A birth certificate is a permanent legal record of an individual's birth. Verification letters are available for births that have occurred since 1903.An affidavit of birth is a document submitted to a court, state, or other institution. Affidavits are normally used in court proceedings or government agencies. I agree to provide to the Houston Independent School District a Birth Certificate, Hospital. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps, simplifying the process and ensuring you can easily obtain this vital piece of your personal history. General Affidavits are written statements of fact used to support your case or verify facts that are sworn to be true in front of a notary public.