Many states now have a paternity registry database.  In Texas, that database is maintained by the Texas Department of State Health Services- Vital Statistics.  

If a man has fathered a child with a woman who was not married to him, he can file a "Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity" with this Texas Department. By filing this document, he will establish his right to be notified of any legal procedings involving the child, including adoption.  This document will establish the man's willingness to accept his paternity of the child.  

In order to file the form, it is necessary to get the form from an individual who is certified by the Texas Department of State Health Services.   Once the form is obtained, explained, and properly signed, it can be filed with the Department. Information on how to get the form in your area can be found by calling 866-255-2006.

If a biological father is not listed on the birth certificate, does not visit or support the child, was not married to the mother of the child, and does not file an acknowledgment of paternity, he is in the most vulnerable position possible for having his parental rights removed, possibly without his knowledge.   Waiting for "the right time" to look for his child is a risky strategy if he hopes to have a parent-child relationship.

The laws attempt to balance the rights of the biological father to know and parent his child with the rights of the child to move forward with a valid adoption.

The Texas Department of Vital Statistics has an excellent page with many frequently asked questions about paternity, adoption, and birth certificates.  It can be found at http://bit.ly/9s13db and is an excellent resource.  There are currently several bills before the U.S. Congress relating to adoption, birthparents, and the establishment of a national paternity registry.