Garland Birth Records Search
Garland birth records are maintained by the Dallas County Clerk's Office, which handles vital records for all of Dallas County. The county clerk issues certified copies of birth certificates for Garland births from 1903 to the present, with multiple service locations across the county.
Garland Overview
Dallas County Clerk - Garland Birth Records
Garland is located in Dallas County. There is no separate city vital records office for Garland, so all birth certificate requests go through the Dallas County Clerk. The county clerk maintains birth records for all of Dallas County from 1903 to present and issues both long-form and short-form certified copies.
The Dallas County Clerk's main site is at dallascounty.org/county_clerk/birth_death_records.php. This page has request forms, fee information, and links to multiple service locations. The county serves a large metro area, so there may be a location convenient to Garland. Check the website before making a long drive to the downtown Dallas records building.
Long-form Dallas County birth certificates carry the registrar's raised seal, the registrar's signature, and the date the certificate was filed. These are required for passports and driver's licenses. Short-form certificates show only the name, birth date, place, sex, and parent names. They say "Informational, not a valid document to establish identity" on the face, which means they are not accepted for all purposes.
The Texas DSHS birth records page at dshs.texas.gov/vs provides an alternative route for ordering any Texas birth certificate, including those for Garland births.
| Office | Dallas County Clerk - Birth and Death Records |
|---|---|
| Website | dallascounty.org/county_clerk/birth_death_records.php |
| Records From | 1903 to present |
| Fee | $22.00 per certified copy |
How to Get a Garland Birth Certificate
Three options are available for getting a Garland birth certificate: walk in to the Dallas County Clerk, mail your request, or order online. In-person is the fastest way to get a copy. Bring your photo ID and payment and staff will issue the certificate on the spot.
Texas law under Texas Government Code Section 552.115 restricts access to birth records until 75 years after the birth date. Qualified applicants who can request records include the person named on the certificate, their parents, siblings, spouse, children, grandparents, legal guardian, or a legal representative with documentation.
For mail requests, fill out Form VS-140 from the DSHS at dshs.texas.gov. Notarize your signature and attach a copy of your photo ID. Send the application with your payment to the Dallas County Clerk. Check the county website for the current mailing address and accepted payment types before sending.
Online orders go to the state DSHS in Austin through texas.gov and take 15 to 25 business days. Mail orders to Austin take 6 to 8 weeks. Walk-in service is available in Austin at 1100 West 49th Street, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Information needed for your request:
- Full name on the birth record
- Date of birth
- County of birth (Dallas County for Garland births)
- Full name of father if listed
- Full maiden name of mother
- Your relationship to the person
- Copy of valid photo ID
- Payment for the fee
Note: Mail requests must be notarized. In-person requests need only a valid ID at the counter.
Garland Birth Record Fees
Certified birth certificates cost $22.00 per copy through Dallas County. Each additional copy ordered at the same time is also $22.00. This is the standard Texas fee. There are no extra charges for going to the county clerk directly in person or by mail.
Online orders through the state portal or third-party vendors add a service fee on top of the $22. That fee goes to the vendor, not the government. To avoid it, use in-person or mail service directly with the county.
Texas Laws and Resources for Garland Birth Records
Birth registration in Texas is required by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 192. Every birth must be reported within five days. The attending physician, midwife, or hospital files the certificate with the local registrar. A copy then goes to the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section.
The DSHS maintains all Texas birth records from 1903 forward. Call 888-963-7111 for help with order status or general questions. The DSHS page at dshs.texas.gov/vs has all forms and current processing times. For delayed registrations where no certificate was filed in the first year, see Texas Administrative Code Rule 181.60.
For genealogical research, historical Texas birth records from 1903 to 1935 are available through FamilySearch. Additional guidance on locating older vital records is available from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
For corrections to a Garland birth record, use Form VS-170 from the DSHS. Most correction fees are $15. A new certificate for a change in sex or race costs $25. Get the form at dshs.texas.gov.
Dallas County Birth Records
Garland is in Dallas County. All birth certificate requests for Garland births go through the Dallas County Clerk. For full county details, office locations, and the request process, visit the Dallas County birth records page.
Nearby Cities
Other qualifying cities in Dallas County include Dallas, Irving, and Plano. In Collin County, see Frisco and McKinney. Each page has office details and birth record request instructions for that city.