November 7, 2006

The Houston Department of Health and Human Services (HDHHS) has added four city facilities as new locations issuing copies of birth certificates.

HDHHS now issues copies of birth certificates on Tuesdays at Magnolia Multi-Service Center, 7037 Capital; Wednesdays, Acres Homes Multi-Service Center, 6719 W. Montgomery; Thursdays, Sunnyside Multi-Service Center, 9314 Cullen and Fridays, Northside Health Center, 8523 Arkansas. Business hours at the sites are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

A copy of a birth certificate, either standard or wallet size, is $23. Only checks or money orders are accepted as payment at the four sites. State law requires that HDHHS charge a search fee equal to the certificate fee even if a record is not found. 

HDHHS still offers full vital statistics services on weekdays from its headquarters at 8000 N. Stadium Drive.

Birth certificates are confidential and HDHHS issues them only to qualified applicants such as the person named in the certificate, an immediate family member by blood or marriage, a guardian or a legal representative.

Applicants can also request copies of the certificates through the mail by filling out applications found online at www.houstonhealth.org and including the money orders for the appropriate fee.

For more information, call HDHHS’ Bureau of Vital Statistics at 713-794-9050.