Pasadena Birth Records
Birth records for Pasadena are maintained by the Harris County Clerk's Office. Pasadena is in Harris County, so any birth that occurred there is part of the county's vital records going back to 1926. The Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Section in Austin holds records statewide from 1903 and is another option for getting certified copies.
Pasadena Overview
Where to Get Pasadena Birth Records
Pasadena is in Harris County, the most populous county in Texas. Birth certificates for people born in Pasadena are held by the Harris County Clerk. The office is at 201 Caroline Street in downtown Houston. Harris County birth records go back to 1926. For births before 1926, check the Texas DSHS state records or contact DSHS directly.
Harris County handles birth and death records for both the unincorporated county and most incorporated cities including Pasadena. The City of Houston maintains birth records for births occurring within Houston city limits, but Pasadena is a separate city, so Harris County handles those records. The Harris County Clerk's vital records website is at records.harriscountytx.gov.
| Office | Harris County Clerk - Vital Statistics |
|---|---|
| Address | 201 Caroline Street, Suite 330 Houston, TX 77002 |
| Phone | (866) 281-6860 |
| Fax | (888) 985-2523 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | records.harriscountytx.gov |
Harris County is one of the most active county clerk offices in the state given the size of the population it serves. Calling ahead before visiting can save time. You can also check wait times or office status on the county website.
Harris County Vital Statistics Portal
The Harris County vital statistics portal covers birth records, death records, marriage records, and adoption records. The site has ordering information and links for both in-person and online requests.
Harris County also handles vital records for the City of Houston (for unincorporated areas and births outside Houston city limits). If you're not sure which office holds a record, call the Harris County Clerk at (866) 281-6860 to confirm before making a trip downtown.
How to Request a Pasadena Birth Certificate
You can request a Harris County birth certificate for a Pasadena birth in person at 201 Caroline Street or by mail. Online ordering is available through the county or through DSHS-authorized vendors.
For in-person requests, bring your valid government-issued photo ID and the completed request form. Pay the fee at the counter. Harris County accepts cash and cards. You should be able to get a copy the same day in most cases.
For mail requests, complete the application, include a photocopy of your photo ID, and send a check or money order to the Harris County Clerk at 201 Caroline Street, Suite 330, Houston, TX 77002. Make the check payable to the Harris County Clerk. Allow extra time for mail processing.
You can also use the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section to request any Texas birth record. The DSHS holds all state birth records from 1903. Their ordering site is at dshs.texas.gov. Orders can be made by mail, in person in Austin, or online through authorized vendors listed on the DSHS site.
Note: Harris County records for births before 1926 may not be on file at the county level. For those older records, contact the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section directly.
Pasadena Birth Certificate Fees
Harris County charges $23.00 for the first certified birth certificate copy. Additional copies ordered at the same time are $4.00 each. These fees follow Texas state guidelines. Payment can be made by cash or card at the counter, or by check or money order for mail requests.
The Texas DSHS charges $22.00 per copy for requests sent to Austin. Additional copies are also $22.00 each. Online vendors charge the base fee plus a service fee. The total cost varies depending on which vendor you use. Only use vendors listed on the DSHS website.
Who Can Request Pasadena Birth Records
Texas law limits access to birth certificates less than 75 years old. Only qualified applicants can get a certified copy. The rules come from Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 192. Harris County follows these same rules.
Qualified applicants include the person named on the record, their parents, grandparents, adult siblings, spouse, and adult children. Attorneys and legal guardians with proper documentation also qualify. Government agencies with a direct and tangible interest can request records as well.
You must show valid photo ID with every request. If requesting on behalf of someone else, bring proof of your relationship or legal authority. Harris County staff can tell you what documents are required when you call or visit.
Texas Birth Records Law
Texas birth registration law is in Health and Safety Code Chapter 192. Every Texas birth must be registered within five days with the local registrar. For Pasadena, that is the Harris County Clerk. The law sets what information goes on the record and how corrections are handled.
Privacy for birth records comes from Government Code Section 552.115, which restricts access for 75 years from the date of birth. Once that period ends, records are open to anyone without showing a relationship.
Delayed birth certificates are handled under Texas Administrative Code Section 181.60. If a birth was never registered, this process lets the person establish the record using supporting documentation. Harris County processes these through the county clerk's office or in coordination with DSHS in Austin.
Harris County Birth Records
Pasadena is in Harris County. The Harris County Clerk handles all birth records for the county. For more details on the county office and processes, visit the Harris County birth records page.
Nearby Cities
Other qualifying cities in Harris County and the Houston area also have birth records pages.