Pecos County Birth Records

Pecos County birth records are kept at the County Clerk's office in Fort Stockton, Texas. The clerk maintains birth certificates for all births in the county going back to 1903. This page covers how to request a certified copy of a Pecos County birth record, what documents you need, and what the fees are.

Pecos County Clerk

The Pecos County Clerk maintains vital records for the county, including birth and death certificates. Pecos County was created from Presidio County in 1871 and named for the Pecos River. It is one of the largest counties by area in Texas. Marriage records go back to 1876, land records from 1875, and birth records from 1903.

Fort Stockton is the county seat and the location of the County Clerk's office. You can request a birth certificate in person there or by mail. In-person visits are faster. For mail requests, include a notarized application, a copy of your photo ID, and payment by check or money order.

Requesting a Birth Certificate

Texas birth records less than 75 years old are restricted. Only qualified applicants can get certified copies. Qualified applicants include the person named on the certificate, their parents, siblings, grandparents, spouse, legal guardian, or legal representative. Records older than 75 years are public.

To apply in person, bring a valid government-issued photo ID. If you need the record for a family member, bring documents that prove your relationship to them. Have the following ready: full legal name on the birth certificate, date of birth, place of birth, father's full name, and mother's full maiden name.

For mail requests, include a notarized proof of identification, a completed application, and payment. Do not mail cash. Send a check or money order to the Pecos County Clerk. The clerk mails the certified copy back after processing.

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

Pecos County Birth Record Fees

Certified birth certificate copies in Pecos County cost $23.00. Additional 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 when ordered together.

Mail payments must be by check or money order made out to the Pecos County Clerk. Cash by mail is not accepted. In person, cash, check, or money order are typically accepted. Check on card acceptance before your visit.

Texas Vital Records Law

Birth records in Texas are regulated under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191. This law covers the creation, storage, and access of vital records across all Texas counties. The 75-year rule applies statewide. Records older than 75 years become open to the public.

Certified copies are the full legal form of a birth record and are accepted for government and legal use. Abstract copies from the state remote system are shorter and may not satisfy all legal requirements. For passports or other official needs, request a full certified copy from the county of birth.

Texas State Vital Records

The Texas DSHS handles statewide vital records. Visit dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics to order online or find the VS-140 application form for mailing your request.

The DSHS portal serves all Texas counties including Pecos and accepts online credit card orders as well as mail requests.

Cities in Pecos County

Pecos County's main city is Fort Stockton, the county seat. All births in the county are registered with the County Clerk in Fort Stockton.

Other communities in Pecos County include Iraan and Sheffield. These cities do not have separate city pages on this site.

Nearby Counties

Pecos County is a large county in the Trans-Pecos region of West Texas. These neighboring counties each maintain their own birth records.