Ellis County Birth Records
Ellis County birth records are maintained by the County Clerk in Waxahachie, Texas. Birth records for Ellis County events go back to 1850, and Waxahachie-specific records begin in 1916. Certified copies are available through the County Clerk's office by mail or in person.
Ellis County Overview
Ellis County Clerk - Vital Records
County Clerk Krystal Valdez oversees the Ellis County Clerk's office. The vital records division handles birth and death certificate requests. Birth records for Ellis County go back to 1850, which is much further than most Texas counties. Waxahachie births are recorded specifically from 1916.
Under Government Code 552.115(a)(1), a birth record is public information and available to the public on or after the 75th anniversary of the date of birth. This is the key rule to know when seeking older Ellis County birth records. Records under 75 years old are still restricted to qualified applicants.
The office at 109 S. Jackson Street handles walk-in requests. Mail-in requests follow a documented process with specific requirements for ID and payment. Online ordering is also available through an authorized service. The Ellis County Clerk's birth certificate page is at co.ellis.tx.us.
| Office | Ellis County Clerk - Vital Records |
|---|---|
| Address |
109 S. Jackson Street, 2nd Floor P.O. Box 250 Waxahachie, TX 75165 |
| Phone | (972) 825-5070 |
| Fax | (972) 825-5075 |
| elliscountyclerk@co.ellis.tx.us | |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | co.ellis.tx.us |
How to Request an Ellis County Birth Certificate
Ellis County accepts birth record requests in person and by mail. For in-person requests, go to the 2nd floor of the Ellis County offices at 109 S. Jackson Street in Waxahachie. Bring a valid photo ID and the information needed to identify the record. Staff can look up and issue certified copies during your visit.
Mail-in requests must include a notarized application, a copy of your photo ID, and payment. All mailed applications must include a notarized proof of identification and a copy of your valid photo ID. Applications without the sworn statement and ID copy will not be processed. Send a check or money order payable to the Ellis County Clerk. Personal checks are not accepted.
A 2.4% or minimum $2 processing fee applies to all credit or debit card transactions. Call the office at (972) 825-5070 to ask about card payment options. Online ordering is available through authorized channels connected to the county's system.
The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics unit can also issue Ellis County birth records for events from 1926 onward. Online ordering through VitalChek is available for Texas vital records.
Important: Falsifying information on a birth certificate request is a felony in Texas, carrying a penalty of 2 to 10 years imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000.
Who Can Get an Ellis County Birth Certificate
Birth records less than 75 years old require qualified applicant status. Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191, qualified applicants include the registrant (if 18 or older), parents listed on the certificate, siblings, children, spouses, grandparents, and legal guardians or representatives with proper documentation.
Records that are 75 years or older become public record under Government Code 552.115(a)(1). Anyone can request copies of those older birth certificates without needing to show a family relationship. Ellis County's records going back to 1850 make this particularly relevant for genealogical research in this county.
Ellis County Birth Certificate Fees
A certified birth certificate is $23. A birth verification is $22. Each additional certified copy at the same time costs $4. No personal checks accepted. A 2.4% or minimum $2 processing fee applies to all credit and debit card transactions. Cash, cashier's check, or money order are the safest options to avoid card fees.
Texas Vital Records Resources
The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics unit at dshs.texas.gov handles statewide requests. Phone: (512) 776-7111. For legal self-help guides, visit TexasLawHelp.org. Birth registration law is in Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 192.
The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics office provides birth certificates for any Texas birth from 1926 forward, serving as a supplement to county-level records like those at the Ellis County Clerk.
Ellis County's own records go back to 1850, making the county clerk the primary source for older historical birth certificates in this county.
Cities in Ellis County
Ellis County includes Waxahachie, the county seat, and several other communities south of Dallas. All birth records for events in the county go through the Ellis County Clerk in Waxahachie.
No cities in Ellis County currently have dedicated city pages. Contact the county clerk for birth record requests.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near Ellis County in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.