Tyler County Birth Records Search
Tyler County birth records are held by the County Clerk in Woodville. The county has some of the oldest vital records in Texas, with birth registrations dating back to 1838. You can request certified copies in person or by mail through the County Clerk's office.
Tyler County Overview
Tyler County Clerk Office
The Tyler County Clerk handles birth records for the county. Tyler County has birth records dating back to 1838, which makes it one of the few Texas counties with vital records from before statewide registration began in 1903. This is notable for genealogical research. The Clerk's office is in Woodville, which serves as the county seat.
Anyone who needs a certified copy of a birth record from Tyler County must go through the Clerk's office. You need to show that you are a qualified person under Texas law. Qualified persons include the registrant, parents listed on the record, legal guardians, and immediate family members. Bring a valid photo ID for any in-person request.
| Office | Tyler County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 116 S. Charlton St., Woodville, TX 75979 |
| Phone | (409) 283-2281 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
How to Request Birth Records in Tyler County
You can get birth records from Tyler County in person or by mail. Going in person is faster. The County Clerk can often process walk-in requests the same day. Bring your ID and payment with you.
For mail requests, download and complete the Texas Birth Certificate Application (Form VS-140) from the DSHS Vital Statistics website. If you mail the form, it must be notarized. Include a copy of your valid photo ID. Send a cashier's check or money order payable to the Tyler County Clerk. Do not send personal checks.
You can also order state-level copies online through the Texas.gov portal at texas.gov/texas-vital-records. Online orders are processed by the state DSHS office in Austin and take 20 to 25 business days. The state has held Texas birth records since 1903, but for records from 1838 to 1902, you need to contact the Tyler County Clerk directly.
Under Texas Government Code Section 552.115, birth records are not public information for 75 years from the date of birth. Only qualified applicants can request them during this period. Once the 75-year mark passes, the records become public and anyone can view or copy them.
Tyler County Birth Certificate Fees
The standard fee for a certified copy of a birth certificate is $23.00. If you need more than one copy, each additional one costs $23.00 as well. These fees apply when you request directly from the Tyler County Clerk.
If you order through the Texas DSHS state office, the fee is $22.00 per copy. Online orders through Texas.gov have the same $22.00 fee but include online processing fees. Payment methods vary by request type. In person, cash and card are generally accepted. By mail, use a cashier's check or money order only.
Note: Always confirm the current fee with the Tyler County Clerk at (409) 283-2281 before sending your payment, as fees may change.
Birth Registration Law in Texas
Texas law under Health and Safety Code Chapter 192 requires every birth to be registered within five days. The attending physician, midwife, or hospital administrator files the birth certificate with the local registrar. In Tyler County, the County Clerk is the local registrar.
When a birth certificate is filed with the County Clerk, a copy is forwarded to the Texas Department of State Health Services in Austin. This means birth records from Tyler County exist at both the local and state levels. Certified copies are available from either office. For older records, especially those before 1903, only the County Clerk is likely to have them.
Tyler County was formed in 1846 from Liberty County. Its early records date back to the Republic of Texas era. For genealogy research, this makes the Tyler County Clerk's archives especially valuable. The Texas State Library and Archives at loc.gov also provides guidance on locating older Texas vital records.
What Tyler County Birth Certificates Include
A certified birth certificate from Tyler County contains the full name of the person, date and place of birth, and the names of both parents. The long form shows the complete history of the record, including any amendments filed over the years. It is often required for passports, Social Security applications, and other legal uses. The short form shows only the current certified information and is accepted for most everyday purposes.
A typical Texas birth certificate includes the following:
- Full legal name of the child at birth
- Date, time, and city or county of birth
- Sex of the child
- Full names of the parents
- Mother's maiden name
- Name and signature of the birth attendant
- Certificate number and date filed
The section for the parents' Social Security numbers is held separately at the state level and is not part of the legal certificate that gets released.
Texas Vital Statistics Resources
The Texas Department of State Health Services serves as the state office for all Texas birth records, including those from Tyler County. DSHS has held statewide birth records since 1903.
The legal framework for Texas birth records comes from the Texas Health and Safety Code, which governs how birth certificates are filed, stored, and released.
Texas Government Code Section 552.115 governs who can access birth records before the 75-year public release date. The DSHS website explains these rules in detail.
Getting Help with Birth Records
If you need help navigating the process for Tyler County birth records, legal aid organizations may be able to assist. Lone Star Legal Aid serves the East Texas region and can help with vital records access and related legal matters. Contact them at lonestarlegal.org or call (800) 733-8394.
Self-help guides and official Texas court forms are available at texaslawhelp.org. For questions about amending a birth record or filing a delayed birth certificate, visit the DSHS amendment page or call the state office at (888) 963-7111.
Cities in Tyler County
Woodville is the county seat of Tyler County and serves as the main location for birth records requests. Other communities in the county include Spurger, Hillister, and Fred. All birth records for births within Tyler County go through the County Clerk's office in Woodville.
No cities in Tyler County currently exceed the population threshold for individual city pages.
Nearby Counties
Tyler County sits in East Texas and borders several other counties. Check where the birth took place to know which county holds the record.