Can we make the alteration in the birth certificate in Texas?

Full question:

A baby was born to us before we got married. The details of the child’s father were left incomplete at the time of applying for the birth certificate of our child. We would now like to add those details in the certificate. We live in Texas. Is it possible?

• Category: Paternity
• Subcategory: Birth Certificate
• Date: 04/07/2025
• State: Texas

Answer:

In Texas, the record of paternity in a birth certificate can be added by filing a supplementary birth certificate. The legal representative of the child may file for such a certificate. A supplementary birth certificate may be filed if the child’s parents are subsequently married; child’s parentage is determined by a court, or the child is adopted under state laws. The supplementary certificate can also be filed if the father acknowledges the paternity of the child.

Pursuant to Sec. 192.006 of Health and Safety Code,

“(a) A supplementary birth certificate may be filed if the person who is the subject of the certificate:
(1)  becomes the child of the person's father by the subsequent marriage of the person's parents;
(2)  has the person's parentage determined by a court of competent jurisdiction; or
(3)  is adopted under the laws of any state.
(b)  An application for a supplementary birth certificate may be filed by:
(1)  an adult whose status is changed; or
(2)  a legal representative of the person whose status is changed.
(c)  The state registrar shall require proof of the change in status that the executive commissioner by rule may prescribe.
(d)  Supplementary birth certificates and applications for supplementary birth certificates shall be prepared and filed in accordance with department rules.
(e)  In accordance with department rules, a supplementary birth certificate may be filed for a person whose parentage has been determined by an acknowledgment of paternity.”
 

Therefore, it is possible to add the details of the father to child’s birth certificate in Texas.