The Fastest Way to Get a Copy of a Birth Certificate in Temple, TX

There are specific situations that require people to have a copy of their birth certificate. But like any paperwork, it’s easy to misplace, so it’s important to know the process to order a copy.

However, every area has its own rules and procedures, and figuring them out can be frustrating. If that’s your situation, and you need a , we have the information you’re looking for. Read on to find out what type of birth certificate you need, where to order it, and how DoNotPay can make the process as easy as possible.

What Is the Difference Between a Long Form and a Short Form Birth Certificate?

Before you order a copy of a , it’s important to know what type you need. There are two main kinds of birth certificate copies you can order, and they can be used in different situations.

Long-Form Birth Certificate

In other states, this is often referred to as an authorized birth certificate. The long form is a copy of the original birth certificate, and it provides the most comprehensive copy of the birth record. It also shows any corrections that have been made. This type of birth certificate is considered a valid form of government ID. They are required to apply for:

A driver’s license
U.S. Passport
Dual citizenship
State ID card
Can be used as an alternative form of identification when voting at the polls

Short Form Birth Certificate

Also known as an informational birth certificate, this form has limited information, such as the current record of the individual’s name, date of birth, sex, and the names of the parent or parents. Anyone can order a short form certificate. These birth certificates can be used for:

School registration
Sports team registration
Proof of meeting employment requirements
Insurance information

Heirloom Birth Certificate

Texas offers an heirloom birth certificate. They contain most of the information on a short-form certificate, but they’re generally used for display. They have no uses.

Who Can Order a Birth Certificate in Temple, TX

Here are the requirements to get a copy of a certificate for births in the last 75 years in Texas.

Automatically allowed for:

The person named on the certificate.
One of their immediate family members, including parents, siblings, child, grandparent, or spouse.

Documentation required for:

Their guardian.
Their agent or representative.
Insurance beneficiaries were other than immediate family.

Note: the State Office requires that all applicants submit a copy of their ID to request a birth certificate.

What Does It Cost to Get a Birth Certificate in Temple, TX?

The overall price varies, depending on the type of certificate you want. A copy of a certified birth certificate costs $23, but the state will waive the fee for military personnel or homeless youths. If you want a heritage birth certificate, that will cost $60. To have it sent by standard shipping costs $1.36, priority shipping is $8.70, and express shipping is $27.10.

Once your request is processed, it usually takes 7-10 business days to receive your order.

Methods of Payment

Cash – in person only.
Credit or debit card – in person only. A convenience fee will be charged. You must present a photo ID if the cardholder is a different person from the applicant.
Check if you live in Texas. Out-of-state checks are not accepted.
Cashier’s check or money order.

How to Order a Temple Birth Certificate on Your Own

To successfully apply for a birth certificate, it’s vital that know the exact details Bell County (where Temple is located) requires. The first thing you’ll need, no matter how you make your request, is an acceptable form of ID. Here’s what that means:

Group A, or Primary Acceptable ID

If you have this type of ID, you only need to present one of them.

Driver’s license from a U.S. state
Military ID card
Federal or state ID card
U.S. passport
Law enforcement employment ID (federal, state, or city)
License to Carry a Handgun
Pilot’s license
Offender ID issued by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or an ID from a federal or U.S. state correctional facility or institution
Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued:

Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
Travel documents:

Re-entry permit
Refugee travel document
Advance parole

Group B, or Secondary Acceptable ID

If you can’t provide a Group A ID, you can instead use two forms of ID from Group B.

Current student ID
Any Group A ID that has expired
Signed Social Security card or Numident
DD Form 214 Certificate of Release
Medical insurance card
Medicaid card or Medicare card
Veterans Affairs card
A foreign passport accompanied by a visa issued by the U.S. Department of State
A foreign passport that is in accordance with the U.S. Department of State, Visa Waiver Program
Certified birth certificate from the U.S. Department of State (FS-240, DS-1350, or FS-545)
Private company employment ID card
Form I-94 – accompanied by the applicant’s visa or passport
Mexican voter registration card
Foreign identification with an identifiable photo of applicant (including El Salvador consular certification, El Salvadoran Unique Identity Card [DUI], and Honduran consular certification)

Group C, or Supporting Documents

If you can’t provide one Group A or two Group B documents, you can instead use one Group B along with two from Group C.

Recent utility or cell phone bill with current address
Recent paycheck stub
Any Group B ID that has expired
Public assistance applications or letters
A valid voter’s registration card
A police report of stolen ID
An official school transcript
Bank account statement
Social Security letter
Marriage license or divorce decree
Certified birth certificate from outside of Texas
U.S. Department of Homeland Security notice or correspondence
Proof of automobile insurance card
Lease agreement
Loan or installment payment contract
Promissory note or loan contract
Court order
Medical insurance card
Property title or lien
Automobile title or registration
Library card
Religious record with the signature of a religious official
Recent rent receipt, including your address and name
Any federal, state, or local tax records

In-Person Requests

The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, but you must arrive by 3:30 to be seen. You must bring with you a form of payment, all identification required, and a completed birth certificate application form.

Online Requests

You can request a birth certificate online. Applications will only be accepted with Group A forms of ID. Keep in mind that the application is not completed and will not be processed until you complete the payment of the order fee.

Online	Bell County Official Website
Phone Number	254-933-5165
Mailing Address	P. O. Box 480 Belton Texas 76513
In-Person	City of Temple County Clerk’s Office 2 North Main Temple, Texas 76502

Cut Through the Red Tape Quickly With DoNotPay

If you’d rather not deal with all the details, DoNotPay has an easier way. You don’t have to waste time navigating all the requirements when we put all the steps right at your fingertips.

If you need a birth certificate from Temple, DoNotPay has you covered in 8 easy steps:

Go to the Birth Certificates product on DoNotPay.
Select who the certificate is for (you or a loved one). If you are requesting a copy of someone else’s certificate, enter their personal details, and upload evidence that proves your relationship.
Enter the location you or your loved one was born in, so we can complete the form specific to your state.
Enter the name(s) of the parent(s) as displayed on the certificate.
Indicate what you will be using this certificate for, and choose whether you need an authorized or certified copy.
Enter your contact information and shipping address. Upload copies of your government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license.
Choose whether you would like to electronically sign this form or not. Once we generate the form, verify that all of the information is correct.
If you need the document to be notarized, schedule a notarization appointment using our Notary product. Otherwise, proceed to our Mail Checks product and let DoNotPay mail in your request form with a check on your behalf.

That’s it! DoNotPay takes a tedious process and makes it simple, so you can get on with your life.

Why You Should Use DoNotPay to Order a Temple Birth Certificate

You have better things to do than to jump through hoops for the County Clerk’s Office. If you need a copy of your birth certificate, you probably want to get it quickly and easily. DoNotPay streamlines the application process, so you can get a as fast as possible. You might also like some other articles about birth records:

All of these are available with DoNotPay, your one-stop shop for all your document needs.