Upshur County Birth Records
Upshur County birth records are maintained by the County Clerk in Gilmer, Texas. These records are restricted for 75 years under state law, and only qualified persons can request certified copies. The Clerk's office accepts requests in person or by mail.
Upshur County Overview
Upshur County Clerk Vital Records
The Upshur County Clerk maintains all birth and death records for the county. Birth records are closed for 75 years from the date of birth. Death records are closed for 25 years. Only qualified persons can request these records during the restricted period. Qualified persons include the registrant, immediate family members by blood, marriage, or adoption, guardians, legal agents or representatives, and law enforcement or government agencies with a direct and tangible interest in the record.
To get an Upshur County birth certificate, you need to complete an application form, provide a copy of valid ID, and pay the fee. You can submit in person at the County Clerk's office or mail your request to their vital records mailing address.
| Office | Upshur County Clerk - Vital Records |
|---|---|
| In-Person Address | 100 West Tyler Street, Gilmer, TX 75644 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 730, Gilmer, TX 75644 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Requesting Upshur County Birth Certificates
You can go in person to the Upshur County Clerk's office at 100 West Tyler Street in Gilmer. Bring a completed application form, your valid photo ID, and payment. The office accepts debit and credit cards in person, though additional fees may apply for card payments.
For mail requests, send your completed application along with a copy of your valid ID and payment. Mail requests require a cashier's check or money order. Personal checks are not accepted. Send your request to Upshur County Clerk, Vital Records, P.O. Box 730, Gilmer, TX 75644.
You can also order state-level copies through the Texas.gov vital records portal or directly from the DSHS Vital Statistics Section. The state fee is $22.00. Online orders take approximately 20 to 25 business days. Mail orders to the state office take 6 to 8 weeks.
Under Texas Government Code Section 552.115, birth records are not public until 75 years after the date of birth. After that point, anyone can view or copy the record.
Birth Certificate Fees in Upshur County
Upshur County charges $23.00 for a certified copy of a birth certificate. Death certificates cost $21.00. Each additional copy ordered at the same time is the same price.
When submitting by mail, only cashier's checks or money orders are accepted. No personal checks. If you pay in person with a debit or credit card, expect a small additional processing fee. Call ahead to the Clerk's office to confirm current payment methods.
If you order from the state DSHS office instead, the fee is $22.00 per copy. The application form is Form VS-140, which you can download from the DSHS website. Walk-in service at the state office in Austin provides same-day processing on most days.
How Birth Records Are Filed
Under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 192, every birth in the state must be registered within five days. The physician, midwife, or hospital administrator attending the birth files the certificate with the local registrar. In Upshur County, the County Clerk is the local registrar. The record is then forwarded to the Texas DSHS office in Austin.
Because both the county and state hold copies, you have two options for requesting a certified birth certificate. For Upshur County births, either office can provide a certified copy. However, the county clerk often processes requests faster for local residents, and some older records may only exist at the county level.
If a birth was not registered at the time it occurred, Texas allows a delayed birth certificate to be filed. The DSHS handles these requests. Details are on the DSHS Vital Statistics page. You need supporting documents to prove the birth took place in Texas.
What Upshur County Birth Records Contain
A certified birth certificate from Upshur County includes identifying information about the person and their birth event. The record shows the person's full name, date and place of birth, and the names of both parents. The long form birth certificate is a copy of the original and includes any amendments or corrections made since it was first filed. It is the type most often required for legal purposes like passports and court proceedings.
The short form birth certificate shows only current data. No history of changes. It is accepted for things like school enrollment, driver's license applications, and proof of age. The heirloom certificate is a decorative version and is not valid for legal purposes.
A standard Texas birth certificate typically shows:
- Child's full name at birth
- Date, time, and location of birth
- Sex and race
- Parents' full names and ages
- Mother's maiden name
- Attending physician or midwife
- Certificate number and registration date
Texas DSHS and State Resources
The Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Statistics Section holds birth records for all Texas counties including Upshur. Their office in Austin also processes requests by mail and in person.
The DSHS website provides Form VS-140, fee details, and a list of acceptable IDs for birth records requests. Processing times and contact info are also posted there.
For historical Upshur County birth records or genealogical research, the Texas State Library and Archives also holds some early county-level records alongside the DSHS files.
Resources and Legal Help
For legal help with vital records issues in Upshur County, Lone Star Legal Aid serves the East Texas region. They handle family law and vital records matters for low-income residents. Visit lonestarlegal.org or call (800) 733-8394.
The Texas State Bar's lawyer referral line is (800) 252-9690. Self-help guides are also available at texaslawhelp.org. For questions about amending a birth certificate in Upshur County, the DSHS amendment form is VS-170, available at dshs.texas.gov.
Cities in Upshur County
Gilmer is the county seat of Upshur County. Other communities include Big Sandy, Ore City, and Gladewater (shared with Gregg and Wood counties). All birth records for Upshur County go through the County Clerk's office in Gilmer.
No cities in Upshur County currently exceed the population threshold for individual city pages.
Nearby Counties
Upshur County is in the East Texas Piney Woods region. Nearby counties include: