Culberson County Birth Records

Culberson County birth records are held by the County Clerk in Van Horn. The clerk maintains vital records from 1903 and issues certified copies to qualified applicants. Culberson County is in far west Texas along the I-10 corridor, bordering New Mexico.

Culberson County Clerk

The Culberson County Clerk in Van Horn maintains vital records for the county. Birth and death records date from 1903. Marriage records, probate records, and land records go back to 1911. The courthouse is at 300 La Caverna Street in Van Horn. Due to the county's remote location, mail-in requests are the most practical option for most people.

Culberson County was named for David B. Culberson, a U.S. Congressman from Texas. The county is traversed by I-10 and includes Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Van Horn is the main service town in the county. The clerk's office handles all vital records requests for the county.

Requesting a Culberson County Birth Certificate

You can request a birth certificate from Culberson County by visiting the courthouse in Van Horn or by sending a mail request. For mail-in requests, include a copy of your photo ID, a completed application, and a check or money order made out to the Culberson County Clerk. Calling (432) 283-2058 before sending is recommended to confirm current requirements.

Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191, eligible requestors include the person on the record, listed parents, a spouse, adult children, adult siblings, grandparents, and legal guardians. After 75 years from the birth date, the record becomes public.

For statewide requests, use Texas DSHS Vital Statistics at dshs.texas.gov. Online orders through VitalChek are also available and may be the most convenient option for people who cannot travel to Van Horn.

Documents needed for a Culberson County birth certificate request:

• Full name on the birth record
• Date and county of birth
• Parents' names for the long-form certificate
• Copy of a valid photo ID
• Proof of relationship if not the registrant
• Payment for the fee

Note: Culberson County's remote location in far west Texas means that the state DSHS office or VitalChek may be faster alternatives for many requestors, especially for out-of-state orders.

Birth Certificate Fees in Culberson County

The fee is $23 for the first certified birth certificate in Culberson County and $4 for each additional copy at the same time. Mail payments should be by check or money order. The state DSHS charges $22. VitalChek adds a service fee. Call (432) 283-2058 to confirm current fees and accepted payment methods.

What Culberson County Birth Records Include

A long-form birth certificate from Culberson County contains the registrant's full name, date and exact location of birth, parents' names and birthplaces, the attending physician or midwife, and the delivery location. It carries the official seal and signature of the county registrar and is valid for passports and other legal needs.

The short-form abstract shows only core facts and is not valid for establishing identity. For official uses, always request the long form unless you know the other party accepts the short form.

Culberson County records go back to 1911 for most types. For genealogy research, FamilySearch - Culberson County Genealogy has resources for tracing families in this far west Texas region. The Texas State Library at tsl.texas.gov also has archived records that may be useful.

Texas Vital Statistics

The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics office is the central repository for all Texas birth records, including Culberson County, and is often the most practical option for requestors far from Van Horn.

The state vital statistics unit holds records for all Texas births from 1903 and provides both mail and online ordering through VitalChek for people in any location.

Nearby Counties

Culberson County is in far west Texas. Check bordering counties if you need records from nearby areas.