Texas Vital Records Guide

What a Notary Cannot Copy-Certify

Under the Texas Government Code and Secretary of State regulations, a Notary Public is strictly prohibited from certifying or notarizing copies of "vital records" or publicly recordable documents.

This illustrates the legal guidelines followed by LC Notary Public Firm, informing clients that Texas notaries cannot legally notarize certified vital records.

If you bring these original documents to a notary requesting a "certified true copy," the notary must legally decline. Instead, you must request official certified copies directly from the government agency or office that originally issued or holds the record.

Important Notice Below for Texas Document Signers

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Important Notice Below for Texas Document Signers ***

Documents Considered Vital Records in Texas

The following original documents are protected public records and cannot be copy-certified by a notary public

Birth Certificates

(Must be ordered from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) or local county clerk)

Death Certificates

(Must be ordered from DSHS or local county clerk)

Divorce Decrees

(Must be obtained from the District Clerk's office in the county where the divorce was granted)

Deeds, Mortgages, & Wills already filed for record

(Must be obtained from the County Clerk's official records)

Office School Transcripts & Diplomas

When restricted by institutional policy; often require direct issuance from the school registrar

Marriage Licenses

(Must be obtained from the County Clerk where the license was filed)

Court Documents

(Any documents filed with a court of law)

What We CAN Do for You Instead

  • Notarize Your Signature on an Affidavit: If you write a personal statement (Affidavit) declaring that an attached copy of a document is true and correct, we can administer an oath and notarize your signature on that statement. Note: This notarizes your signature, not the underlying vital record itself.

  • Notarize Associated Application Forms: If you are filling out an official state or consular application form to request a vital record or passport (such as Form DS-3053 for a minor's passport), we can cleanly notarize your signature on that authorization form.