College Station Birth Records
Birth records for College Station are kept by the Brazos County Clerk's Office in Bryan. If you need a certified copy of a birth certificate or want to search for a birth record from College Station, the Brazos County Clerk handles those requests. The office serves the Bryan-College Station metropolitan area and has records going back to 1903. You can request records by mail, in person, or through the Texas vital records system at the state level.
College Station Overview
Where to Get College Station Birth Records
College Station is in Brazos County, so birth records for events in College Station are maintained by the Brazos County Clerk. The county seat is Bryan, and that's where the main clerk's office is located. If you were born in College Station or need to find a birth record from the area, you go through this office.
The Brazos County Clerk has birth records from 1903. You can also get birth certificates through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) if the birth occurred anywhere in Texas. The state keeps copies of all registered births in Texas from 1903 onward. For older or more recent events in College Station, either route will work.
| Office | Brazos County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 300 E. 26th Street, Suite 120 Bryan, TX 77803 |
| Phone | (979) 361-4128 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | brazoscountytx.gov |
Bryan is about a 10-minute drive from most parts of College Station. Parking is available at the county courthouse. You'll need to bring a valid government-issued ID when picking up records in person.
How to Request a Birth Certificate
There are three main ways to get a birth certificate for a College Station birth. You can go in person to the Brazos County Clerk, mail a request to the county clerk, or order through the Texas DSHS online ordering system. Each method has its own processing time and requirements.
In person is the fastest option. You show up at the Brazos County Clerk's office in Bryan with your ID, fill out a request form, and pay the fee. Staff can often pull the record the same day if you're searching for a recent birth. For older records, it may take a little longer to locate the file.
To request by mail, you write to the Brazos County Clerk with the full name on the birth record, the date of birth, the place of birth, and your relationship to the person named. Include a copy of your ID and a check or money order for the fee. The county charges $23.00 per certified copy. Allow extra time for mail processing, usually one to two weeks for a round trip.
The state-level option is through the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit. You can order online, by phone, or by mail using the state system. The state fee is also $23.00 per certified copy for Texas residents. VitalChek is the authorized online ordering vendor for Texas at vitalchek.com. Processing times vary but are usually 10 to 15 business days for standard orders.
Note: Only eligible requestors can get certified birth certificates in Texas. This includes the person named on the record (if 18 or older), a parent, legal guardian, or authorized representative.
Who Can Request Birth Records
Texas limits who can get certified copies of birth certificates. The law is set out in the Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191. Not everyone can walk in and request any birth record. The state restricts access to protect personal information.
People who can request a certified birth certificate in Texas include: the person named on the record if they are 18 or older, a parent or legal guardian, a legal representative or attorney, a government agency with a valid purpose, or an heir of the person if they are deceased. You must show proof of your relationship or legal authority when requesting records.
If you don't qualify for a certified copy, you may still be able to get an informational copy. An informational copy shows the same data but is stamped as not valid for identification. These are sometimes used for genealogy research or personal reference. Talk to the Brazos County Clerk or DSHS about what type of copy fits your need.
Fees for College Station Birth Records
The standard fee for a certified birth certificate in Texas is $23.00 per copy. This applies whether you request from Brazos County or through the state DSHS. Each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time is also $23.00.
If you need to search but there's no record found, there is still a search fee. DSHS charges $23.00 for a search even if no record exists. The county clerk may have its own fee schedule, so call ahead at (979) 361-4128 to confirm current costs before mailing a check.
If you need a certified copy for official use, such as a passport, Social Security application, or school enrollment, make sure you request a full certified copy and not just an informational copy. The DSHS certified copy meets state and federal ID requirements. The DSHS website explains the difference and shows the current fee schedule.
Note: Fee waivers may be available for certain low-income applicants or people experiencing homelessness. Contact DSHS or the county clerk directly to ask about waiver eligibility.
Texas Vital Records System
Texas manages birth records through a statewide system run by the Department of State Health Services. All births registered in Texas since 1903 are in this system. The DSHS Vital Statistics Unit in Austin handles state-level requests. Hospitals and birth attendants file birth certificates with the state within five days of birth, and the record becomes accessible after registration.
For College Station residents searching for older records, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission may have historical birth records on file. The Texas State Library in Austin holds some early vital records and microfilm copies. FamilySearch also has digitized Texas birth index records that can help you identify whether a record exists before you request a certified copy.
If you're doing genealogy research, an informational or uncertified copy may be easier to get and still shows the key details like name, birth date, parents, and place of birth. Check with the Brazos County Clerk about what genealogy record options they offer.
Brazos County Birth Records
College Station is in Brazos County. All birth records for the area go through the Brazos County Clerk's Office in Bryan. The county clerk handles vital records, certified copies, and records requests for the entire county including College Station. For more on county-level resources and other offices, visit the Brazos County birth records page.