Frequently Asked Questions

(All Applicants must have valid, acceptable ID)

Registrant [the individual named on the certificate] (Must have valid, acceptable ID)    

Registrant’s Child (Must have a copy of your birth certificate with the registrant listed as your parent)

Registrant’s Parent (Must be listed on certificate as parent or have a court order signed by a judge proving your relationship to the registrant)

Registrant’s Legal Guardian (Must have a court order signed by a judge proving legal guardianship over the registrant)

Registrant’s Sibling (Must have your birth certificate; must share same parent as registrant)

Registrant’s Grandparent (Must have your child’s birth certificate [that is, the registrant’s parent] and you are listed as a parent on that certificate)

Registrant’s Spouse (Must have your marriage license to the registrant)

Registrant’s Legal or Personal Representative or Agent (Must provide legal documentation per Texas Administrative Code requirements [e.g., power of attorney, attorney-client retention contract with State Bar ID card, verified agent designation, court order]  * CPS (Must have your work badge and court order showing the agency oversees the registrant and the waiver form) * Parole Officer (Must have your work badge and proof that you oversee the registrant)

Texas Administrative Code requirements

For full details, see Title 25, Chapter 181, "Vital Statistics", Texas Administrative Code

25 Tex. Adm. Code §181.1(21):  Properly qualified applicant (qualified applicant) --The registrant, or immediate family member either by blood, marriage or adoption, his or her guardian, or his or her 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 when the information in the record is necessary to implement a statutory provision or to protect a personal legal property right…. 

25 Tex. Adm. Code §181.1(22):    Registrant--The individual named on the certificate of birth, death, or fetal death; application for marriage license; or report of divorce or annulment of marriage.

25 Tex. Adm. Code §181.1(13):   Immediate family member--The registrant, his or her guardian, or the children, spouse, parents, siblings, or grandparents of the registrant.

25 Tex. Adm. Code §181.1(16):   Legal representative (personal representative or agent) --An attorney in fact, a funeral director, or any other person designated by affidavit, contract, or court order acting on behalf and for the benefit of the registrant or his or her immediate family. In order to determine the need for protection for personal property rights when the legal representative is acting on behalf and for the benefit of the registrant or the registrant's immediate family or other entity having a direct and tangible interest in the record, the State Registrar, Local Registrar, or county clerk shall require a designation document or an attested statement to that effect. 

For more information or questions, contact the Austin Vital Statistics office at 888-963-7111 or visit this website: https://www.dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics

Agencies such as Financial Institutions, Insurance Companies, Law Enforcement, Government or any other requester may be designated as a properly qualified applicant by demonstrating a direct and tangible interest in the record. Information from the certificate is necessary for the determination or protection of a personal or property right for a person, a client, or an agency.

EXAMPLE: A letter typed on company letterhead addressed to you (applicants full name), the full name of the person on the record requested and the purpose for the certificate. This letter would need to be signed and dated by the agent representing the company. The letter should be presented to the vital records office along with a photocopy of the policy or other documents that may establish tangible interest.

Valid identification is required in order to obtain a certified record. Please view the Valid Forms of ID in the Quick Links section on our webpage. A Primary ID is a United States issued ID only. A Secondary ID includes foreign IDs. One of these IDs must have either a picture or a signature. A Foreign Passport accompanied by a Visa issued by the United States Department of State is also acceptable as valid ID. The Matricula Consular Cards issued from Mexico and Honduras are not recognized by the State of Texas as valid ID. (See TX Admin. Code Pg. 19, Rule 181.28 (i) (6) and Local Registrar Handbook pages 42 and 44.)

No. Any request for a certificate must be a certified copy of the original record.

Yes, if you were born in Texas, we can provide a certificate. It is an abstract, or sometimes called a short form, of the original issued from the state website. However, if you are needing a certificate to leave the country, apply for a passport or go on a cruise, please contact the county where you were born, www.texas.gov for the long form of your birth record. Certificates that include the "I" after the file number may or may not be accepted when applying for a passport.

The "long" certificate includes more information on the parents identity, time of birth, and physician's name. Passports, Indian Role Number, and some other legal situations require this form. When applying for an Native American Role Number, the certificate must come from the State of Texas here.

The "abstract" or state short form will be accepted for anything except the situations above. The abstract contains the following information: full name, file number, date of birth, county of birth, parents' full name-includes maiden name, date certificate was filed and printed through our office.

If no record is on file, you may send a completed Application for a Birth Record to the State of Texas - VSS or order online at www.texas.gov. If a record is found, your request can be fulfilled pending appropriate required documents. If no record is found, the state will mail you a packet to apply for a delayed birth record.

We accept cash, debit and credit cards, cashier's check, or money order.

Time Pay Agreements are available, but there is an additional $15 fee added to the fine for each charge put on time pay. The additional fee is required by State Law and cannot be waived by the court. To request time pay you must come to the Texas pay window at Bi-State and bring $15 per violation and a current ID.

1. Call or come by the Planning Department. The offices are located on the 4th floor, Texas City Hall, 220 Texas Blvd. Phone numbers are 903-798-3945 or 903-798-3934. 2. Fill out the application. See Zoning Application Form. Also use this form for site plan approval and specific use permit requests. 3. The application must include: I. Original signature of property owner. II. Complete legal description of property (metes and bounds or lot and block in subdivision). III. Site plan approval requests which must include the following: a. Building and parking layout including sizes, square footage, distances from property lines, heights, and materials proposed. b. Building elevations. c. Sign information including size (sq. footage), height, style, i.e. monument, planter, pole, electronic messaging. d. Landscaping e. Fencing (material and height) f. General drainage directional plan 4. Applications cannot be filed on-line since an original application with the owner's signature is required. 5. The application should include a $250.00 application fee, non-refundable, plus a variable deposit fee of $200.00. See Fee Schedule. 6. Appear at the meetings to present your request. See Planning and Zoning Meeting.

Information can be obtained through the Inspection Department, 903-798-3912.

Storage buildings are permitted in the required back yard of a lot provided that they are detached and separated from the main building by not less than 10 feet and setback from the rear and side yard property lines by not less than three feet as long as there is not an easement located in these areas. If the property has an usable alley at the rear yard, contact the Inspection Department at 903-798-3912. A permit is required and can be obtained through the Inspection Department.

Yes. Anyone wishing to operate a food services establishment or sell any food products to the public within the city limits of Texarkana, Texas must obtain a permit, except for cottage food operations.

Refer to the Texas Food Establishment Rules (TFER) at https://www.dshs.texas.gov/retail-food-establishments/statutes-laws-retail-food-establishments

The manager of the establishment is required to have a Certified Food Manager's certificate.

Please review the current Master Fee List for permit costs.

• New Residences-one to two workdays
• Remodel Residences-one to two workdays
• New Commercials-five to 14 workdays
• Remodel Commercials-three to five workdays

• A Texas State License Master Electrician, Plumber, Mechanical registered with our city with proof of insurance
• Homeowner: must own, occupy the residence, and do the work

• Homeowner permit: must own, occupy, and do the work. A plan layout is required indicating the sprinkler heads and the location of the required shut-off valves, RPZ, backflow prevention. The RPZ will require a test by a TCEQ licensed tester and supply Texarkana Water Utilities, TWU, with a certificate on the test.
• Commercial and hired residential contracts: require a Texas State License Contractor registered with the city.

The last firefighter entrance exam was given on February 6, 2026 .  

The next exam is expected to be around August/September. You can apply anytime online and you will be notified when the next exam is scheduled.

The Civil Service Entrance Exam is valid for six months from the date the test is given or until all names are exhausted from the eligibility list.  If you have any further questions, please call 903-798-3994.

Outdoor residential burning may be possible if approved by the Fire Marshal's Office and with the purchase of an annual permit which is $50.00. This burning is only for residential yard waste, which includes limbs, leaves, pine needles etc. Burning of household waste is not allowed.

 Other information on outdoor burning can be found in our Code of Ordinances.

A burn ban is in effect at all times for the city by ordinance. Only those with a valid burn permit may burn in the city limits. County burn bans are made by the County Judge.When the County Judge issues a burn ban, we will also issue a ban on all burning in the city regardless of permits issued. Contact the Fire Administration Office at 903-798-3994 and we will assist you with this information.

Our ISO Rating is a 1 on a scale of 1-10, with 1 being the best. This number is used by the insurance industry to determine fire insurance premiums for both commercial and residential property.

Contact the Building and Life Safety Division at 903-798-3994.

Fire Lanes are required on most commercial buildings to ensure adequate access to the building for emergency apparatus in the event of a fire or other emergency situation. Specific fire lane requirements can be found in the Texarkana Fire Department fire code information sheet, Fire Lanes for New Construction.

Recommend checking it once a month and changing the batteries twice a year.

Smoke alarms should be replace when 10 years old.

Yes, please fill out a Smoke Alarm request form or call 903-798-3994  and you will be emailed or called as soon as possible.

You should move to the right-hand edge or curb clear of any intersection and stop and remain stopped until the emergency vehicle passes.

To set up a tour at any of our Texarkana Tx fire stations, please call 903-798-3994 or fill out Station Tour Request Form to reserve a scheduled time for your tour. Tours will be confirmed and scheduled at times that do not conflict with other scheduled departmental activities. Once Form is filled out, a confirmation reply will be provided as soon as possible.

Click on link to see list of fees. If you need further information, please call fire admin at 903-798-3994

The City of Texarkana, Texas does not have a shelter.

Impounded animals shall be held for three days after the date of impoundment, except any animal wearing a current rabies vaccination tag, or a current city license tag- held for seven days. Animals willingly surrendered by their owners become the property of the City of Texarkana, Texas and require no holding period.

Residents can contact Texarkana, Texas Animal Services at 903-798-3535 to surrender an animal that can no longer be cared for. Animals willingly surrendered by their owners become the property of the City of Texarkana, Texas and require no holding period. The cost for surrendering an animal is $150.00.

Residents can also adopt an animal from the City of Texarkana, Texas for no fee.

Any animal unwanted or unclaimed by the owner may be adopted for free.  All adopted animals must be spayed or neutered by the newly adopted family.

Each posted position has an assigned closing date or if it is a continuous opening it will remain open until the position has been filled. As Human Resources receives applications, the application materials are screened to ensure the minimum qualifications are met for that position as determined by the job description. Those who meet the designated qualifications are then referred to the hiring manager within the department. The hiring manager then determines which applicants they would like to interview.

If you would like to apply for multiple jobs with the City of Texarkana, Texas you will be required to submit a separate online application for each position in which you are interested.  Once the applicant has created an account and completed an application on the City of Texarkana, Texas website under "Employment Opportunities", the applicant's basic information (Name, Address, Phone Number, Education, Work History, etc.) will be saved. That information will then automatically prefill if the applicant applies for additional jobs with the City of Texarkana, Texas.

No, your application for the job in which you are applying will not be automatically sent to other departments when they have jobs become available.  Each application is directly tied to one job posting. It is up to you to monitor our job listings and to apply for jobs in which you feel you may be qualified.

There is no set time frame for the hiring process, but we strive to make the process as efficient and transparent as possible.  If you have any questions regarding the status of your application, please feel free to contact us by phone or email.

Medical benefits are effective the first of the month after 30 days of employment.  Employees begin receiving paid holidays from their first day of employment as well as begin accruing vacation and sick time at 4.62 hours per pay period.    

All City employees (Except Fire Department*) participate in the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) as well as contribute to Social Security.  An optional 457 retirement plan is available to all City employees through the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).

*City of Texarkana, Texas Firefighters have a pension plan through the Texarkana Firemen's Relief and Retirement Fund

• I give permission for (name of the adult) to bring in my child, (name of child) for any immunization needed at this visit.
• Parent Signature and Date

• Pap smear and breast exam provided by a local OB/GYN
• Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) testing/treatment/prevention counseling Immunizations
• Blood pressure screening
• Breast and testicular self-exam instruction
• Pregnancy testing/prevention counseling
• Emergency Contraception
• Nutrition counseling

Submit the request in writing to the City Secretary’s Office identifying the specific information you’re requesting and include your name, phone number and email address.

Submitting Your Request:

Police, Law Enforcement, or Incident/Accident records contact:

CENTRAL RECORDS & COMMUNICATIONS
 ATTN: Public Information Act Requests
 100 North State Line Ave, Box 15
 Texarkana, Texas 75501
Phone: 903-798-3181
Fax: 903-793-3664

crcpublicrecords@txkusa.org

Requests for Law Enforcement Records can also be made online at: https://app.govtransfer.com/Account/Login

1. New users must register for an account.

2. On the Cases page, select “Create New Request” in the top right corner.

3. Select TEXARKANA PD (TX/AR) & BOWIE COUNTY SHERIFF as the agency.

4. Complete required fields including the complete names of all parties involved, date, time, and location of the incident and/or the case number before submitting your request.

*Please be advised that we do not accept file attachments in emails due to cyber security.

The Texarkana, Texas City Hall is located at: 220 Texas Blvd Texarkana, TX 75501

City of Texarkana, Texas 220 Texas Boulevard, Texarkana, Texas 75501

The Texarkana Water Utilities department is located at 801 Wood Street, and is open from Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. The drive-thru window is open Monday-Friday, from 7:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. To learn more visit https://twu.txkusa.org/ or call 903-798-3800.

Call City Hall at 903-798-3930 or visit the City Council page. 

You can pick up an application at City Hall, 220 Texas Blvd, Texarkana, Texas, from front desk staff. Read the instructions, complete the application along with all required documents, and drop in the box behind the front desk. For any questions, call (903) 798.3905.

Call the City Secretary at (903) 798.3930.

No, there are no permits currently being issued for garage sales or estate sales. Sales are limited to two annual per address. Please pick up your signs and promotional flyers after the event. 

Their number is 903-792-7191 and they are located at 819 N State Line Ave. Texarkana, TX 75501.

Contact the City Secretary's Office, at 903-798-3930.

The Police Department is located on the 3rd floor of the Bi-State Justice Building, which is located at 100 N. State Line Ave. Texarkana, Texas 75501

Our switchboard number is 903-798-3116

Alarm permits can be obtained at City Hall on the 3rd Floor in the Code Enforcement and Inspections Office.

If it is an emergency, call 911.  To report other incidents, you can call our non- emergency dispatch number at 903-798-3876.

For information about obtaining a copy of an incident or accident report, call 903-798-3181 during normal business hours.

Our main administrative office number is 903-798-3116.

You can write a letter to the Texarkana, Texas Police Department: Chief of Police Kevin Schutte 100 N. State Line Ave. Texarkana, Texas 75501

Everyone that we arrest is booked into the Bi-State Jail. which is located at 100 N. Stateline.  For information about a prisoner there, call 903-798-3432.

Damaged or missing signs may be reported by calling 903.798.3968 or preferably by reporting in the MyGOV TXK Portal. If it is a stop sign or yield sign after normal working hours, please report directly to the Texarkana Police Department (911,) so they can contact someone for after hours repair/replacement.

We have 3 pavilions located at Spring Lake Park, 2 pavilions at Grady T. Wallace Park, 1 pavilion at Bringle Lake West, 1 pavilion at Karrh Park, 1 pavilion at Bell Park, and 1 pavilion at Scott Joplin Park. Please note: Pavilion Reservation Policies Apply and and can only be made by calling the Parks Office at 903-798-3978.

Yes, the waters of Bringle Lake are declared to be a "No-Wake" Zone. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a boat upon Bringle Lake in a manner or at a headway speed that creates a swell or wake. It shall be unlawful for any person to jet ski, water ski, bathe, swim, or to wash any article of any character in the water of Bringle Lake.

Yes, it shall be unlawful for any person to fish in Bringle Lake after sunset or before sunrise. No night fishing shall be allowed.

The Splash Pad will generally be in operation the Monday after Memorial Day until September. The splash pad will be open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. This is subject to change due to weather conditions, parks special events and maintenance. For the most current updates, visit Texarkana, Texas Parks and Recreation. 

WM will collect up to 4 cubic yards of Bulk items once per month. One cubic yard of bulk waste is the equivalent of the addition of two of the 96 gallon waste carts or an item the size of a refrigerator, sofa, large chair, or washing machine. Those needing to remove an amount of bulk waste exceeding allotted cubic yards may make arrangements for the removal of such items by contacting Waste Management (903) 794-4111 to schedule a pick-up and make payment arrangements. Please have your bulk items at the curb by 7 a.m. Monday, of your scheduled bulk week. To see Acceptable and Non-acceptable items and a Bulk Service Map and Schedule please visit: WM NEW Automated Collection and Monthly Bulk Collection

All dogs, cats, and ferrets living inside the city limits of Texarkana, Texas are required by law to be registered with the city. Bring a copy of your pet's rabies certificate to the Environmental Services Unit at 220 Texas Blvd Room 301. To obtain a City pet license, the fees are: $10.00 for altered animal, $40.00 for unaltered animal; however failure to do so may result in a fine in Municipal Court.

No. Dogs cannot be secured with a cable, chain, or run of any type. A dog must be contained in an enclosure capable of securing the dog. Anytime a dog is outside it's enclosure, the dog must be on a leash held by a person capable of controlling the dog.

It depends on the type of project being performed. Since there are multiple types of projects that may occur in Texarkana, please see the list below for contact information. 

Several roadways in the City limits of Texarkana, Texas are maintained by the State.  If it is a street project and your street is maintained by the State of Texas, you will have to contact the Texas Department of Transportation (TX-DOT) at 903-838-8574. 

If it is a work on a street maintained by the City, you may call either the Street Department at 903-798-3963 or Public Works at 903-798-3948.  If you leave a message, the Public Works Administrative Assistant will direct it to the supervisor in charge.  

If it is water or sewer work, you will need to contact the Texarkana Water Utilities at 903-798-3800.

If you are unsure what type of work is being done on your street or in your neighborhood, please call Public Works and we would be happy to help you find out. 

You may call 903-798-3948 for Floodplain determinations. You may be asked to leave your name, contact number, and the address of the property you are inquiring about, if an Engineer is not available at the time of call.  

Another way to find out your properties Floodplain information is to visit https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search. Enter your address in the search bar and the FEMA determinations will be listed for your address. Review our General Floodplain Q&A for more information.

Driveway Permits are now issued through the Inspections office at City Hall.  Please call 903-798-3912 for assistance. 

Outdoor Warning Sirens are an outdoor warning system, designed only to alert those who are outside that something dangerous is approaching.

Based on current policy, testing is conducted every Wednesday, at 12 pm, unless inclement weather is present.

When you hear the tornado sirens, go inside and tune to local media to get more information

The safest approach is to be proactive and use all of the information available to protect yourself and your family from threatening weather. Nothing can replace common sense. Sirens are only one part of a warning system that includes, NOAA Weather Radio, Local Media, Weather Alert Apps, etc...

Tornado Watch: Conditions are conducive to the development of tornadoes in and close to the watch area.

Tornado Warning:  A tornado has been sighted by spotters, or indicated on radar, and is occurring or imminent in the warning area

Texarkana, Texas Siren Locations & Siren Map.

• Immunizations
• Nutrition education
• One-on-one counseling about nutrition
• Referrals to health care and other programs
• Support and help with breastfeeding
• Vouchers to buy healthy foods

• Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or who recently had a baby
• Infants from birth to 1 year of age
• Children from 1 year of age to 5th birthday

• How to breastfeed
• How to care for yourself during pregnancy and after you have your baby

• What to feed your baby
• How to breastfeed
• How to keep your baby healthy with good nutrition

• How to feed your child
• How to keep your child healthy with good nutrition

• Proof of income
• Proof of address
• The person being recertified
• WIC ID card

Adopt-A-Spot is a volunteer program to help keep your community (or chosen location) clean. Contact Parks and Recreation to learn more at 903-798-3978.

The City of Texarkana, Texas makes and posts a sign on Right of Way recognizing the adoptee at each location. This sign remains in place as long as the agreement is in place.

Each Adoptee will be responsible for providing their needed materials and safety equipment.

If your questions are not immediately answered on the Agreement, you can call the Parks and Recreation Department at (903) 798-1715. Keith Beason is over the program, however if unavailable, others in the office can try to answer your questions. If we are unable to answer a specific question, we will have Mr. Beason return your call.