Birth Certificate

A birth certificate is a vital document that serves as an official record of an individual's birth. For residents of Harris County, Texas, obtaining a certified copy of a birth certificate is a straightforward process, but it’s important to understand the steps involved, the types of certificates available, and the relevant departments that provide these services. This article aims to provide an in-depth guide on how to request and receive a birth certificate from Harris County, including the required forms, payment information, and contact details.

What is a Birth Certificate?

A birth certificate is a legal document that records the birth of an individual. It contains essential information such as the person’s full name, birthdate, birthplace, and the names of the parents. Birth certificates are required for many important life events, such as applying for a passport, enrolling in school, obtaining government services, and proving age or identity for legal matters.

Harris County Clerk's Role in Birth Certificates

In Harris County, the Harris County Clerk's Office is responsible for maintaining and issuing copies of birth certificates. This office maintains birth records for individuals born in Harris County, except for those born within the city limits of Houston, the City of Baytown, the City of La Porte, the City of South Houston, Jacinto City, and certain Justice of the Peace Precincts. These areas have separate offices that handle birth records for individuals born within their jurisdiction.

Types of Birth Certificates Available in Harris County

The Harris County Clerk's Office offers two types of birth certificates:

Short Form Birth Certificate: This certificate includes essential details such as the individual's name, birth date, parents' names, and county of birth. It is the most commonly requested version and is often used for general purposes like school enrollment or applying for a driver’s license.

Long Form Birth Certificate: This version includes more detailed information, such as the full name of the individual, parents' names, date of birth, and place of birth (hospital or home). It may be required for more formal processes, like applying for a passport or obtaining legal documents for international travel.

If the long form is not available, you will receive the short form instead.

Steps to Request a Birth Certificate in Harris County

Online Request

Harris County offers an online service to purchase certified copies of birth certificates through VitalChek. The certified copies ordered online will be sent to the requester via email. However, it is important to note that online orders do not come with a raised seal, which some entities may require. For a certified copy with a raised seal, you will need to request it in person or use the mail option.

To order a certified birth certificate online, you can visit the following link: VitalChek Birth Certificate Ordering.

In-Person Request

For those who prefer to obtain their birth certificate in person, you can visit the Harris County Clerk’s Personal Records Department located at the following address:

Harris County Clerk’s Personal Records Department
201 Caroline, Suite 330
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 274-8686

You will need to bring valid identification such as a state-issued ID, driver’s license, or passport. The Harris County Clerk's Office operates Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

Request by Mail

If you cannot visit the office in person, you can request a birth certificate by mail. Here are the steps to follow:

Complete the Application for Certified Copy of Texas Birth or Death Certificate form.

Include a notarized proof of identification.

Send the required fee in the form of a money order or cashier’s check (cash or personal checks are not accepted).

Mail the application and payment to:

Harris County Clerk’s Personal Records Department
P.O. Box 1525
Houston, TX 77251-1525

The fee for a certified copy of a birth certificate is $23.00 per copy.

Important Information About Birth Certificates

Who Can Request a Birth Certificate?

In Harris County, birth certificates are not public records. Only immediate family members can request a certified copy. These family members include:

The individual named on the certificate
Parents
Grandparents
Legal spouse
Siblings
Children

You must provide valid identification to prove your relationship to the individual named on the birth certificate.

Fees for Birth Certificates

Certified Birth Certificate: $23.00 per copy.

Non-Certified Birth Certificate: $1.00 per page (can be requested for personal use, but not for legal purposes).

It is important to send the correct payment with your application. If the payment is insufficient or not in the proper form, your request may be delayed or denied.

Harris County Clerk’s Online Birth Certificate Ordering

For those who prefer the convenience of ordering online, Harris County Clerk offers an online eCommerce service for both certified and non-certified copies of birth certificates. You can purchase the certificates via the official website, and they will be sent directly to the email address associated with your account.

Visit here for more details: Harris County Clerk’s Personal Records

What to Do if You Can't Find the Record

If your search for a birth certificate does not yield results in the Harris County Clerk’s records, it may be due to the birth occurring in another jurisdiction, such as the City of Houston or another city within Harris County. You may need to contact the appropriate department or city health department for assistance.

For individuals born in the City of Houston, you can visit the City of Houston Health Department – Bureau of Vital Statistics for birth certificate requests.

City of Houston Health Department – Bureau of Vital Statistics
Address: 8000 North Stadium Drive, Houston, TX 77054
Phone: 832-393-4220
Website: Houston Health – Vital Records

Harris County Clerk Contact Information

For any additional inquiries, or to obtain a birth certificate, here is the contact information for the Harris County Clerk’s office:

Harris County Clerk’s Personal Records Department
201 Caroline, Suite 330
Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 274-8686
Fax: (713) 755-8839
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Other Important Resources

Harris County Clerk’s Office Website: www.cclerk.hctx.net
For assistance with online ordering or obtaining additional information about Harris County birth certificates, visit the Harris County Clerk’s Personal Records page.

By following these steps and understanding the required documents and procedures, residents of Harris County can efficiently obtain their birth certificates, whether for legal, personal, or official purposes.

Harris County Birth Certificate FAQs

How Can I Request a Birth Certificate in Harris County, TX?

To obtain a certified birth certificate in Harris County, you can submit a request in person, by mail, or online. If you prefer to request in person, you can visit the Harris County Clerk’s Personal Records Department. Online requests can be processed through VitalChek. Note that online orders do not include a raised seal, which may be required for certain purposes. If you need a raised seal, you must request the certificate in person or via mail.

Who is Eligible to Request a Birth Certificate in Harris County?

Birth certificates are considered private records in Harris County and can only be requested by immediate family members. Eligible requesters include the individual named on the certificate, their parents, grandparents, legal spouse, children, and siblings. All requesters must provide valid identification to confirm their relationship to the individual on the certificate.

What are the Fees for Harris County Birth Certificates?

The fee for a certified birth certificate in Harris County is $23.00 per copy. For non-certified copies, the cost is $1.00 per page. It’s important to submit the correct form of payment, which must be a money order or cashier’s check for mail requests. Cash and personal checks are not accepted.

What Should I Do if I Can't Find the Birth Record?

If you're unable to locate a birth record in the Harris County Clerk’s database, the individual might have been born in a jurisdiction outside of Harris County. For births within the City of Houston, you will need to contact the City of Houston Health Department – Bureau of Vital Statistics. If you suspect the record is in another city within Harris County, you may need to reach out to the respective city office.

How Can I Request a Birth Certificate by Mail?

To request a birth certificate by mail, you must complete the Application for Certified Copy of Texas Birth or Death Certificate, submit a notarized proof of identification, and include a money order or cashier's check for the required fee. The completed application should be mailed to the Harris County Clerk’s Personal Records Department at P.O. Box 1525, Houston, TX 77251-1525.