Access Parmer County Birth Records

Parmer County birth records are kept at the County Clerk's office in Farwell, Texas. The clerk holds certified birth certificates for all births in the county starting from 1903. This page explains how to request a Parmer County birth record, what you need to qualify, and the fees involved.

Parmer County Clerk Office

The Parmer County Clerk maintains vital records, including birth and death certificates, for everyone born in the county. Parmer County was created from Bexar County in 1876 and named for Martin Parmer, a soldier in the Texas Revolution and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Records here start a bit later than most Texas counties. Marriage records date from 1907, land records from 1907, and birth records from 1907 when the county was more fully organized.

Farwell sits right on the Texas-New Mexico state line, making it the westernmost county seat in the Texas Panhandle area. You can get birth certificates in person at the courthouse or send a mail request. In-person visits are the most direct route. Mail requests must include a notarized application and a copy of your ID.

Getting a Birth Certificate in Parmer County

Texas birth records under 75 years old require you to be a qualified applicant. That means the person on the certificate, their parents, siblings, grandparents, spouse, legal guardian, or legal representative. Records 75 or more years old are public and available to anyone.

To request in person, bring a valid photo ID and any documents showing your relationship to the person on the record. Have the full legal name on the birth certificate, the date of birth, the place of birth, the father's name, and the mother's maiden name ready. These details help the clerk find the record quickly.

For mail requests, complete an application and have your signature notarized. Include a copy of your government-issued photo ID and a check or money order for the fee. Mail the packet to the Parmer County Clerk. The clerk will process and return the certified copy by mail.

You can also order through the Texas DSHS at dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics. The state handles online and mail orders for all Texas counties. Call (888) 963-7111 for state office help.

Birth Record Fees

Certified birth certificates in Parmer County cost $23.00 per copy. Extra copies ordered at the same time are $4.00 each. Death certificates are $21.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy.

For mail requests, pay by check or money order payable to the Parmer County Clerk. Do not mail cash. In person, cash, check, and money order are typically accepted. Card policies vary, so call ahead.

Texas Birth Record Laws

Texas vital records are governed by Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191. This chapter sets the 75-year restriction on birth records, defines qualified applicants, and establishes how records are maintained and accessed. All Texas counties, including Parmer, must follow these rules.

Certified copies issued by the County Clerk carry full legal weight. They are accepted for passports, Social Security applications, and other official purposes. Abstract copies from the state remote system are shorter and may not satisfy all requirements. If you need the record for official government use, ask for a full certified copy from the county of birth.

Texas DSHS Vital Statistics

The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Section offers statewide access to birth records, including those for Parmer County. Visit dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics to order online or download the application form.

The DSHS portal handles online orders for all 254 Texas counties and accepts credit card payments for online requests.

Cities in Parmer County

Parmer County includes Farwell and several other communities. All births in the county are registered with the County Clerk in Farwell.

Communities in Parmer County include Farwell, Bovina, and Lazbuddie. None of these cities have separate city pages on this site.

Nearby Counties

Parmer County is in the far western Texas Panhandle. These Texas counties border it on the east and south.