Jeff Davis County Birth Records

Jeff Davis County birth records are held by the County Clerk in Fort Davis. The clerk maintains certified copies of birth certificates for people born in the county since 1903. Requests are accepted in person at the courthouse or by mail.

Jeff Davis County Clerk - Vital Records

Jeff Davis County is a large but sparsely populated county in the Trans-Pecos region of West Texas. The county seat is Fort Davis. The County Clerk's office there keeps all vital records for the county, including birth certificates going back to 1903. Given the county's remote location, mail requests are common, but in-person service is also available at the courthouse.

For people born elsewhere in Texas, the Jeff Davis County Clerk can access abstract copies through the state remote system for births from 1926 onward. Records before 1926 in other counties require direct contact with that county or with the Texas DSHS in Austin.

The RAO Genealogy Guide for Jeff Davis County lists vital records resources and contact information useful for people researching Jeff Davis County birth records.

This guide can help genealogists identify where records are held and what documentation exists for births in this West Texas county.

How to Request Jeff Davis County Birth Records

Because Fort Davis is remote, many people mail their birth certificate requests to the Jeff Davis County Clerk. To do that, fill out Form VS-140 and have it notarized. Attach a copy of your valid photo ID. Send a money order or check payable to Jeff Davis County Clerk along with the application.

If you are in the area, walk-in service at the courthouse in Fort Davis is available. Bring your ID and payment. Staff will pull the record and issue the certified copy during your visit.

The state option is also available. You can order online at Texas.gov, by mail to the Texas DSHS at P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040, or in person at 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756. Online orders are typically mailed within 15-25 business days.

Texas restricts access to birth records under 75 years old. Qualified applicants are the person named on the record, a parent, spouse, child, sibling, grandparent, or legal representative. This requirement comes from Texas Government Code Section 552.115.

Birth Certificate Fees

The standard fee for a certified copy of a Texas birth certificate is $22.00. Each additional copy costs $22.00. This is the same at both the county and state levels. If you use a third-party service, expect an additional service charge.

Foster and homeless youth may get free certified copies. Active military with deployment orders may be exempt under Texas Government Code 437.217. Contact the Jeff Davis County Clerk before mailing to ask about exemptions.

Jeff Davis County Birth Certificate Types

Texas issues several types of birth certificates. The Long Form is a certified copy of the original and is needed for passports and federal purposes. It includes a history of any corrections. The Short Form is an abstract with current information only and works for schools, employers, and most state agencies.

The Heirloom Certificate is decorative and has no legal standing. The Verification Letter confirms a record is on file without being a full certified copy. Choose the type based on what the requesting organization requires before you apply.

Jeff Davis County's remote location and small population mean that older records may be particularly important for genealogical research. The RAO Genealogy Guide is a useful starting point for locating historical records in this area.

Texas Birth Record Laws

Texas birth registration falls under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 192. Births must be filed within five days with the local registrar. Records move from the registrar to the county clerk to the state. The state has kept records since 1903.

Delayed registration for births not recorded within the first year is governed by Texas Administrative Code Rule 181.60. Corrections use Form VS-170, available at the DSHS amendment page. Fees for corrections are $15-$25 depending on the type of change.

Nearby Counties

Jeff Davis County is in the Trans-Pecos region of West Texas. These neighboring counties each have a County Clerk that handles local birth records.