Bexar County Birth Records

Bexar County birth records are maintained by the County Clerk in San Antonio. The clerk issues certified copies of birth certificates for births occurring in Bexar County and can also issue certificates for any Texas birth. Records go back to 1903 and can be requested in person, by mail, or online.

Bexar County Clerk - Vital Records

The Bexar County Clerk's office handles vital records for one of the largest counties in Texas. The county seat is San Antonio, home to over 1.4 million people. The clerk maintains birth records from 1903 to present. The office issues certified copies in two forms: the long-form certificate and the short-form certificate. Both are issued to qualified applicants with proper identification.

The Bexar County Clerk's vital records division is at the Bexar County Justice Center in downtown San Antonio. Multiple locations are available for obtaining birth certificates, including some satellite offices. Residents from San Antonio, Leon Valley, Converse, Universal City, Schertz, and other communities in the county all go through the Bexar County Clerk for birth records.

The Bexar County Clerk's Vital Records page lists all the ways to request a birth certificate, what identification is required, and which locations serve Bexar County residents.

The vital records page also explains the difference between the long-form and short-form birth certificate and when each type is appropriate to use.

The Bexar County birth and death certificates page provides detailed guidance on ordering certified copies and correcting errors on a birth record.

This page covers the full process from application to certificate issuance for Bexar County vital records.

How to Request Bexar County Birth Certificates

There are four ways to get a birth certificate from Bexar County: in person, by mail, online through VitalChek, or through the Texas DSHS state office. In-person visits are the fastest. Walk-in requests at the Paul Elizondo Tower in downtown San Antonio are usually handled the same day during business hours.

Mail requests take 2 to 4 weeks. Fill out the VS-140 birth certificate application form from dshs.texas.gov. Attach a copy of your photo ID and the correct fee made out to the Bexar County Clerk. Send to the address at the Paul Elizondo Tower.

Online ordering through VitalChek gives you access to Bexar County birth records without visiting the courthouse. Orders typically process in 3 to 5 business days. There is a vendor service fee added on top of the state certificate fee.

Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191, access to birth records within 75 years of the birth date is restricted. Eligible requestors include:

• The person named on the certificate (18 or older)
• Either parent listed on the record
• A legal guardian with court documentation
• A licensed attorney representing an eligible person
• Certain government agencies with a verified legal need

Bexar County Birth Certificate Fees

The state-set fee for a certified Texas birth certificate is $23 for the first copy. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $3. Bexar County charges these same state rates. Online orders through VitalChek add a service fee, bringing totals to approximately $35 to $40.

Veterans can get one free copy of their Texas birth certificate per year under state law. Bring your military ID or VA card when visiting the Bexar County Clerk's office. This waiver applies to honorably discharged veterans who present valid documentation.

Fee waivers are also available to qualifying low-income applicants in some circumstances. Contact the Bexar County Clerk or a local legal aid organization for more information on waivers.

Bexar County Birth Certificate Types and Contents

Bexar County issues birth certificates in two forms. The long-form authorized copy is the full birth record. It includes the child's full name, date and time of birth, hospital name, parents' full legal names, parents' ages and birthplaces, and the attending physician's or midwife's signature. It carries the registrar's raised seal, the registrar's signature, and the date of filing. This is the version required for U.S. passports, Texas driver's licenses, and Social Security cards.

The short-form certified copy is an abstract of the birth record. It shows basic information but displays the message "Informational, not a valid document to establish identity" across the face of the document. It is accepted for school registration and most non-official purposes. If you are getting a Texas ID or applying for any federal benefit, you need the long-form version.

Bexar County records go back to 1903. Older records from the early and mid 20th century may be less complete or handwritten. If the county clerk cannot locate a very old record, the Texas State Library and Archives at tsl.texas.gov may have supplemental historical materials.

Legal Help in Bexar County

Lone Star Legal Aid serves Bexar County and provides free civil legal help to income-eligible residents. Their phone is (800) 733-8394 and their website is lonestarlegal.org. San Antonio Legal Services Association also offers legal assistance in the area.

TexasLawHelp at texaslawhelp.org has guides on getting birth certificates, amending records, and handling related vital records matters. The Texas State Bar referral line at (800) 252-9690 can connect you with a local attorney if you need paid legal help.

Nearby Counties

Bexar County is in South-Central Texas. San Antonio is the county seat. These counties are nearby.