How to Obtain a Texas Birth Certificate While You’re Living Abroad
If you were born in Texas but now live overseas, getting a certified copy of your birth certificate for an apostille or legalization might feel impossible — but it’s absolutely doable. Here’s how the process works and the two main paths available, whether you’re mailing your own request or authorizing a trusted professional to handle it locally.
Option 1: Mail-In Application via Texas Vital Records
If you’re abroad and have time to wait, you can order a Texas birth certificate directly through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) using the VS-140 Mail-In Application for a Certified Copy of a Birth Record.
🧾 What You’ll Need
VS-140 Form (filled out completely)
A notarized signature (required for mail-in requests)
A copy of your government-issued ID (passport or driver’s license)
A check or money order payable to “DSHS – Vital Statistics”
⏱️ Typical Timeline
Mail-in requests generally take 4–6 weeks to process once received. International mail may add extra time.
📬 Mailing Address
DSHS – Vital Statistics Section
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040 USA
🔍 Key Tip
If you plan to use your birth certificate for foreign use, do not request a short form. Only long-form certified copies can be apostilled.
Option 2: Authorizing Someone in Texas to Obtain It for You
If you prefer a faster, concierge-style approach, you can authorize a professional (like Clark Apostille Services) to pick up your certified copy in person at the Harris County Clerk’s Office or another local registrar.
🧾 What’s Required
A notarized authorization letter or VS-140 form naming your representative.
A clear copy of your ID (passport is fine if you’re abroad).
Payment for the certified copy (usually $23 per copy).
⚡ Benefits of This Option
Same-day certificate retrieval in most cases.
Immediate eligibility for apostille processing at the Texas Secretary of State.
Can be combined with courier service for direct Austin drop-off (turnaround ≈ 10–15 business days).
Apostille vs. Translation
Texas currently issues only physical apostilles (not electronic e-Apostilles).
If your document will be used in a Spanish-speaking country like Spain or Mexico, you’ll also need a certified translation of both the birth certificate and the apostille into Spanish.
✉️ How Clark Apostille Services Can Help
Whether you choose to mail your request or have us handle the entire process on your behalf, we provide:
Step-by-step document review before submission
Same-day Houston birth certificate retrieval (if authorized)
Apostille coordination with direct Austin courier service
Optional certified Spanish translation for use in Spain
