Howard County Birth Records

Howard County birth records are kept at the County Clerk's office in Big Spring. Certified birth certificates for births in this West Texas county are available from 1903 onward. You can request records in person or by mail through the County Clerk.

Howard County Clerk

The Howard County Clerk is the official keeper of birth records for births that occurred within Howard County. The office is located at the courthouse in Big Spring, the county seat. Staff can search records, process requests for certified copies, and help you understand what documentation you need.

Howard County is located in West Texas in the Permian Basin region. Big Spring is the county seat and the main population center. Birth records for the county go back to 1903. Some births filed more than a year after occurrence are cataloged as Delayed Birth Certificates. These are still accessible through the same clerk's office.

Requesting Howard County Birth Certificates

To get a birth certificate from Howard County, visit the County Clerk in Big Spring or send a mail request. Either way, you need to provide your name at birth, date of birth, parents' full names, your relationship to the person on the record, and a copy of your valid ID.

For mail requests, send to Howard County Clerk, 300 Main Street, Big Spring, TX 79720. Include a check or money order for the $22 fee. The clerk will process your request and mail the certificate. Processing times are generally faster for in-person visits.

The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics office in Austin also processes Howard County birth record requests for births from 1926 onward. Their online portal at dshs.texas.gov lets you submit a request online using a credit card. VitalChek is the authorized third-party vendor for DSHS online orders.

Texas restricts certified birth certificate access to qualified applicants under Health and Safety Code Chapter 192. Eligible applicants include the registrant, parents, siblings, grandparents, a spouse, and authorized legal representatives.

Howard County Birth Record Fees

Certified birth certificates in Howard County cost $22 each. Extra copies requested at the same time cost $3. These fees align with the Texas state fee schedule. The county clerk and the state DSHS charge the same base fee.

Mail requests require a check or money order. In-person requests at the Big Spring courthouse may accept cash. Online orders through VitalChek or the DSHS portal accept credit and debit cards. Expedited processing at the state level is available for an additional fee. Check the DSHS site for current rates.

Texas Birth Certificate System

Texas birth records are maintained by both county clerks and the state DSHS. The county clerk holds original records from births in that county. The state holds copies through its remote access system for births from 1926 forward. For births before 1926, only the county holds the original.

The registration of births in Texas is governed by Health and Safety Code Chapter 192. Hospitals and other birth attendants must file birth registrations within five days. The county clerk becomes the custodian of those records for their county.

If a birth certificate contains errors, the DSHS handles amendments through Form VS-170. Minor corrections may need just a notarized statement and supporting document. Major changes, like correcting parentage, usually need a court order. Contact DSHS or visit TexasLawHelp.org for guidance on the correction process.

Howard County Birth Record Resources

The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics homepage at dshs.texas.gov provides the main state resource for ordering Howard County birth certificates. The page explains ordering options, fees, and who can request a copy.

The Texas.gov vital records portal at texas.gov also offers ordering links and guidance for getting birth certificates from Howard County through official channels.

Both resources cover online, mail, and in-person options for residents seeking Howard County birth records.

Cities in Howard County

Big Spring is the county seat and largest city in Howard County. All birth records for the county are handled through the County Clerk in Big Spring.

Other communities include Coahoma, Forsan, and Sand Springs. None currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site.

Nearby Counties

Howard County is in the West Texas Permian Basin area. Check the county of birth when requesting records.