Texas State Health Services 2026: Services, Phone & Records
Most people searching for the Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas DSHS, Texas State Health Services, or “DSHS Texas” need one practical answer: which official page handles my phone call, birth certificate, death certificate, marriage or divorce verification, immunization record, food handler card, license search, complaint, public records request, or local health department issue?
This guide is written in plain U.S. English for Texas residents, seniors, caregivers, families, food workers, licensees, business owners, and out-of-state people who need Texas records. It is not the official DSHS website. It helps you pick the right official route before you call, pay, mail forms, upload ID, file a complaint, or drive to Austin.
Quick answer: what Texas Department of State Health Services helps with in 2026
Texas DSHS handles statewide public health services, Texas vital records, birth and death certificates, marriage and divorce verification letters, ImmTrac2 immunization records, food safety programs, food handler training program licensing, EMS and certain DSHS-regulated license searches, open records, public health regions, and local health department routing.
| What you need | Best official route | Prepare first | Senior-friendly tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas Department of State Health Services phone number | DSHS Contact Us page | Topic, county, callback number, and program name if you know it | Start with one clear sentence: “I need help with vital records, immunizations, food safety, licensing, or public records.” |
| Texas birth certificate | Texas DSHS Birth Records or Texas.gov Vital Records | Full name, date of birth, place of birth, valid ID, relationship proof if needed, and payment method | Birth certificate phone lines answer questions, but official orders generally use online, mail, or in-person routes. |
| Texas death certificate | Texas DSHS Death Records | Decedent name, date of death, county, your relationship, valid ID, and whether you need a certificate or verification | Ask the bank, insurer, attorney, or benefits office which version it accepts before ordering. |
| Texas marriage or divorce record | DSHS Marriage and Divorce Records for verification letters | Names, date, county, and whether a verification letter is enough | Verification letters are not legal substitutes for a marriage license or divorce decree. |
| Texas immunization record | ImmTrac2 / Texas Immunization Registry | Name, date of birth, consent status, ID, parent or guardian proof if needed | The public does not log in like a provider; use the official release form or local health department route. |
| Texas food handler card | DSHS Food Handler Training Program pages | Employer requirement, course provider, certificate/card details, and whether the provider is accredited | Make sure the card or certificate shows the training program name and either a TXDSHS accreditation license number or ANSI listing. |
| Texas DSHS license lookup | DSHS Current Licensees and Registrants or program-specific license search | Name, license type, city, county, license number, or business name | DSHS lookup is not the same as every Texas medical, nursing, or benefits portal. |
| Restaurant or food establishment complaint | Retail Food Establishments jurisdiction map or local health department | Business name, full address, county, date, time, food item, symptoms, photos, and receipt | Texas routing depends on who has jurisdiction over that food establishment. |
| Open records request | DSHS Open Records Policy page | Your contact info, clear description, program name, date range, and record type | Only written requests trigger Public Information Act obligations. |
Texas has multiple health-related agencies and boards. DSHS is not the same as Texas Health and Human Services, Texas Medical Board, Texas Board of Nursing, Texas.gov, YourTexasBenefits, county clerks, district clerks, or local public health offices. Use this page to avoid the wrong door.
Texas DSHS route finder: choose the right official service before calling or paying
Use this quick router for common searches like Texas Department of State Health Services phone number, Texas vital records, DSHS birth certificate, Texas death certificate, ImmTrac2 immunization records, food handler card, license lookup, open records, and local health department help.
Texas DSHS task router
Select your need. The safest next step appears below.
Texas Department of State Health Services phone number, hours, email route and call script
The Texas DSHS general phone number is 512-776-7111. The toll-free number is 888-963-7111. General office hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM Central Time. Vital Statistics hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM Central Time.
Use a short phone script
Say: “I need help with [birth certificate, death certificate, marriage verification, divorce verification, immunization record, food handler card, food complaint, license lookup, EMS certification, open records, or local health department]. My county is [county name]. Which official DSHS page or local office should I use?”
Use the correct office instead of repeating the main line
For vital records, use Texas Vital Statistics. For immunization records, use ImmTrac2. For food manufacturing and wholesale licensing, use the Food Licensing Group. For local health services, use the local public health organization or DSHS region page.
Relay Texas TTY is listed as 7-1-1 or 1-800-735-2989. If you are helping an older family member, write down the topic, county, record type, order number, and callback number before calling.
Texas DSHS vital records: birth, death, marriage, divorce, corrections, order status and ID
The Texas Vital Statistics Section maintains vital records for the state of Texas, including birth and death certificates, marriage applications, and divorce records. In everyday use, many people need either a certified birth certificate, certified death certificate, birth verification, death verification, marriage verification letter, divorce verification letter, correction, or order status check.
Birth and death certificates
Texas DSHS issues certified copies and verification letters for birth and death records when eligibility and ID requirements are met.
Open vital recordsMarriage and divorce
DSHS issues verification letters, but they are not legal substitutes for a marriage license or divorce decree.
Open marriage divorceCheck order status
For mail orders, DSHS provides an order-status form. For online orders, DSHS points users to Texas.gov.
Check status| Record need | Best route | Prepare first | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth certificate | DSHS Birth Records / Texas.gov online order | Name, birth date, birth place, valid ID, relationship proof, payment method | You must have been born in Texas to order from Texas DSHS. |
| Death certificate | DSHS Death Records | Name, death date, county, relationship, ID, purpose | Immediate family or legal interest rules may apply. |
| Marriage verification | DSHS Marriage and Divorce Records | Names, marriage date, county, intended use | Not the same as a marriage license; contact county clerk for the license. |
| Divorce verification | DSHS Marriage and Divorce Records | Names, divorce date, county/district, intended use | Not the same as a divorce decree; contact the district clerk for the decree. |
| Record correction | DSHS correction/change record pages | Record type, supporting documents, qualified requester status | Correction eligibility differs by birth record and death record. |
The phone number is useful for questions, but do not expect to place a Texas vital record order by phone. DSHS directs certificate users through online, mail, in-person, and local office routes depending on the record and situation.
Texas birth certificate: order online, mail, in-person, local office and ID checklist
Use the Texas DSHS Birth Records page when you need a long form birth certificate, short form birth certificate, heirloom birth certificate, birth verification, election identification birth certificate, or a birth record correction.
| Prepare | Why it matters | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Full name on the birth record | Helps match the exact record. | Using a married name when the birth record uses a birth name. |
| Date and place of birth | Confirms the record is a Texas birth record. | Ordering from Texas when the birth happened in another state. |
| Valid government ID | Required for many certified record requests. | Uploading or mailing an expired or unreadable ID copy. |
| Relationship proof | Certified copies are limited to qualified requesters. | Assuming a friend or distant relative can order without legal documentation. |
| Delivery and payment method | Online, mail, in-person, and local options can differ in cost and timing. | Paying before checking official fees and eligibility. |
Check whether you are qualified to request the record
Texas DSHS says the person named on the vital record, immediate family members, a guardian, or a legal agent/representative may request certified copies. Other applicants may need legal documentation showing direct, tangible interest.
Use the official online or mail route
Texas.gov states that online vital record orders require a valid ID, online application, and payment. Mail requests should use current Texas DSHS forms and the correct application mailing address.
Some local vital record offices can issue Texas birth records, but not every local office has the same access. DSHS labels offices that can access all Texas birth records and offices that only hold local records.
Texas death certificate: certified copy, death verification and family eligibility
Use the Texas DSHS Death Records page when you need a certified death certificate, death verification, correction, or help understanding who can request a Texas death record.
Certified death certificate
Often used for banks, estates, insurance, Social Security, pensions, property, benefits, probate, and legal matters.
Death verification
A verification confirms whether a death is recorded; it may not satisfy agencies that require a certified certificate.
Ask the receiving agency what it accepts
Before paying, ask the bank, attorney, insurer, funeral-related office, benefit office, court, or pension administrator whether it needs a certified death certificate or a verification letter.
Confirm who can request or correct a death record
For certified copies, Texas DSHS lists qualified requesters and immediate family categories. For death record corrections, qualified people can differ and may include the funeral director, informant, surviving spouse, or surviving parent listed in official DSHS guidance.
Order only the number of certified copies you truly need. Some agencies return originals; others keep them. Ask each agency before ordering extra copies.
Texas marriage and divorce records: verification letter versus license or decree
Texas DSHS issues letters verifying whether a marriage or divorce was recorded with the State of Texas based on information sent by local clerks. These verification letters are not the same as a certified marriage license or certified divorce decree.
| Need | Correct route | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Marriage verification letter | Texas DSHS | Verifies whether a marriage was recorded with the State of Texas; not a legal substitute for the license. |
| Certified marriage license | County clerk where license was obtained | Often needed when an agency specifically asks for the marriage license. |
| Divorce verification letter | Texas DSHS | Verifies whether a divorce was recorded with the State of Texas; not a legal substitute for the decree. |
| Certified divorce decree | District clerk in the district where divorce was granted | Often required for legal, immigration, benefits, or court purposes. |
Ask the receiving office: “Will a Texas DSHS verification letter satisfy your requirement, or do you need the actual marriage license or divorce decree?” This one question prevents many wrong orders.
Texas immunization records, ImmTrac2 registry, school shots and adult consent
ImmTrac2 is the Texas Immunization Registry. DSHS describes it as a secure and confidential registry that consolidates and stores immunization records from multiple sources. It is helpful for school, childcare, healthcare, emergency response, and personal vaccine history needs.
Request a copy the official way
DSHS says users who need a copy of their own or their child’s immunization record should complete the linked form and submit it to ImmTrac2@dshs.texas.gov or mail it to the address in the official contact section.
Understand school and childcare record options
Texas school guidance says acceptable immunization records can include records from a physician, public health personnel, state or local health authority, or school officials. Students may also request records from their private healthcare provider or local health department depending on where the vaccine was given.
Use the correct phone number for immunization help
Texas DSHS lists the Texas Immunization Information Line as 800-252-9152. ImmTrac2 customer support is also listed through official DSHS immunization materials for registry support.
Texas DSHS immunization guidance notes that people ages 18–26 may need to re-consent as adults to stay in the registry. If you cannot find a record, check with the provider or local health department where the vaccination was given.
Texas food handler card, food manager certification, food safety and restaurant complaints
Texas DSHS food pages are useful for food workers, food managers, restaurants, food trucks, food manufacturers, warehouses, cottage food operators, and people reporting food safety concerns. The right route depends on whether your question is training, food establishment permit, inspection, complaint, illness, or business licensing.
Food handler training
Texas requires many food service employees to complete an accredited food handler training course within 30 days of employment.
Food handlerCertified food manager
Some food establishments need a certified food protection manager who passed an approved or ANSI-certified exam.
Food managerFood establishment complaint
For retail food complaints, DSHS tells users to identify the correct jurisdiction before filing.
File complaintVerify food handler training before taking a random course
DSHS explains that accredited food handler cards or certificates vary in appearance, but they should show the food handler program name, address, and either a TXDSHS accreditation license number or ANSI listing.
For restaurant complaints, collect details first
Write down the business name, full address, city, county, date, time, food item, symptoms, receipt, photos, product label, and how many people became sick. Texas complaint routing depends on jurisdiction, so the address matters.
If someone has severe dehydration, bloody diarrhea, trouble breathing, confusion, signs of stroke, a severe allergic reaction, poisoning, or life-threatening symptoms, use emergency care. Do not wait for an online complaint response.
Texas DSHS complaints: food, sanitation, EMS, regulated products and wrong-agency warning
“Texas DSHS complaint” can mean different things. DSHS may be the correct route for retail food establishments under DSHS jurisdiction, public sanitation in certain areas, EMS and trauma-related issues, food manufacturers, drug or device firms, tattoo and body piercing, radiation control, or other Consumer Protection Division programs. It may not be the right route for doctors, nurses, Medicaid benefits, SNAP, TANF, childcare licensing, or hospital medical records.
| Complaint type | Likely route | Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant or retail food establishment | Jurisdiction interactive map or local health department | Business name, full address, county, date/time, food item, symptoms, proof |
| Pool, spa, lagoon or sanitation issue | Public Health Sanitation complaint route where DSHS has jurisdiction | Facility name, address, county, date, photos, violation description |
| EMS certification or provider issue | DSHS EMS and Trauma Systems complaint/compliance route | Provider name, certification/license, incident date, location, documents |
| Drug, device, food manufacturing, tattoo, body piercing, radiation or other regulated business | Relevant DSHS Consumer Protection program | Firm name, license number if available, address, product/service details, photos, receipts |
| Benefits, Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, Lone Star Card or YourTexasBenefits | Texas Health and Human Services, not DSHS main public health line | Case number, login issue, benefit type, mailing notices |
Write facts, not only opinions. Include names, dates, addresses, counties, phone numbers, documents, photos, receipts, license numbers, and a short timeline. Strong details make the complaint easier to route.
Texas DSHS license lookup, online licensing, EMS verification and regulated business search
The phrase “Texas DSHS license lookup” can mean DSHS-regulated businesses, establishments, registrations, or EMS certification/license verification. It does not mean every Texas health profession. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, and benefits programs may route to other Texas boards or agencies.
Online License Search
Search by name, license type, city, or county. DSHS says you do not need to log in to view a license or certification.
Open searchEMS certification/license verification
Use the EMS live online certification/licensee search for EMS individuals, providers, medical directors, and CE programs.
EMS lookupConsumer Protection license search
Some DSHS-regulated industries use program-specific license search pages such as drugs, devices, salvage, and food-related programs.
Example searchSearch with fewer fields if results do not show
Try license number first. If that fails, try owner name, business name, city, county, or license type. Too many search fields can hide the correct record.
Do not use DSHS search for the wrong profession
If you need physician, nurse, pharmacist, dentist, social worker, counselor, or other board-specific verification, search the correct Texas licensing board or the Texas.gov agency route. DSHS license search is excellent for DSHS-regulated categories, but it is not one universal Texas healthcare license database.
For compliance or hiring, do not rely only on a screenshot. Open the official search, save the date searched, license number, license type, status, expiration date, and business or individual name exactly as shown.
Texas DSHS open records request: Public Information Act, email, fax and mailing address
Use the DSHS Open Records Policy page for agency records under the Texas Public Information Act. This is different from ordering a birth certificate, death certificate, marriage verification, divorce verification, immunization history, or personal medical record from a provider.
| Open records detail | What to use |
|---|---|
| Request must be written | Submit by U.S. Mail, fax, or email. Written requests trigger Public Information Act obligations. |
| OpenRecords@dshs.texas.gov | |
| Fax | 512-776-7720, addressed to the Public Information Coordinator |
| Mailing address | DSHS Public Information Coordinator, MC-1919, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756-3101 |
| Request description | Include contact information and a clear description of the records requested. |
| Cost notice | DSHS says you will be notified in writing if there are costs associated with filling the records request. |
Make the request narrow and searchable
A strong request names the DSHS program, record type, date range, county, license number, facility, topic, or data set. DSHS tips say requests should be for records already in existence; agencies are not required to answer questions or do legal research.
Open records requests are not the fastest route for your own birth certificate, death certificate, immunization record, Medicaid benefit case, or hospital chart. Use the correct certificate, ImmTrac2, HHS, provider, or local office route.
Texas local health department, DSHS regional office and county public health services
Texas local public health routing matters. If your issue involves a restaurant address, local clinic service, septic, food inspection, public health nuisance, county health district, school immunization help, or city/county office, you may need a local public health organization instead of the Austin headquarters.
Local services
Contact your local health department for services near you, clinic help, local public health questions, or county-level routing.
Food and sanitation
Restaurant, septic, pool, sanitation, and inspection issues often depend on city or county jurisdiction.
DSHS public health regions
Regional and Local Health Operations helps connect public health services across Texas regions.
Special programs
DSHS regional pages may include Office of Border Public Health, emergency preparedness, and local program links.
Search by county first
For Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso, McAllen, Lubbock, Corpus Christi, Waco, Tyler, Amarillo, Beaumont, Laredo, and rural counties, the responsible public health office can differ by city and county.
If you have a street address, keep it ready. The exact address often decides whether DSHS, a city health department, a county health district, or another local authority has jurisdiction.
Texas DSHS Austin headquarters address, mailing address, parking and map
Texas DSHS is headquartered in Austin and also has regional offices across the state. Do not drive to Austin just because the agency has a physical address. Many DSHS services are handled online, by mail, through a program office, or through a local health department.
| Item | Official detail to check |
|---|---|
| Physical address | Texas Department of State Health Services, 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756-3199 |
| General mailing address | Texas Department of State Health Services, P.O. Box 149347, Austin, TX 78714-9347 |
| Vital Statistics regular processing mail | Texas Vital Statistics, Department of State Health Services, P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040 |
| Parking | DSHS states accessible and visitor parking is available throughout the central campus, with more parking in garages. |
| Before visiting | Check whether your service is online, mail-only, local-office, appointment-based, or handled by another agency. |
If you need vital records, license lookup, food handler help, open records, immunization records, or a local complaint, an official online page or local office may be faster than driving to the Austin campus.
What Texas DSHS may not handle: HHS, Texas.gov, medical boards, county clerks and provider records
A major reason people get stuck is that “Texas health department” can point to the wrong agency. Use this checklist before sending private information to the wrong office.
Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, CHIP
These usually route to Texas Health and Human Services or YourTexasBenefits, not DSHS Vital Statistics.
Open HHSMarriage license or divorce decree
Marriage licenses usually route to county clerks. Divorce decrees usually route to district clerks.
Use Texas.govHospital or clinic records
Your medical records usually come from the provider or facility where care was given, not a general DSHS open records request.
Doctor or nurse license
Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other professions may use separate Texas licensing boards rather than DSHS search.
Find agencyDo not enter Social Security numbers, driver license numbers, card details, certificates, medical records, immunization details, or complaint evidence into an unofficial page. Use only official Texas DSHS, Texas.gov, HHS, board, county, or secure portal routes.
Official Texas DSHS links used in this guide
These links are included so readers can take final action on official pages. This independent guide does not process records, collect payments, verify licenses, file complaints, or submit open records requests.
People also search for: Texas DSHS Google and Bing intent guide
These common search phrases show what users usually need. Use the matching route instead of opening random third-party pages.
Texas Department of State Health Services phone number
Use the Contact Us page and prepare your topic, county, callback number and program name.
Phone routeTexas Department of State Health Services vital records
Use Vital Statistics for birth, death, marriage, divorce, corrections and order status.
Records routeTexas birth certificate
Use Texas DSHS Birth Records or Texas.gov Vital Records with valid ID and qualified requester proof.
Birth routeTexas death certificate
Use DSHS Death Records and ask the receiving agency whether a certificate or verification is required.
Death routeTexas immunization registry
Use ImmTrac2, DSHS immunization forms, local health departments, or providers where shots were given.
ImmTrac2 routeTexas food handlers card
Use DSHS accredited food handler training program guidance before taking a course.
Food card routeTexas DSHS license lookup
Use Current Licensees and Registrants or program-specific DSHS license search. Use other boards when DSHS is not the regulator.
Lookup routeTexas local health department
Use the local public health organizations directory when the issue is county, city, food, sanitation, or address-based.
Local routeSafety, privacy and independent guide notice
HealthDepartmentGuide.org is an independent help guide. It is not the official Texas Department of State Health Services website, not Texas.gov, not Texas HHS, not a county clerk, not a district clerk, and not a Texas professional licensing board.
Do not send Social Security numbers, driver license numbers, birth certificates, death certificates, immunization records, payment cards, medical records, license documents, complaint evidence, or patient information to an independent guide page. Use only official secure pages for final submission.
Fees, forms, eligibility, office hours, phone numbers, online order rules, mailing addresses, license search categories, food complaint jurisdiction, and local office availability can change. Confirm final details on the official DSHS, Texas.gov, HHS, local health department, county clerk, district clerk, or licensing board page before taking action.
Texas Department of State Health Services FAQs
What is the Texas Department of State Health Services phone number?
The Texas DSHS general phone number is 512-776-7111. The toll-free number is 888-963-7111. General office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time. Vital Statistics hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Central Time.
What is the official Texas DSHS website?
The official Texas Department of State Health Services website is dshs.texas.gov. For online vital record ordering, Texas.gov may be used. For benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, CHIP, or YourTexasBenefits, the correct agency is usually Texas Health and Human Services, not DSHS Vital Statistics.
How do I order a Texas birth certificate?
Start with the official Texas DSHS Birth Records page or Texas.gov Vital Records. Prepare the full name on the birth record, date and place of birth, valid ID, proof of relationship or legal interest if required, payment method, and delivery details.
How do I get a Texas death certificate?
Use the official Texas DSHS Death Records page. Before ordering, ask the receiving agency whether it needs a certified death certificate or only a death verification. Prepare the decedent name, date of death, county, relationship proof, valid ID, payment method, and mailing details.
Is a Texas marriage verification letter the same as a marriage license?
No. Texas DSHS says a marriage verification letter is not the same as a marriage license. For a certified copy of a marriage license, contact the county clerk in the county where the marriage license was obtained.
Is a Texas divorce verification letter the same as a divorce decree?
No. Texas DSHS says a divorce verification letter is not the same as a divorce decree. For a copy of a divorce decree, contact the district clerk in the district where the divorce was granted.
How do I get my Texas immunization record?
Use Texas DSHS immunization guidance and ImmTrac2. DSHS says users who need a copy of their own or their child’s immunization record should complete the linked release form and submit it to ImmTrac2@dshs.texas.gov or mail it to the address listed in the official contact section.
How do I get a Texas food handler card?
Use a Texas DSHS-approved or ANSI-listed accredited food handler training program. Texas requires many food service employees to complete accredited food handler training within 30 days of employment. The card or certificate should show the program name and either a TXDSHS accreditation license number or ANSI listing.
How do I look up a Texas DSHS license?
Use the Texas DSHS Current Licensees and Registrants page or the program-specific search for the license type. DSHS license search can cover DSHS-regulated licenses and registrations, but it is not the same as every Texas health profession board search.
How do I request Texas DSHS open records?
Use the Texas DSHS Open Records Policy page. Requests must be written and can be submitted by U.S. Mail, fax, or email. Include your contact information and a clear description of the records requested. The official DSHS open records email is OpenRecords@dshs.texas.gov.