Birth Records in King County
King County birth records are kept at the County Clerk's office in Guthrie. Certified birth certificates for births in this small North Texas county are available from 1903. Requests are handled in person or by mail through the County Clerk.
King County Overview
King County Clerk Office
The King County Clerk is the official keeper of birth records for King County. Guthrie is the county seat and the location of the county government offices. With a very small population, King County is one of the least populous counties in Texas, but birth records are still kept and accessible through the clerk's office.
King County is in Northwest Texas. Given the county's small size, calling ahead is a good idea before visiting in person. The clerk can tell you whether a particular record exists before you make the trip. Mail requests are often more practical for most people seeking King County birth certificates.
| Office | King County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | Guthrie, TX 79236 |
| Phone | (806) 596-4412 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Requesting King County Birth Records
You can request a King County birth certificate by contacting the County Clerk in Guthrie directly. For mail requests, send a written application with the name at birth, date of birth, parents' names, your relationship to the person on the record, a copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order for the fee.
For births after 1926, the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics office in Austin also holds King County records through the state remote access system. You can order online at dshs.texas.gov or through VitalChek. The state uses Form VS-140 for mail applications.
Texas law under Health and Safety Code Chapter 192 limits who can receive a certified birth certificate. Eligible applicants are the person named, their parents, siblings, grandparents, spouse, and legal representatives. You must provide valid photo ID with your request.
Because King County is very small, some records from the earliest years may be limited. If you cannot find a record through the county, the DSHS office and the Texas State Library at tsl.texas.gov may have supplemental historical records or indexes.
Birth Certificate Fees
Certified birth certificates in King County cost $22 for the first copy. Additional copies ordered at the same time run $3 each. Texas law sets these fees across the state. Pay by check or money order for mail requests to the county clerk.
The DSHS state office charges the same base fee. Online orders through VitalChek may carry a service fee. Expedited processing at the state level is available for an extra charge.
Note: King County is very rural. It is a good idea to call the clerk at (806) 596-4412 before mailing a request to confirm current office hours and procedures.
Texas State Vital Records
The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics office manages statewide birth records going back to 1926. This remote access system lets county clerks pull records from other counties for residents who need a certificate but were born in a different part of Texas.
Birth registration requirements are set by Health and Safety Code Chapter 192. All births in Texas must be registered within five days of birth. For very old records or delayed registrations in King County, the county clerk's original files are the starting point.
Historical research for King County births may also be found through the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Their holdings include birth indexes and genealogical records that go back to the early 1900s. Visit tsl.texas.gov to learn what they have available.
Resources for Birth Records
The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics page at dshs.texas.gov is the state portal for ordering birth certificates from all Texas counties including King County. It covers ordering methods and lists who qualifies to request a copy.
The Texas.gov portal for vital records offers links to ordering options and information for residents seeking King County birth certificates.
These state resources are the best starting point for online or mail-in requests for King County birth records.
Cities in King County
Guthrie is the only incorporated community in King County and serves as the county seat. All birth records for the county are managed through the County Clerk in Guthrie.
King County has a very small and spread-out population. No communities meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site.
Nearby Counties
King County borders several other North Texas counties. Check the county where the birth took place when requesting records.