How to Get a Birth or Death Record
IMPORTANT NOTICE: If you are planning a trip outside the United States, the Department of Homeland Security has instituted new traveling requirements.
As of January 23, 2007, ALL PERSONS traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.
As of January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens traveling by LAND AND SEA will need to present either a passport or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.
Birth and death certificates can be obtained in person, through the mail or on-line. The application is suitable for both English and Spanish language users.
In Person
The Office of Vital Records is located at 719 S. Santa Rosa Street. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. The office is closed on City holidays. Free parking is available in the front and back parking lots of the building.
Birth certificates also can be obtained at the four City of San Antonio Community Link Centers. These Community Link Centers are open on most City holidays (call before you go). The addresses, operating hours and phone numbers are:
• Brooks City Base
Brooks City-Base Landing (near Longhorn Cafe)
3154 SE Military Dr., Suite 102
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
207-6570
• Las Palmas Community Link Center
Las Palmas Shopping Center
803 Castroville Rd., Suite 132
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
207-6545
• Oak Ridge Community Link Center (newest City Community Link Service Center as of 8/2/08)
Oak Ridge Plaza Shopping Center
11220 Perrin Beitel, Suite 112
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
207-5165
• South Park Community Link Center
South Park Mall
2310 SW Military Dr.,
Suite 530 (next to JC Penney)
Monday - Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
207-6141
• Valley View Community Link Center
8523 Blanco Rd. at West Ave.
(near Marshall’s Dept. Store and Blockbuster Video)
Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
207-6150
Mail your request to:
Office of Vital Records
San Antonio Metropolitan Health District
719 S. Santa Rosa, Suite A
San Antonio, Texas 78204
Your request is processed within two to three days after it is received. You may request the certificate by completing and mailing in the application or by writing a simple letter. In your letter provide:
1) the person's name on the certificate
2) the parents' names
3) your relationship to the person named in the certificate
4) the purpose for which you are requesting a copy
5) a return address and a phone number
In your envelope, you also must include a photocopy of your photo ID and a check or money order in the appropriate amount payable to the City of San Antonio.
Certificates can be ordered on-line by accessing the VitalChek Network website at www.vitalchek.com. You pay the cost of the document and a minimal processing fee.
