About Texas Vital Records

Texas vital records — births, deaths, marriages, and divorces — are administered by the Vital Statistics Section of the Texas Department of State Health Services under Health and Safety Code Chapter 191. Certified copies can be ordered through dshs.texas.gov/vs; births are confidential for 75 years and deaths for 25 years.

Texas Vital Records

Statewide Records

Births | 1903-1997
Official Free
Texas birth records between 1903 and 1997. Search by name, parent name, birth date, etc. Provided by Ancestry.com.
Galveston Storm Deaths
Official Free
The 1900 Storm took the lives of over 8,000 Galveston, Texas residents. Browse the Galveston and Texas History Center Rosenberg Library database of recorded deaths by name.

County Records

Couples Gallery
Official Free
This is just charming. It's photographs of newlyweds taken by the Travis County Clerk's Office.
🌐
Divorces | Archived
Official Free
Find archived divorces from most Texas counties. From this index, click on the county name. Then click on Vitals. At the next page, click on Divorces.
Hood County Births
Official Free
Hood County birth records, census records, military records, marriages, divorces, court records, births, and other miscellaneous records.
Tom Green County Deaths
Official Free
Use this Tom Green County County Clerk service to search for death records by decedent name, certificate number, date of death, and/or certificate filing date.
Young County Deaths | Genealogy Databases
Official Free
Browse for genealogy databases in Young County. Includes census, cemetery, registered nurses, slave census, teacher certificates, physician register and many more. Info located at rootsweb.com and is part of the TXGenWeb Project.
Young County Marriages | Genealogy Databases
Official Free
Browse for genealogy databases in Young County. Includes census, cemetery, registered nurses, slave census, teacher certificates, physician register and many more. Info located at rootsweb.com and is part of the TXGenWeb Project.

City Records

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I order a Texas birth certificate?

Order through the state Vital Records office linked under Statewide; expect 2–6 weeks by mail.

How long does a vital record stay confidential?

Birth records are typically restricted for 75–100 years; death records 25–50 years from event.

Who can request a certified copy?

Eligibility is generally limited to the person, immediate family, and legal representatives.

Can I order vital records online?

Most states offer expedited online orders via VitalChek; an extra processing fee applies.