Tyler, Texas Birth Records Search

Birth records for Tyler are filed with the Smith County Clerk, which serves East Texas and handles vital records for events in Smith County. If you need a certified copy of a birth certificate from Tyler, the Smith County Clerk's Office and the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit are the two main options. The county has birth records from 1903, and the state system covers all Texas births registered since that same year.

Where Tyler Birth Records Are Kept

Tyler is the county seat of Smith County. That means the Smith County Clerk's Office is located right in Tyler. The clerk handles vital records for the entire county, which includes Tyler and surrounding communities. Birth records from 1903 onward are on file with this office.

Smith County birth certificates cost $23.00 per certified copy. That's the standard Texas rate set by the state. The state DSHS also charges $23.00. Whether you go through the county or the state, you pay the same base fee. The county clerk's office is often the most convenient for Tyler residents who want to pick up records in person the same day.

Requesting a Tyler Birth Certificate

To request a birth certificate from Tyler, you can go in person to the Smith County Clerk's Office or submit a request by mail. In-person requests are generally processed the same day. You'll need to bring a valid photo ID and fill out a request form at the counter. Cash, check, or card payment may be accepted, but call ahead to confirm.

Mail requests should include the subject's full name, date of birth, place of birth, your full name and address, your relationship to the subject, a copy of your photo ID, and payment of $23.00 per copy. Send to the Smith County Clerk's office at the address above. Allow one to two weeks for return mail.

You can also order through the state using VitalChek at vitalchek.com, which is the authorized online vendor for Texas birth records. There's a convenience fee on top of the $23.00 state charge. The Texas DSHS site has instructions and the downloadable order forms if you prefer to mail your request to the state rather than the county.

Note: Only eligible requestors can receive certified birth certificates in Texas. You must be the person named, a parent, guardian, legal representative, or other qualified party under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191.

What Tyler Birth Records Show

A standard Texas birth certificate shows the person's full name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, and the names of the parents. The record also shows the attending physician or midwife, the hospital or location where the birth occurred, and the date the record was filed. All of this information was recorded at the time of registration.

Short-form certificates are also available in Texas. A short-form certificate shows limited information and is marked as an informational document. It is not valid for identification purposes. For most official needs like a passport, driver's license, or Social Security registration, you'll want a full certified copy from the county or state.

If there's a mistake on a Tyler birth certificate, corrections go through the Texas DSHS. The process depends on the type of error and when it occurred. Some corrections can be handled at the county level, while others require a court order. The DSHS website has instructions for corrections and amendments to vital records.

East Texas Birth Record Resources

Besides the Smith County Clerk and Texas DSHS, a few other resources can help with Tyler-area birth records. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission at tsl.texas.gov has historical birth records on microfilm and digital indexes for older dates.

FamilySearch at familysearch.org has free access to a Texas birth index that covers many years. This is useful for confirming a record exists before ordering a certified copy. Ancestry also has some Texas birth records indexed, though access requires a subscription.

If you need legal help related to a birth record, TexasLawHelp at texaslawhelp.org has self-help guides for name changes, corrections, and delayed birth registration. The East Texas Legal Aid office can also assist residents with low income who need help with vital records issues.

Smith County Birth Records

Tyler is the county seat of Smith County in East Texas. All birth records for Tyler and the surrounding area are maintained by the Smith County Clerk. For full details on the county office hours, records available, and request procedures, see the Smith County birth records page.

View Smith County Birth Records