Jim Hogg County Birth Records

Jim Hogg County birth records are kept by the County Clerk in Hebbronville. The clerk maintains certified copies of birth certificates for people born in the county since 1903. You can request records in person at the courthouse or by mail, and you can also order through the Texas state vital records system.

Jim Hogg County Clerk Office

Jim Hogg County is a small county in South Texas near the Mexico border. The county seat is Hebbronville. The County Clerk there holds all birth records for the county going back to 1903. Despite the county's small population, the clerk's office handles requests the same way any other Texas county does.

If you were born in Jim Hogg County and need a certified birth certificate, contact the county clerk directly. For births in other Texas counties, the clerk can access abstract copies through the state remote system for births from 1926 onward. Earlier records require contacting the birth county or the Texas DSHS.

The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section is the state agency that oversees all Texas birth records, including those from Jim Hogg County.

The state office processes requests from residents of all Texas counties and can be a useful alternative if you cannot reach the county clerk directly.

Requesting Jim Hogg County Birth Records

Walk-in service at the courthouse in Hebbronville is the fastest option. Bring your valid photo ID and payment. The clerk can search the records and issue a certified copy during your visit.

For mail requests, fill out Form VS-140. Have it notarized, attach a photocopy of your valid photo ID, and include a money order or check payable to Jim Hogg County Clerk. Mail everything to the address above. Processing times vary but expect several weeks.

You can also order through the state. Visit Texas.gov to order online, with delivery in 15-25 business days. The state also accepts mail at DSHS-VSS, P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040, and walk-in requests at 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756.

Texas law limits access to birth records less than 75 years old. Qualified applicants under Texas Government Code Section 552.115 are the person named on the certificate, their parents, spouse, children, siblings, grandparents, or a legal representative. All must show valid ID.

Jim Hogg County Birth Certificate Fees

The state-set fee for a certified copy of a birth certificate is $22.00. Each additional copy costs $22.00. This applies at both the county and state levels. Third-party services add their own fees on top.

Foster youth, homeless youth, and active military personnel with deployment orders may qualify for fee exemptions. For the military exemption, see Texas Government Code 437.217. Contact the Jim Hogg County Clerk ahead of time to ask about any available waivers.

Birth Certificate Formats

Texas offers Long Form and Short Form birth certificates, as well as Heirloom Certificates and Verification Letters. The Long Form is a full certified copy of the original and is required for passports and most federal purposes. The Short Form is an abstract with current information and works for most everyday needs.

The Heirloom Certificate is decorative and has no legal use. The Verification Letter confirms a record exists but is not a certified copy. Know which type you need before submitting your request. If uncertain, the Long Form is the safest choice for legal purposes.

Texas Birth Record Law and Process

Texas requires birth registration under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 192. Births must be filed within five days. The physician or hospital sends the certificate to the local registrar, then to the county clerk, then to the state.

Delayed birth registrations for late-filed births are handled under Texas Administrative Code Rule 181.60. To correct a birth record, use Form VS-170. See the Texas DSHS amendment page for details and fees.

The Texas DSHS has information on who qualifies to request birth certificates and what IDs are acceptable. Reading these pages before submitting your request can help you avoid common errors that cause delays.

Nearby Counties

Jim Hogg County is in South Texas. These neighboring counties each have a County Clerk office that handles local birth records.