Fort Worth Birth Records Lookup

Fort Worth birth records are handled by the Tarrant County Clerk's office, which maintains vital records for births in Tarrant County from 1903 to the present. The main office is in downtown Fort Worth, and several subcourthouse locations are available across the county for added convenience.

Tarrant County Clerk - Fort Worth Office

Fort Worth is the county seat of Tarrant County. The Tarrant County Clerk handles birth certificates for all births in Tarrant County, including Fort Worth. The main vital records office is at the Tarrant County Plaza Building in downtown Fort Worth. Birth records are available from 1903 to present.

The Plaza Building is the primary location for vital records requests. Staff can pull records, issue certified copies, and help with requests in person. There are also subcourthouse locations in Arlington, Mansfield, Hurst, and other areas of Tarrant County if Fort Worth is not convenient for you. All locations use the same fee schedule and can access the same records.

The screenshot below shows the Tarrant County Clerk's vital records locations page, which lists all service sites and hours.

The locations page on the Tarrant County website is a good starting point. It lists addresses, phone numbers, and hours for each office so you can pick the one that works for you.

How to Request a Fort Worth Birth Certificate

You can request a Fort Worth birth certificate in person, by mail, or online. In-person is the fastest option. Walk into any Tarrant County Clerk location, show valid photo ID, and the staff can issue a copy the same day in most cases.

Under Texas Government Code Section 552.115, birth records are confidential until 75 years after the date of birth. Only qualified applicants can get a certified copy. Qualified applicants include the person named on the record, their parents, siblings, spouse, children, grandparents, legal guardian, or authorized legal representative.

For mail requests, use the Texas DSHS Form VS-140, available at dshs.texas.gov. Mail-in requests must be notarized. Include a notarized signature on Section 6 of the form and attach a copy of your valid photo ID. Send the completed application with your payment to the Tarrant County Clerk. Check the county website for the mailing address and accepted payment methods.

You can also order online through the state portal at texas.gov. Online orders go to the Texas DSHS in Austin and take 15 to 25 business days to process. Expedited orders are also available but require sending via overnight carrier to the Austin state office. Expect the same 20 to 25 business day timeline even for expedited requests.

What to include with your request:

• Full name on the birth record
• Date of birth
• City or county of birth
• Full name of father if listed
• Full maiden name of mother
• Your relationship to the person
• Copy of valid photo ID
• Payment for the applicable fee

Note: Notarization is required only for mail requests. In-person requests just need a valid ID at the counter.

Fort Worth Birth Record Fees

The fee for a certified birth certificate in Tarrant County is $22.00 per copy. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $22.00. This matches the statewide standard set by the Texas DSHS.

Tarrant County can also pull birth records for births anywhere in Texas from 1926 forward using the state remote access system. If you need a Texas birth certificate for a birth in another county, the Tarrant County Clerk can still assist if the birth occurred after 1926. For births before 1926, go to the county of birth directly.

Online orders through authorized vendors carry an added service fee on top of the state's $22. This vendor fee does not go to the government. If you want to avoid it, go in person or mail your request directly to the county.

Texas DSHS - Statewide Birth Records

The Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Section maintains birth records for all Texas births since 1903. Their office is at 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756. Walk-in service is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For orders, call 888-963-7111 or go to dshs.texas.gov/vs.

Birth registration requirements are set by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 192. Every birth must be registered within five days. The attending physician, midwife, or hospital administrator files the certificate with the local registrar. For late registrations where no birth certificate was filed within the first year, a delayed certificate can be filed under Texas Administrative Code Rule 181.60.

For corrections to a Fort Worth birth record, the process goes through the Texas DSHS using Form VS-170. Corrections for child's information or parent's information cost $15. New certificates based on a change in sex or race cost $25. Get the form and instructions at dshs.texas.gov.

Historical birth records from 1903 to 1935 are available for genealogical research through FamilySearch. These are scanned copies of the original documents and are useful for tracing family history. Delayed records and probate registrations from this period are also in that collection.

Tarrant County Birth Records

Fort Worth is the county seat of Tarrant County. Birth records for Fort Worth and the rest of Tarrant County are managed by the Tarrant County Clerk. For full details on the county office and all service locations, visit the Tarrant County birth records page.

View Tarrant County Birth Records

Nearby Cities

Other qualifying cities in the area include Arlington in Tarrant County, and Dallas, Irving, and Garland in Dallas County. Each page has its own office details and request instructions.