Birth and death certificates can only be issued to a properly qualified applicant. Per Title 25 Texas Administrative Code Subchapter A 181.1(21,13), a properly qualified applicant is:

• Individual named on the certificate
• Immediate family member either by blood, marriage or adoption 
• Child
• Parent
• Sibling
• Grandparent
• Current spouse
  

• Legal guardian
• Registrant’s legal agent or representative

Local, state, and federal law enforcement or governmental agencies and other persons may be designated as properly qualified applicants by demonstrating a direct and tangible interest in the record. All applicants who are not immediate family members must provide legal documentation such as a certified court order, birth/marriage certificate, or insurance policy that demonstrates a direct, tangible interest in the record requested.