Clay County Birth Records Search

Clay County birth records are maintained by the County Clerk in Henrietta, Texas. The clerk's office issues certified birth certificates for births that occurred in Clay County. Records go back to 1903 and are also available through the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section in Austin.

Clay County Clerk - Vital Records

The Clay County Clerk in Henrietta handles birth certificates and other vital records for the county. If a birth occurred in Clay County, this office is the local source for certified copies. The clerk's office follows state law and uses the standard Texas application form and fee schedule.

Clay County is in North Texas, south of the Red River and west of Wichita Falls. Henrietta is the county seat. This is a rural county with a small population. The clerk's office can issue certified copies of birth certificates for births registered in the county going back to 1903. The Texas DSHS in Austin also holds copies of all Texas birth records and can issue certified copies for Clay County births.

Requesting a Clay County Birth Certificate

To get a certified copy of a birth certificate from Clay County, complete Form VS-140. This is the official Texas Birth Certificate Application. Download it from the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics website or get a copy at the clerk's office. Include your photo ID and $22 fee per copy when you submit.

Texas restricts who can request birth records. Under Texas Government Code Section 552.115, birth records are confidential for 75 years from the birth date. Qualified applicants include the registrant, their parents, spouse, children, siblings, and grandparents. A legal guardian or authorized representative can also request records with proper documentation.

You can request in person at the Henrietta office, by mail to the county or to the DSHS in Austin, or online through Texas.gov. In-person requests at the county are usually same day. Mail to the state takes 6-8 weeks. Online orders take about 15-25 business days.

What to include with your request:

• Full name on the birth certificate
• Date of birth
• County or city of birth
• Mother's full maiden name
• Father's full name if on the record
• Valid photo ID
• Proof of relationship if not the registrant

Note: Mail-in requests require a notarized signature on Form VS-140 as specified by the state application instructions.

Types of Birth Certificates

Texas issues three main types of birth certificates. The Clay County Clerk and the state DSHS both provide all types. Each type serves a different purpose.

The long-form birth certificate is the full certified copy of the original document. It shows the complete history of corrections and includes detailed information about the birth, the parents, and the attending physician. It carries the registrar's seal and signature. This form is required for passports, most state driver's license applications, and citizenship documentation. If you are unsure which to request, the long form covers more situations.

The short-form birth certificate is a certified abstract. It lists the name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, and parent names only. It does not show a correction history. This version is accepted for school enrollment, insurance, and most domestic uses. It is not valid for passport applications or some international purposes.

The heirloom certificate is a decorative piece only. It cannot be used for any legal or official purpose. Get a certified long form or short form if you need to prove your identity, age, or eligibility for anything official.

Texas State Vital Records

The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section maintains birth records for all Texas counties since 1903. For Clay County births, you can order directly from the state if the county clerk is not accessible. The DSHS office is at 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, TX. Walk-in service is available Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM with same-day processing.

Mail orders to the state take 6-8 weeks. Online orders through Texas.gov take about 15-25 business days. The fee is $22 per certified copy from either the county or the state. Call 888-963-7111 to check on an order or get help with your request.

Clay County birth records older than 75 years are public information under Texas law. FamilySearch has digitized Texas birth records from 1903 to 1935. The Texas State Library and Archives has additional resources for genealogical research on North Texas birth records.

Texas Birth Records Legal Framework

All births in Texas must be registered under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 192. The attending physician, midwife, or hospital files the certificate with the local registrar within five days. The registrar sends a copy to the state. These rules apply to every birth in Clay County and across Texas.

Birth records are restricted under Texas Government Code Section 552.115 for 75 years. After that, they become public automatically. This protects the privacy of living individuals without requiring them to take any action.

If a Clay County birth was not registered within one year, a delayed certificate can be filed under Texas Administrative Code Rule 181.60. The state registrar reviews supporting documents and decides whether to approve the registration. Delayed records are marked "Delayed" and include a summary of evidence submitted.

Texas Vital Records Resources

The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section homepage is the main state resource for all birth certificate requests in Texas, including Clay County.

This site has downloadable forms, fee schedules, processing times, and access to the online ordering system for certified birth certificates for Clay County and all 254 Texas counties.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Clay County in North Texas. Each has its own clerk office for birth records.