How do I Get a Birth Record in Texarkana, AR?

Texarkana, Arkansas is located on the southwestern tip of Arkansas, right on the border with Texas. Half of the city of Texarkana is in Arkansas and the other half lies in Texas. A birth record is issued by the state, and serves as the official documentation of your birth. Proof of a birth record is necessary to be issued a marriage licenses, social security benefits or a passport. Arkansas issues its birth records through the Arkansas Vital Records Department.

Instructions

• 1

  Read Arkansas statute 20-18-305 to clarify who may request a birth record. According to the statue, the state does not allow public release of birth records, which are less than 100 years old. The law does permit release to specific persons who are related to the registrant and to his designated representatives, academic research groups and to persons who demonstrate a right to the record.

• 2

  Contact the entity that has requested a copy of your birth record to determine if you need to provide a certified copy of your original birth record. According to the Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas issues two types of birth copies: a plastic wallet card and a certified copy of the original record on file. The plastic wallet card is useful as a memento, but will not satisfy federal or state requests for an official copy of a birth record.

• 3

  Fill out the Arkansas Department of Health Birth Certificate Application. Arkansas Vital Records has birth records from February 1, 1914 to the present.

• 4

  Send in a check for any required fees along with the completed application. Request any additional copies of your birth record that you may need.