What is the difference between a
protected (closed) record and an
unprotected (open) record?
A protected (closed) record is a birth certificate or death certificate that is available for purchase only by qualified individuals. There are two types of protected (closed) records available for order online: a birth certificate with a date of birth from the past 75 years, and a death certificate with a date of death from the past 25 years.
To purchase a protected (closed) birth certificate:
If you reside in Texas, you can order your own record or the records of your immediate family members. If you live outside of Texas, you can order your own record or the record of your child, if you are listed as a parent on the record.
To purchase a protected (closed) death certificate:
If you live in Texas, you can order the records of your immediate family members. If you live outside Texas, you must be the surviving spouse of the deceased, a parent of the deceased, or the funeral director of the funeral home on the record.
