Jones County Birth Records

Jones County birth records are held by the County Clerk in Anson. The clerk maintains certified copies of birth certificates for people born in the county since 1903 and processes requests from qualified applicants in person and by mail.

Jones County Clerk - Vital Records

The Jones County Clerk in Anson is where birth records for this West Texas county are kept. The county seat is Anson, and the clerk handles requests for birth certificates going back to when Texas required statewide registration in 1903. The clerk also handles mail-in applications for those who cannot visit in person.

The clerk has an official website at co.jones.tx.us where you can find current contact information and any updates to their procedures. Jones County also makes a birth certificate application by mail available for download from their site, or you can use the standard state form.

The Jones County Clerk official website has information on how to request birth records and other vital documents from the county.

Checking the official site before submitting your request helps confirm the current process and any requirements specific to Jones County.

Requesting Jones County Birth Records

Walk-in service is the most direct method. Go to the Jones County Courthouse in Anson, bring your ID, fill out the request form, and pay the fee. The clerk will find the record and issue your certified copy during the visit.

For mail requests, complete Form VS-140. The application must be notarized. Include a copy of your valid photo ID and a money order or check payable to Jones County Clerk. Send to the courthouse address above. Allow several weeks for the process to complete.

The state is another option. Order online at Texas.gov, which typically processes and mails orders within 15-25 business days. The DSHS in Austin also accepts walk-in and mail requests.

Texas law limits birth record access under 75 years old to qualified applicants only. Texas Government Code Section 552.115 defines those qualified applicants: the person named, a parent, spouse, child, sibling, grandparent, or a legal representative. All need valid ID.

Jones County Birth Record Fees

The fee for a certified copy is $22.00. Each copy, whether one or several ordered together, costs $22.00. The fee is the same at the county and state levels. Third-party services may add extra charges.

Foster youth, homeless youth, and active military with deployment orders may be eligible for fee waivers. Military exemptions are provided under Texas Government Code 437.217. Contact the clerk to ask about these before you send your request.

Birth Certificate Formats

Texas offers four types of birth certificates. The Long Form is the most complete and is required for passports and some federal uses. It includes correction history. The Short Form is an abstract of current information and works for most everyday purposes. The Heirloom Certificate is decorative and has no legal use. The Verification Letter confirms a record exists but is not a certified copy.

Choose based on what the requesting organization needs. When in doubt, the Long Form is the safest option. Ask before applying if you are not sure which type is required.

Texas Vital Records Law

Texas birth registration falls under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 192. Births must be registered within five days. The physician or hospital files with the local registrar, who sends it to the county clerk and then to the state. The Texas DSHS has maintained these records since 1903.

Delayed birth certificates, for births not registered within the first year, are handled under Texas Administrative Code Rule 181.60. They require documentary evidence and cannot be accessed through the county remote system. Corrections to existing records use Form VS-170. Details are at the DSHS amendment page.

The state DSHS office is at 1100 West 49th Street, Austin, TX 78756 for walk-in service. Mail goes to P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040. Online orders go through Texas.gov.

Nearby Counties

Jones County is in West Texas. These neighboring counties each have their own County Clerk for local birth records.