Search Wichita Falls Birth Records

Birth records for Wichita Falls are maintained by the Wichita County Clerk, which handles vital records for all of Wichita County in North Texas. If you need a certified copy of a birth certificate from Wichita Falls, the county clerk's office is the local source. You can also request records through the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit in Austin. Birth records at the county level go back to 1903, and marriage records in Wichita County date to 1882.

Wichita County Clerk Office

Wichita Falls is the county seat of Wichita County. The Wichita County Clerk's Office is located in downtown Wichita Falls. It handles birth records, death records, marriage licenses, and other official filings for Wichita County. Because it's the county seat, getting records in person is straightforward for Wichita Falls residents.

Wichita County has birth and death records from 1903. Marriage records go back to 1882, which gives the county a long historical record well before statewide vital registration began. The Texas State Archives Regional Historical Resource Depository is also at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, which makes this a particularly rich area for genealogical research. The university library holds some historical vital records and documents for the region.

The Texas Department of State Health Services can also be reached at (888) 963-7111 for birth records statewide, per their website at dshs.texas.gov. The address for the DSHS Vital Statistics Unit is 1100 W. 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756. Wichita Falls residents can also use this state office as an alternative to the county clerk.

Getting a Wichita Falls Birth Certificate

In person at the Wichita County Clerk in downtown Wichita Falls is the fastest option. Bring a valid photo ID, fill out the request form, and pay $23.00 per certified copy. Most in-person requests are processed the same day. Call (940) 766-8100 before going to confirm current hours and any additional requirements.

To request by mail, write to the Wichita County Clerk at 900 7th Street, Suite 250, Wichita Falls, TX 76301. Include the full name on the birth record, the date of birth, the place of birth, your name and address, your relationship to the person named, and a photocopy of your photo ID. Attach payment of $23.00 per certified copy as a check or money order payable to Wichita County Clerk. Mail processing takes approximately one to two weeks round trip.

You can order online through the Texas DSHS via VitalChek at vitalchek.com, or download and mail the state request form from dshs.texas.gov. The state fee is $23.00 per certified copy. Standard processing is 10 to 15 business days. An additional convenience fee applies for online VitalChek orders.

Note: Texas restricts who can get certified birth certificates. You must be the person named (if 18 or older), a parent, legal guardian, legal representative, or another qualified party under the Texas Health and Safety Code.

Historical Records in Wichita Falls

Wichita Falls has a notable research resource that most Texas cities don't: a Texas State Archives Regional Historical Resource Depository on the campus of Midwestern State University. The University Library at Midwestern State, 3410 Taft Boulevard, Wichita Falls, TX 76308, holds historical records and microfilm for the region.

This repository can be helpful for genealogy research, older birth records from before digital systems, and historical documents not available online. It's worth a visit or a phone call if you're searching for records from the early 1900s or earlier church and community records in the Wichita Falls area.

The main Texas State Archives in Austin is also a resource. Their address is 1201 Brazos Street, Austin, TX 78701. The Texas State Library at tsl.texas.gov has digital indexes and finding aids that can help you locate specific records before visiting in person.

Wichita Falls Birth Record Resources

For birth record corrections or name changes, TexasLawHelp at texaslawhelp.org has free step-by-step guides. The State Bar of Texas lawyer referral service can connect you with a local attorney if you need legal help: (800) 252-9690 or texasbar.com.

FamilySearch at familysearch.org has a free Texas birth index that covers many years. Searching there first before ordering a certified copy can save time and money if you're not sure whether a record is on file or from which exact year. The Wichita County records go back further than average for Texas counties, which makes the area's historical records especially useful.

Wichita County Birth Records

Wichita Falls is the county seat of Wichita County. All birth records for Wichita Falls and the surrounding area are filed with the Wichita County Clerk. For full details on the office, available records, and how to make a request, visit the Wichita County birth records page.

View Wichita County Birth Records