Jim Wells County Birth Records Search

Jim Wells County birth records are maintained by the County Clerk in Alice. The office holds certified copies of birth certificates for people born in the county since 1903. Requests can be made in person, by mail, or through the Texas DSHS state system.

Jim Wells County Clerk - Vital Records

The Jim Wells County Clerk in Alice handles birth records for this South Texas county. Alice is the county seat and the largest city in Jim Wells County. The clerk's office maintains birth certificates for all births recorded in the county going back to 1903. If you need a certified birth record from Jim Wells County, start here.

The county is located between Corpus Christi and Laredo in South Texas. The clerk can also pull abstract records for births in other Texas counties through the state remote system, which covers births from 1926 forward. Earlier records require direct contact with the county of birth or the Texas DSHS.

How to Get Jim Wells County Birth Records

In-person requests at the courthouse in Alice are the fastest way to get a certified copy. Bring your ID, request the record at the counter, and pay the fee. The clerk issues the copy during your visit.

To request by mail, fill out Form VS-140 and have it notarized. Include a photocopy of your valid photo ID and a money order or check payable to Jim Wells County Clerk. Mail to the courthouse address above. Jim Wells County also had a notarized mail application available on the county site for 2023, though you can also use the standard state form.

The state portal at Texas.gov also handles birth record orders. Online orders are typically processed and mailed within 15-25 business days. The state office in Austin accepts walk-in and mail requests as well.

Texas limits access to birth records less than 75 years old under Texas Government Code Section 552.115. Qualified applicants are the person named on the record, a parent, spouse, child, sibling, grandparent, or legal representative. Valid ID is required for all requests.

Jim Wells County Birth Certificate Fees

A certified copy of a Texas birth certificate costs $22.00. Each additional copy ordered at the same time is also $22.00. The fee is the same at both the county and state levels. Third-party services add extra charges on top.

Foster youth and homeless youth may get free copies under Texas law. Active military with deployment orders may be exempt under Texas Government Code 437.217. Call the clerk's office before submitting to ask about current fees and available waivers.

Types of Birth Certificates

Texas issues Long Form and Short Form birth certificates. The Long Form is a full certified copy of the original and is required for passports and many federal purposes. It shows all correction history. The Short Form is an abstract showing current information only and works for most everyday uses like schools and employment.

The Heirloom Certificate is a decorative version with no legal value. The Verification Letter confirms a record is on file but is not a certified copy. For most official uses, you need the Long Form or Short Form. Ask the organization requiring the document which format they accept before you apply.

Texas Birth Records Legal Framework

Texas birth registration is required under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 192. The birth must be filed within five days with the local registrar. The physician or hospital typically files the certificate. It then moves to the county clerk and then to the state.

Late-filed births are handled as delayed birth certificates under Texas Administrative Code Rule 181.60. To correct a birth record, use Form VS-170 from the DSHS amendment page. Correction fees range from $15 to $25.

The state DSHS office in Austin is available for walk-in service at 1100 West 49th Street, TX 78756. Mail requests go to P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040. More details on the process are at dshs.texas.gov.

Nearby Counties

Jim Wells County is in South Texas between Corpus Christi and Laredo. These bordering counties each have their own County Clerk for local birth records.