it with cross-outs or white-outs. Instead, use a new application to ensure that your request is processed correctly.
You can check the status of your request by contacting the Vital Statistics Section at 1-888-963-7111 or online at the Texas Department of State Health Services website.
Incomplete Information: Failing to fill out all required sections can lead to significant delays. Each section is crucial for processing the application.
Missing Signatures: Not providing the necessary signatures, especially from adoptive parents, will result in the application being rejected. Ensure every required signature is included.
Improper Identification: Forgetting to attach a valid photo ID is a common oversight. This ID is essential for verifying the identity of the applicant.
Incorrect Fees: Submitting the wrong amount or not including the appropriate fees can halt the process. Always double-check the fee schedule before sending your application.
Photocopies and Alterations: Using photocopied forms or altering any part of the application is not permitted. Each application must be original and unaltered.
Not Following Mailing Instructions: Sending the application to the wrong address can cause unnecessary delays. Be sure to follow the mailing instructions precisely.
Neglecting Notary Requirements: If a certified copy of the new birth record is ordered, the application must be signed in the presence of a notary. Failing to do so will void the application.
When navigating the adoption process in Texas, several important documents accompany the Texas Adoption Papers form. Each of these documents plays a crucial role in ensuring that the adoption is legally recognized and that all necessary information is accurately recorded. Here’s a brief overview of these essential forms.
Understanding these documents is vital for a smooth adoption process. Each form must be completed accurately and submitted in a timely manner to avoid delays. Always keep copies of all submitted documents for your records, as they may be needed in the future.
The Texas Adoption Papers form shares similarities with the Birth Certificate Amendment Request. Both documents serve the purpose of altering existing records to reflect changes in personal circumstances, particularly in the context of family dynamics. The Birth Certificate Amendment Request allows individuals to correct or update information on a birth certificate due to various reasons, such as name changes or parental changes, much like the Texas Adoption Papers facilitate updates following an adoption. Both require the submission of supporting documentation and may necessitate a court certification, emphasizing the legal nature of these processes.
Another related document is the Petition for Adoption. This legal document initiates the adoption process and outlines the intent of the adoptive parents to legally adopt a child. Similar to the Texas Adoption Papers, which finalize the adoption by amending the birth certificate, the Petition for Adoption is a crucial step that leads to the eventual issuance of the adoption decree. Both documents require detailed personal information about the child and the adoptive parents, ensuring that the legal records accurately reflect the new family structure.
The Certificate of Adoption is also akin to the Texas Adoption Papers. This document serves as official proof that an adoption has been legally completed. Once an adoption is finalized, the Certificate of Adoption is issued, which the Texas Adoption Papers utilize to amend the birth certificate. Both documents confirm the legal relationship between the adoptive parents and the child, underscoring the importance of formal recognition in the eyes of the law.
Similarly, the Final Decree of Adoption is another document that aligns with the Texas Adoption Papers. This court-issued decree officially concludes the adoption process and provides the legal basis for amending the birth certificate. Both documents require meticulous attention to detail and must be completed accurately to avoid delays or denials in processing. The Final Decree of Adoption is essential for the Texas Adoption Papers, as it must be submitted to effectuate the necessary changes in the birth certificate.
The Affidavit of Relinquishment of Parental Rights is another document that bears resemblance to the Texas Adoption Papers. This affidavit is used by biological parents to legally relinquish their rights to a child, allowing for adoption to proceed. Like the Texas Adoption Papers, this document involves legal proceedings and requires the involvement of the court. Both documents ultimately lead to a change in the child's legal status, emphasizing the importance of parental consent in the adoption process.
Next, the Application for a Replacement Birth Certificate is similar to the Texas Adoption Papers in that it allows individuals to request a new birth certificate under specific circumstances. Whether due to adoption or other reasons, such as loss or damage, both processes involve submitting a formal request to amend or replace an existing birth record. Each requires supporting documentation to validate the request, ensuring that the new certificate reflects the most current and accurate information.
The Child Placement Agreement also shares commonalities with the Texas Adoption Papers. This document outlines the terms and conditions under which a child is placed with adoptive parents or a foster family. While the Texas Adoption Papers finalize the adoption process, the Child Placement Agreement serves as a precursor, detailing the legal responsibilities and expectations of all parties involved. Both documents play vital roles in establishing and formalizing the relationship between the child and the adoptive family.
In addition, the Consent to Adopt form is closely related to the Texas Adoption Papers. This document is signed by biological parents or guardians, granting permission for the child to be adopted. It is a critical step in the adoption process, similar to the Texas Adoption Papers, which finalize the legal adoption. Both documents require careful consideration and understanding of the legal implications, as they establish the foundation for the new family unit.
Finally, the Post-Adoption Contact Agreement is relevant to the discussion of Texas Adoption Papers. This agreement outlines the expectations and terms for contact between the adoptive family and the biological family after the adoption is finalized. While the Texas Adoption Papers focus on the legal aspects of the adoption, the Post-Adoption Contact Agreement addresses ongoing relationships and communication, emphasizing the importance of maintaining connections for the well-being of the child.
When filling out the Texas Adoption Papers form, it is essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure a smooth process. Here are some important dos and don’ts:
By adhering to these guidelines, you can help prevent delays and ensure that your application is processed efficiently.
This is not true. In Texas, adoptive parents, the person named on the birth certificate if they are at least 18 years old, or an attorney representing the adoptive parents can apply for a correction to the birth certificate.
Actually, the application must include a certified copy of the final decree of adoption. Photocopies, alterations, or any write-overs will not be accepted.
This is incorrect. A copy of the applicant's valid photo ID must be attached to the application. If a district clerk submits the application, they must provide a cover letter on office letterhead instead.
In fact, all sections of the application must be completed. Incomplete applications will not be processed, which can lead to delays.
On the contrary, the original name of the child, along with other identifying information, is required to locate the birth certificate that needs to be amended.
While the estimated processing time can vary, attention to detail is crucial. Any errors or omissions can lead to significant delays or even denial of the application.
This is misleading. The requirements may vary based on whether the adoption is a step-parent adoption or a single parent adoption, and all relevant details must be accurately provided.
When filling out the Texas Adoption Papers form, it’s essential to understand the process and requirements involved. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:
Understanding these points can help ensure a smoother experience when navigating the Texas Adoption Papers process.