Terrell County Birth Records
Terrell County birth records are maintained by the County Clerk in Sanderson, Texas. Certified copies of birth certificates are available for births that took place within this remote West Texas county.
Terrell County Overview
Terrell County Clerk
The Terrell County Clerk in Sanderson handles all vital records for this sparsely populated West Texas county. The office records births and deaths occurring within the county and issues certified copies upon request. Birth records are available from 1903. Death certificates cost $21.00 per copy.
Sanderson is a small town in the remote Trans-Pecos region of Texas. If you need a birth certificate from Terrell County, the best option for most people who do not live nearby is a mail request or ordering through the Texas DSHS state system. The county clerk accepts mail requests and can process them and return certified copies by mail.
| Office | Terrell County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | P.O. Box 410, Sanderson, TX 79848-0410 |
| Phone | (432) 345-2391 |
| Birth Fee | $23.00 per certified copy |
| Death Fee | $21.00 per certified copy |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
How to Request Terrell County Birth Records
You can get a Terrell County birth certificate in person or by mail. Given the remote location of Sanderson, many people choose the mail option. Write to the Terrell County Clerk at P.O. Box 410, Sanderson, TX 79848. Include a completed application, a notarized copy of your photo ID, and a cashier's check or money order for $23.00.
In-person requests are also accepted during business hours at the Sanderson courthouse. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. The fee is $23.00 per birth certificate and $21.00 per death certificate. The clerk can look up the record while you wait and issue a certified copy on the spot.
Qualified applicants for birth records under 75 years old include the person named on the certificate, immediate family members, legal guardians, and authorized representatives. If the record is 75 years old or older, it is public information and available to anyone who requests it.
Note: The Texas DSHS in Austin can also issue birth certificates for Terrell County births. This is often easier for people who live far from Sanderson. Call DSHS at (888) 963-7111 or visit dshs.texas.gov to start a state-level request.
Terrell County Birth Record Details
A certified birth certificate from Terrell County contains the basic facts of the birth: the full name of the child, the date and place of birth, the names of both parents as listed at registration, and related details. This document is legally recognized for purposes like passport applications, Social Security cards, school enrollment, and many other official needs.
Under Texas law, birth records from the last 75 years are restricted to qualified applicants. Older records become public on the 75th anniversary of the birth date. For Terrell County, records from the early and mid-20th century are now open for public research.
The Texas DSHS in Austin also holds copies of all Texas birth records, including those from Terrell County. If you are not sure whether the county has your specific record, the state office is a reliable backup. The state system can issue certified copies for births statewide starting from 1903.
State Level Birth Records for Terrell County
The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit maintains copies of birth records for all Texas counties, including Terrell. This is particularly useful for Terrell County because the county seat of Sanderson is remote and not easy to reach for most Texans. The state system allows you to request records by mail or through the VitalChek online portal without traveling to Sanderson.
VitalChek is the authorized online ordering partner for the Texas DSHS. You can submit your request, pay by credit card, and have the certified copy mailed to you. This is a convenient option for people who need a Terrell County birth certificate but are located elsewhere in Texas or out of state.
For genealogy purposes, birth records from Terrell County that are more than 75 years old are public. Researchers can request them from either the county clerk or the state. FamilySearch and other genealogy platforms index many older Texas county records and can help you confirm details before making a formal request.
The Texas Department of State Health Services at dshs.texas.gov maintains statewide birth records including those from Terrell County and can issue certified copies to qualified applicants.
Nearby Counties
Terrell County is in far West Texas. These neighboring counties each have their own county clerks for birth records.