How to Get a Certified Birth Certificate for Someone at Brown County Jail (TX)

A certified Texas birth certificate is an official vital record used to prove identity. If your loved one is at Brown County Jail, a certified copy can help with getting an ID, handling benefits paperwork, or correcting information on official records. Texas DSHS Vital Statistics sets the rules on who can order a certified copy and what the application needs to include.

Texas doesn't let just anyone request a certified copy of someone else's birth certificate. DSHS requires the person ordering to be "qualified" under their rules. You'll need to submit a completed application, acceptable identification, the correct fees, and - depending on your situation - supporting documents that back up your request.

• ✓ Confirm you’re eligible (“qualified”) under Texas DSHS rules before you order
• ✓ Completed Texas DSHS Vital Statistics application for a certified birth certificate
• ✓ Acceptable identification (use the DSHS requirements list so you don’t send the wrong type)
• ✓ Payment for the required fees (check the current fee schedule on the DSHS pages)
• ✓ Any supporting documents DSHS requires in your situation (if applicable)
• ✓ The person’s exact legal name and birth details as they appear on the record

1. Collect the details DSHS will match to the record - Use the person’s exact legal name (including spelling), date of birth, and place of birth, plus any other details the DSHS application asks for.
2. Review DSHS eligibility and requirements - Before you pay or mail anything, confirm you’re a qualified requester and check what counts as acceptable ID, what fees apply, and whether supporting documents are required.
3. Complete the Texas DSHS application - Fill it out carefully and completely. Missing fields or mismatched information can slow everything down.
4. Choose how you’ll order - DSHS offers different ordering methods (such as online, by mail, or in person). Pick the one that fits your situation and follow the instructions for that method.
5. Submit your application, ID, and fees exactly as instructed - A “completed application” includes acceptable identification, the correct fees, and sometimes supporting documentation, so make sure all parts are included.
6. Keep copies and proof of what you sent - Make a copy of the application and any documents you provide, and save any confirmation details (like a receipt or tracking information) so you can reference it later if needed.

Expect timing to vary. Texas DSHS says processing depends on the record type and how you order, so two people requesting the same certificate can have different wait times based on submission method and what DSHS needs to review.

Once you've placed the order, use the DSHS order-status tools to track progress - don't just count calendar days. If something's missing (an ID copy, fee issue, or required document), catching it early saves you from starting over.

Practical Tips

• ✓ Ask your loved one to confirm their exact legal name, date of birth, and place of birth (and any previous names) before you apply
• ✓ Fill out the application neatly and completely; don’t leave blanks unless the form tells you to
• ✓ Keep copies of everything you submit (application, ID copies, supporting documents)
• ✓ Save any receipt numbers, confirmations, or tracking details so you can follow up later
• ✓ If the certified certificate needs to be delivered into the facility, contact the jail to ask how they handle incoming paperwork (this varies by facility)

For accurate next steps, check the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics ordering pages for the current application, ID rules, fees, and supporting-document requirements. Use the DSHS order-status tools to track your request - processing times vary by record type and ordering method, and some applications take longer due to identity-protection reviews.