How to File an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) in Texas
- FlexLab Testing
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Take Your Time Before Signing
You Have the Right to Be Confident
Signing a birth certificate or an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) is a serious legal decision. It’s okay to slow down, ask questions, and take the time you need.
Men should never feel rushed, pressured, or guilted into signing before they are confident. Once an AOP is signed and filed, it establishes permanent legal paternity—with long-term legal and financial responsibilities.
If there is any doubt, it is reasonable to:
Pause before signing
Request a DNA test
Sign only when you are confident the child is biologically yours
Taking your time is not abandonment. It is responsibility.
A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Filing an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) in Texas
Filing an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) in Texas is free and does not require going to court when both parents agree.
Step 1: Confirm You Are Eligible
You can use an AOP if:
The parents are not married
Both parents agree on who the biological father is
No other man is legally established as the father(or a Denial of Paternity has been completed, if required)
If there is uncertainty about paternity, it is best to wait until that uncertainty is resolved.
Step 2: Gather Required Information
Before starting, both parents should have:
Valid government-issued photo ID
Child’s full legal name
Child’s date and place of birth
Mother’s legal name
Father’s legal name
Social Security numbers (used for official records)
Step 3: Complete the AOP Form
In Texas, the AOP is not a standard downloadable PDF. It must be completed using one of the following methods:
Option 1: Texas Online AOP System
Completed electronically through the Texas Office of the Attorney General
Both parents must participate
Signatures are completed according to system instructions
Option 2: Certified AOP Entity
Hospitals (at birth, if available)
Child support offices
Certain courthouses or approved agencies
Step 4: Sign the AOP (Voluntarily)
Both parents must sign voluntarily
No one can be forced, pressured, or rushed into signing
If you are not ready, do not sign yet
It is okay to wait until:
You have all the information you need
You feel confident in your decision
DNA testing has been completed, if desired
Step 5: File the AOP With the State
Once completed, the AOP is filed with the Texas Vital Statistics Unit.
✔️ There is no filing fee to submit an AOP.
Step 6: Birth Certificate Update (If Needed)
After the AOP is accepted:
The father’s name can be added to the birth certificate
A separate fee may apply only if certified copies are requested
Important Things to Know
Signing an AOP establishes legal paternity
It has the same legal effect as a court order
It does not automatically grant custody or visitation
Custody and visitation require a separate court order
Can the AOP Be Changed?
Either parent may rescind the AOP within 60 days of signing
After 60 days, it can only be challenged in court and is much harder to undo
This is why it’s important to sign only when you are confident.
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