Duval County Birth Records

Duval County birth records are kept by the County Clerk in San Diego, Texas. Certified birth certificates for events that occurred in the county are available from 1903. You can request copies in person or by mail.

Duval County Clerk

The Duval County Clerk in San Diego maintains vital statistics for the county, including birth certificates. The office keeps records for all births that happened within Duval County boundaries, going back to 1903.

Duval County is located in South Texas between Corpus Christi and Laredo. The county seat, San Diego, is not to be confused with the California city. It is a small Texas town and the location of the courthouse where all county vital records are kept.

How to Request Duval County Birth Records

Duval County birth records can be requested in person or by mail. In-person visits are processed on the same day. Mail requests take longer but work for those who cannot travel to San Diego.

To request in person, go to the County Clerk's office at the courthouse. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. Provide the full name on the birth record, the date of birth, and the parents' names. Staff will look up the record and issue a certified copy while you are there.

For mail requests, prepare a completed application, a photocopy of your photo ID, and a check or money order payable to the Duval County Clerk. Do not send cash by mail. Processing time after the office receives your request is typically one to two weeks. Include a return envelope with postage to speed up delivery.

The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics unit holds records for all Texas births from 1926 forward. Online ordering is available through VitalChek, the state's approved online partner.

Who Can Get Duval County Birth Records

Texas law controls who can get certified copies of birth records under 75 years old. The rules are set by the Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191.

Qualified applicants include the registrant (if 18 or older), a parent named on the record, a sibling, a child, a spouse, a grandparent, or a legal guardian or attorney with proof. If only the mother is listed on the certificate, access may be more restricted depending on who is requesting the record.

Birth records that are 75 years or older are open public records in Texas. Anyone can access and request copies of older birth certificates. Researchers and genealogists often use these older records to trace family history. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission holds many historical Texas vital records.

Duval County Birth Certificate Fees

A certified birth certificate costs $23. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $4. These standard fees are set by Texas state law.

Cash is accepted in person. Mail requests require a check or money order made payable to the Duval County Clerk. Do not send cash. Confirm if cards are accepted by calling the office before you visit.

Texas Vital Records Resources

The Texas Department of State Health Services at dshs.texas.gov is the central state agency for vital records. They serve all 254 Texas counties. Phone: (512) 776-7111.

For self-help guides on vital records and legal rights, visit TexasLawHelp.org. Texas birth registration requirements are in the Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 192.

The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics office handles birth record requests for all Texas counties and maintains records from 1926 forward.

Contact the Duval County Clerk in San Diego for birth records that predate the state's 1926 records and for the official long form birth certificate.

Cities in Duval County

San Diego is the main city and county seat of Duval County. All birth records for events that occurred in the county are filed with the Duval County Clerk in San Diego.

No cities in Duval County currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page. Contact the county clerk for all birth record requests.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Duval County in South Texas. Check where the birth took place to confirm which county clerk to contact.