Search Cass County Birth Records

Cass County birth records are maintained by the County Clerk in Linden, Texas. If you need a certified copy of a birth certificate for a birth that occurred in Cass County, start with the clerk's office. Records have been kept since 1903 and the office can help with both current and older requests.

Cass County Clerk - Birth Records

The Cass County Clerk in Linden is responsible for keeping and issuing birth certificates for births that occurred in Cass County. The office follows state law for all vital records requests and uses the Texas state application form. Staff can help you find out if a record is on file and walk you through what documents you need to bring.

Cass County is in the Piney Woods region of East Texas, near the Arkansas border. The county seat is Linden. The clerk's office handles all vital records for the county, including birth, death, and marriage records. For births going back to 1903, you can request records through the county office or through the Texas DSHS in Austin. Both hold copies of the same records.

The Cass County Clerk's official website at co.cass.tx.us may have additional contact details and hours. It is a good idea to call ahead before visiting to confirm current office hours and confirm what documents to bring.

Cass County Clerk Online

The Cass County Clerk website provides contact information and details about the services the office offers, including vital records requests for births in the county.

The website lists office information including hours, address, and phone number for the clerk's vital records division. Use this resource to confirm current requirements before visiting or mailing a request.

How to Get a Cass County Birth Certificate

You need to fill out Form VS-140, the Texas Birth Certificate Application, to request a birth certificate. This form is available at the clerk's office or online from the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section. Submit it with your photo ID and the $22 fee to receive a certified copy.

Texas law limits who can request birth records. Under Texas Government Code Section 552.115, birth certificates are not public until 75 years after the birth. Only the registrant, their immediate family, or authorized legal representatives can request copies. You may need to show proof of relationship in addition to your ID.

In-person requests at the Cass County Clerk's office in Linden are typically handled the same day. Mailing your request to the county clerk also works, but takes more time. Alternatively, you can mail to the Texas DSHS at P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040. Mail orders through the state take 6-8 weeks. Online ordering through Texas.gov takes about 15-25 business days and is available for all Texas counties.

What to include with your request:

• Full name of the person on the certificate
• Date of birth
• Place of birth (county or city)
• Mother's full maiden name
• Father's full name if on the record
• Your valid government-issued photo ID
• Relationship documentation if needed

Note: Mail-in applications must be signed before a notary public as required by Form VS-140.

Texas Birth Records Law

Birth registration in Texas is governed by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 192. Every birth must be registered within five days. The attending physician, midwife, or hospital administrator files the certificate with the local registrar. The registrar sends a copy to the state. This process creates the official birth record for Cass County births.

The privacy rule for birth records comes from Texas Government Code Section 552.115. Records are confidential for 75 years from the birth date, then become public automatically. This applies to all Texas counties including Cass. No action is needed to open a record once the 75-year period ends.

Delayed birth registrations are allowed under Texas Administrative Code Rule 181.60. If a Cass County birth was never registered at the time, a delayed certificate can be filed with sufficient documentary evidence. These records are marked "Delayed" and must go through the state registrar for approval.

Texas DSHS Vital Statistics

The Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Section maintains statewide copies of all birth records since 1903, including Cass County. If you prefer to work with the state office or need to order from outside the area, the DSHS is a good option.

The Austin walk-in office is at 1100 West 49th Street and provides same-day service. Mail orders take 6-8 weeks. Online orders through Texas.gov take about 15-25 business days. The fee for a certified copy is $22 whether you order from the county or the state. You can call 888-963-7111 for help or to check on order status.

For genealogical research, Cass County birth records older than 75 years are public under state law. Historical birth certificates from 1903 to 1935 are searchable through FamilySearch. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission provides additional guidance for historical vital records research across all Texas counties.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Cass County in East Texas. Birth records for each county are handled by that county's clerk office.