Comal County Birth Records

Comal County birth records are maintained by the County Clerk in New Braunfels, Texas. The clerk's office issues certified birth certificates for births that occurred in Comal County. Records go back to 1903 and the Texas DSHS in Austin also holds statewide copies for all Texas counties.

Comal County Clerk - Birth Records

The Comal County Clerk in New Braunfels handles birth certificates and all vital records for the county. For any birth that occurred in Comal County, the clerk's office issues certified copies going back to 1903. The clerk's office is in New Braunfels, between San Antonio and Austin along Interstate 35.

Comal County has grown significantly in recent years as part of the San Antonio-Austin corridor. The clerk's website at co.comal.tx.us has contact details and office information. Staff can verify if a record exists and walk you through what you need to submit a birth certificate request. You can also order directly from the Texas DSHS in Austin, which holds statewide birth records.

Comal County Clerk Online

The Comal County Clerk official website provides contact information and details about vital records services available at the New Braunfels courthouse.

Use this page to find current hours, the mailing address for requests, and contact information before submitting your birth certificate request to the Comal County Clerk's office.

Requesting a Comal County Birth Certificate

To get a certified birth certificate from Comal County, complete Form VS-140. The form is available at the county clerk's office or from the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics website. Submit it with your photo ID and the $22 fee per copy.

Texas law under Texas Government Code Section 552.115 restricts access to birth records for 75 years from the birth date. Qualified applicants include the registrant, parents, spouse, children, siblings, grandparents, and authorized legal representatives. You may need documentation to prove your relationship.

In-person requests at the New Braunfels clerk's office are typically same day. You can also mail to the county or to the Texas DSHS at P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040. Online orders through Texas.gov take about 15-25 business days. Mail orders to the state take 6-8 weeks.

What to include:

• 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
• Your valid photo ID
• Proof of relationship if not the registrant

Note: Mail-in requests require a notarized signature on Form VS-140 per state application instructions.

Texas Birth Certificate Types

Texas offers three types of birth certificates. The Comal County Clerk and the state DSHS both issue all types. Each serves a different purpose.

The long-form birth certificate is the full certified copy of the original. It includes a complete correction history, parent names, place of birth, attending physician information, and the registrar's embossed seal. This is required for U.S. passports, driver's licenses in most states, and citizenship applications. It is the most complete form and works for the broadest range of requirements.

The short-form certificate is a certified abstract. It shows current information only: the name, date of birth, place of birth, sex, and parent names. It does not show correction history. Accepted for school, employment, insurance, and most domestic purposes. Not accepted for passport applications.

The heirloom certificate is decorative only. It carries no legal weight and cannot be used as proof of identity or eligibility for anything official.

Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Resources

The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section maintains all Texas birth records since 1903. The Austin office at 1100 West 49th Street provides walk-in same-day service on weekdays. Mail orders take 6-8 weeks. Online orders through Texas.gov take about 15-25 business days. Fee is $22 per copy. Call 888-963-7111 for help or order status checks.

For corrections to a Comal County birth certificate, use Form VS-170. This form and instructions are on the DSHS amendment page. Corrections to the child's or parent's information cost $15. Most corrections require supporting documentation. The completed amendment form must be submitted to the DSHS, not the county clerk.

Historical Comal County birth records older than 75 years are public information under Texas law. FamilySearch has Texas birth records from 1903 to 1935 available online. The Texas State Library and Archives also provides historical vital records resources for genealogical research.

Texas Birth Registration Law

Birth registration is required by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 192. Every birth in Texas must be registered within five days. The physician, midwife, or hospital files the certificate with the local registrar. A copy goes to the state. These rules apply to Comal County births.

Access is restricted by Texas Government Code Section 552.115 for 75 years. Records become public automatically after that. Delayed registrations can be filed under Texas Administrative Code Rule 181.60 with supporting documentation reviewed by the state registrar.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Comal County in the Texas Hill Country and San Antonio area.