Franklin County Birth Records

Franklin County birth records are kept at the County Clerk's office in Mount Vernon. The clerk holds birth certificates from 1903 and issues certified copies to qualified applicants. Franklin County is in northeast Texas, east of Dallas in the Piney Woods region.

Franklin County Clerk

The Franklin County Clerk in Mount Vernon maintains vital records for the county. Birth records are available from 1903. The clerk's office also holds marriage, land, and probate records. Requests can be made in person at the courthouse in Mount Vernon or by mail. The clerk handles all vital records requests for anyone born within Franklin County.

Franklin County is in the northeast Texas Piney Woods area. It is a smaller rural county, but the clerk's office is fully operational and can assist with birth certificate requests. Calling ahead before visiting is always a good idea for small county offices.

Requesting a Franklin County Birth Certificate

To get a Franklin County birth certificate, visit the courthouse in Mount Vernon or send a mail-in request. For mail requests, include a copy of your photo ID, a completed application, and payment by check or money order made out to the Franklin County Clerk.

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, records are public.

For statewide records, use Texas DSHS Vital Statistics at dshs.texas.gov. Online orders go through VitalChek.

Documents needed for a Franklin County birth certificate request:

• Full name on the birth record
• Date and place of birth
• Parents' names for the long form
• Copy of your photo ID
• Proof of relationship if not the registrant
• Payment for the fee

Franklin County Birth Certificate Fees

The fee for a certified birth certificate in Franklin County is $23 for the first copy 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. Check with the county clerk for current payment options.

Franklin County Birth Certificate Contents

A long-form birth certificate from Franklin County shows the registrant's full name, date and location of birth, parents' names and birthplaces, the attending physician or midwife, and the delivery location. It carries the official seal and signature and is valid for passports and other legal uses. The short-form abstract shows only basic facts and is not valid for establishing identity.

For genealogy research on Franklin County families, the Texas State Library and Archives at tsl.texas.gov has older records. Texas DSHS also has records for all Texas births from 1903 forward.

Texas Birth Records

The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics office holds birth records for all Texas counties, including Franklin County.

The state vital statistics unit provides mail and online ordering through VitalChek for certified birth certificates from any Texas county, including Franklin County.

Nearby Counties

Franklin County is in northeast Texas. Check these neighboring counties for records from nearby areas.