Morris County Birth Records

Morris County birth records are kept at the County Clerk's office in Daingerfield, Texas. If you need to find or request a birth certificate for someone born in Morris County, this page covers how to do it, what to bring, and who can apply. The County Clerk has served as the local registrar for births since statewide registration began in 1903.

Morris County Clerk Office

The Morris County Clerk handles all birth records for the county. This office serves as the local registrar, which means it collects and stores birth certificates for everyone born in Morris County. You can get a certified copy of a birth record in person at the courthouse in Daingerfield. The county was created from Titus County in 1875 and has maintained records since that time.

Birth records from 1903 to the present are on file. Some delayed birth certificates filed before 1903 may also be available. If you were born in another Texas county, the Morris County Clerk can access abstract records from 1926 forward through the state remote system. For births before 1926 in another county, you need to contact that county directly.

Note: Contact the office before visiting to confirm current hours and any walk-in policies that may apply.

How to Get a Morris County Birth Certificate

You can request a Morris County birth record in person or by mail. In-person requests are handled at the County Clerk's office in Daingerfield. Mail requests require a notarized application and copies of your ID. Either way, you need to be a qualified applicant to get a certified copy of a birth certificate that is less than 75 years old.

Qualified applicants include the person named on the certificate, parents, siblings, grandparents, spouse, legal guardian, or legal representative. If you are requesting for a family member, you need to show your relationship to them. A child requesting a parent's record needs a copy of their own birth certificate showing the parent listed. A spouse requesting a record needs a copy of the marriage license. Proof of relationship is required in most cases.

To request a birth certificate, you will need to provide:

• Full legal name as shown on the birth record
• Date and place of birth
• Father's full name
• Mother's full maiden name
• Your name, address, and phone number
• Your relationship to the person on the record
• A valid government-issued photo ID

The Texas Department of State Health Services also maintains statewide birth records. You can order certified copies online through the state at dshs.texas.gov. The state system allows online ordering and works well if you need records quickly or cannot visit in person.

Birth Certificate Fees in Morris County

The fee for a certified copy of a birth certificate in Morris County is $23.00. Each additional copy ordered at the same time costs $4.00. Death certificates run $21.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy when ordered together.

Payment is accepted in cash, by check, or by money order. Make checks and money orders payable to the Morris County Clerk. If you are mailing your request, do not send cash. Use a check or money order only. Some offices also accept credit or debit cards in person, but check ahead as this can vary.

If you cannot afford the fee, Texas law allows for indigent fee waivers in some cases. The court can waive fees if you show you are unable to pay. Ask the County Clerk's office about the process.

Birth Record Access Rules

Texas birth records are confidential for 75 years from the date of birth. That means you cannot get a certified copy of a birth record less than 75 years old unless you are a qualified applicant. Records older than 75 years are open to the public, and anyone can request them without showing a relationship.

This rule comes from Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191, which sets out how Texas manages vital records. The law also says that birth records can be used as legal documents to prove identity. Certified copies issued by the County Clerk or by the Texas DSHS carry the same weight. Abstract copies, which are shorter versions of the record, may not be accepted for passport applications. If you need the record for a passport, ask for the full certified copy from the county of birth.

Note: Abstract copies obtained through the state remote system can only be used for certain purposes and may not satisfy all legal requirements.

Texas Birth Records Resources

The Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Section manages birth records at the state level. You can reach their office at (888) 963-7111 or visit dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics. They handle online orders, mail requests, and can answer questions about what types of records are available.

For online ordering, Texas uses VitalChek as its approved partner. You can order through the DSHS website or by calling the state office. Processing times vary, but expedited options are available. The state holds birth records from 1903 forward for births across all Texas counties.

The CDC Where to Write for Vital Records page lists the Texas state office contact information and explains the mail-in process. Birth certificate requests can be sent to the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section, P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711. Include a completed VS-140 application form, a copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order for the fee.

Texas Vital Statistics Portal

The Texas Department of State Health Services runs the statewide portal for ordering birth and death certificates. You can visit dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics to start an online request or learn more about the process.

The DSHS portal lets you order certified birth certificates online, check the status of a request, and find downloadable application forms for mail-in requests.

Cities in Morris County

Morris County is home to several communities. All birth records for births in Morris County are filed with the Morris County Clerk in Daingerfield.

Communities in Morris County include Daingerfield, Naples, Cason, and Omaha. None of these cities currently have separate city pages. All birth record requests go through the County Clerk's office.

Nearby Counties

Morris County borders several other counties in East Texas. If you are unsure which county holds a birth record, check the county where the birth took place.