There are four ways to get a birth or death certificate: walk-in, online, by phone, or by mail.

Walk In – To maintain the health and safety of City of Austin employees and the public, this City of Austin facility is closed. We are continuing to process mail-in, online and phone orders at this time.

  • NOTE: There is construction in the area for the next year. Read about detour routes here.
  • Where we are:  The Office of Vital Records is at 7201 Levander Loop, Building C, Austin, TX, 78702. It is on the Betty Dunkerley Campus next to the Animal Center. On March 30 we will be temporarily moving to Building B.
  • Our hours:  The office is open from 8 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. The last application is accepted at 4:15 pm.
  • Current government-issued photo identification is required. See the list of types of identification that are accepted.
  • Payment: You can pay by cash, money order in the exact amount, personal check, or credit or debit card in your name.
    • The cost for each birth certificate is $23.
    • The cost for one death certificate is $21. If you order more copies at the same time, the cost for each extra one is $4.
  • For faster service, download and print an application in English or Spanish and bring it with you.

Online – Receive in 3 to 10 business days

  • Website link:  www.VitalChek.com.
  • Payment: You must use a credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover). Processing and UPS shipping fees will be added.
  • Processing and shipping: Order processing takes about 1 to 3 business days if your request is approved, plus UPS shipping within 2 business days OR regular US mail within 7 business days.
  • Proof of identity: VitalChek may be able to verify your identity for you. If they cannot, you will be instructed to upload a copy of your current government-issued identification and proof of shipping address before your application can be processed. This will delay the processing and delivery time.

By Phone – Receive in 3 to 10 business days

  • Call: VitalChek, our secure online agent, at 1-800-457-7586.
  • Payment: You must use a credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover). Processing and UPS shipping fees will be added.
  • Processing and shipping:  Order processing takes about 2 to 3 business days for if your request is approved, plus UPS shipping within 2 business days OR regular US mail within 7 business days.
  • Proof of identity: VitalChek may be able to verify your identity for you. If they cannot, you will be instructed to send a copy of your current government-issued identification and proof of shipping address before your application can be processed. This will delay the processing and delivery time.

By Mail – Receive in 2 to 3 weeks

Note: Incorrect or incomplete information will delay processing time on all orders.

Mail the following items:

  • A completed and notarized application (download and print one in English or Spanish)
  • A check or money order payable to the Office of Vital Records ($23 for each copy of a birth certificate; $21 for one death certificate plus $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time). Note: Personal checks must be signed by the same person who signs the application.
  • A copy of your current government-issued photo identification. See a list of accepted forms of ID.
  • If your home address is different from the address on your photo ID, you need to send a copy of your proof of residence, such as a utility bill, voter registration card, etc.
  • A postage-paid (stamped) self-addressed envelope of your choice. (You may use an express mail envelope for faster delivery).

Mail your application to our mailing address:

Office of Vital Records
PO Box 1088
Austin, TX 78767-1088

If you need the certificate quickly, use an Express form of delivery, such as FedEx, USPS, or UPS, and send your application to our office at:

Office of Vital Records
7201 Levander Loop, Bldg. C
Austin, TX  78702

For all applications by mail, you must include a postage-paid, self-addressed envelope of your choice to receive your certificate.