How To Add Father On Birth Certificate In Texas

How to Add Father on Birth Certificate in Texas

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you needed to add the father’s name to your child’s birth certificate but didn’t know how? Do you have questions about who qualifies to be listed on a Texas birth certificate? If you have found yourself asking these questions, you are not alone. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the process of adding a father to a birth certificate in the state of Texas. We will provide an overview of the legal requirements, explain the necessary steps, and guide you through the application process. By the end of this article, you will have the knowledge and confidence to complete the process successfully.

Who Can Be Listed as the Father on a Texas Birth Certificate?

The Texas Vital Statistics Unit has specific requirements for who can be listed as the father on a birth certificate. These requirements are outlined in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 17, Subchapter C, Rule 1.94. According to this rule, the following individuals may be listed as the father on a Texas birth certificate:

1. The husband of the mother at the time of the child’s birth.
2. The man who is legally presumed to be the father of the child.
3. The man who has acknowledged paternity of the child in writing.
4. The man who has been adjudicated to be the father of the child by a court of competent jurisdiction.

In cases where the biological father is deceased or unknown, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) may allow the mother to list another man as the father on the birth certificate. However, the DSHS has strict criteria for approving such requests.

How to Add the Father’s Name to a Birth Certificate in Texas

The process of adding the father’s name to a birth certificate in Texas involves completing an Application for Amendment of Birth Certificate (Form VS-17). This form can be obtained from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) website or from your local county clerk’s office.

The form must be completed in its entirety and signed by both the mother and the father. If the father is deceased, unknown, or unable to provide a signature, the mother may provide a statement explaining the circumstances.

1. Gather the required documents. In addition to the completed Application for Amendment of Birth Certificate (Form VS-17), you will need to submit the following documents:
• A certified copy of the child’s birth certificate
• A valid government-issued photo ID for both the mother and the father (if the father is available)
• Proof of marriage (if the parents are married)
• Proof of paternity (if the father is not the mother’s husband)
2. Submit the application and documents. Once you have completed the application form and gathered the required documents, you can submit them to the Texas DSHS by mail or in person.
3. Pay the filing fee. The filing fee for an Application for Amendment of Birth Certificate is currently $25. You can pay the fee by check, money order, or credit card.
4. Wait for the processing of the application. The processing time for an Application for Amendment of Birth Certificate varies. In general, you can expect to receive a response within 6-8 weeks.

Tips and Expert Advice

The process of adding the father’s name to a birth certificate in Texas is generally straightforward. However, there are a few tips and pieces of advice that can help you avoid any delays or complications:

• Complete the application form carefully. Make sure to fill out the form completely and accurately. Any errors or omissions could delay the processing of your application.
• Gather all of the required documents. Make sure to gather all of the required documents before submitting your application. Missing documents could delay the processing of your application.
• Submit your application as soon as possible. The sooner you submit your application, the sooner you can expect to receive a response.
• Be patient. The processing time for an Application for Amendment of Birth Certificate varies. Do not be discouraged if you do not receive a response immediately.

If you have any questions or concerns about the process of adding the father’s name to a birth certificate in Texas, you should contact the Texas DSHS for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the process of adding the father’s name to a birth certificate in Texas:

1. What is the difference between a biological father and a legal father? A biological father is the man who is genetically related to the child. A legal father is the man who is recognized by the law as the child’s father.
2. Can I add the father’s name to the birth certificate after the child is born? Yes, you can add the father’s name to the birth certificate after the child is born. However, you will need to provide proof of paternity.
3. What if the father is not available or does not want to be listed on the birth certificate? If the father is not available or does not want to be listed on the birth certificate, you can still add his name to the birth certificate by providing proof of paternity.
4. How long does it take to process an Application for Amendment of Birth Certificate? The processing time for an Application for Amendment of Birth Certificate varies. In general, you can expect to receive a response within 6-8 weeks.

Conclusion

Adding the father’s name to a birth certificate in Texas is a relatively simple process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can complete the process quickly and efficiently. If you have any questions or concerns, you should contact the Texas DSHS for assistance.

Call to Action: If you are interested in adding the father’s name to a birth certificate in Texas, we encourage you to visit the Texas DSHS website or contact your local county clerk’s office for more information.