BIRTH RECORDS  

Birth records maintained by the Clerk and the Bureau of Vital Statistics are closed to public inspection, with the exception of birth records that have reached the 75th anniversary of the date of birth as shown on the record. However, if you are a qualified applicant, you will be able to purchase a Birth Certificate for any birth that took place in the State of Texas at the Kaufman County Clerk’s office (dating from 1926 – present) or any birth that took place in Kaufman County that date from 1860 to present. Though, the more recent records are not usually available until about three weeks after the birth.

The county birth records date back to around 1860; however, we presently do not have all the birth records for events that happened in the City of Terrell, Terrell is also a local Registrar. Those certificates that we don’t possess can be located at the City of Terrell. For information on Terrell births, you will need to call 972-551-6619.

For genealogical search information, contact the Genealogy Collection at the State Archives Library at 512-463-5463.

Other Useful Link – Kaufman County TX GenWeb Project Site

 Qualified Applicants
Because birth records are protected by state law, you must be a qualified applicant in order to receive a birth certificate.

The following may apply for a Birth Certificate:  

• The person named in the record
• .The parents, sibling, spouse, grandparent, legal guardian or managing  conservator of the registrant
• .Legal representative, agent or other person acting under contract for the registrant. A letter of permission and copy of identification from the registrant must be provided.
•  Any one else must have a signed (original) statement authorizing them (naming them) to pick up the birth certificate. This statement must include a copy of your government issued ID. The person named in your request must present their original government issued ID also. The form that can be used for authorization “Designation Document” can be found below in the Forms section.

Necessary Information

An applicant must provide all necessary information and show proper identification prior to obtaining the certificate.

The following information is required:  

• Full name as it appears on birth record
• Date and Place of Birth
• Parents names, including mothers maiden name
• Your relationship to person named on certificate
• Your Name and mailing address
• Purpose of record
• Valid identification (Photo ID preferred)
• Appropriate fee. Accepted forms of payment are: cash, check, money order, or credit card.

The above information is required by the Texas Administrative Code Sec. 181.28 http://www.sos.state.tx.us/tac/

Birth records are considered confidential information; therefore, all requirements must be met. If you are unable to meet the requirements, please contact the State Bureau of Vital Statistics in Austin. The toll-free phone number is (888) 963-7111. The fax number is (512) 458-7506

Procedures to Purchase a Birth Certificate

In Person:

• 1. Download the attached Birth Certificate Application (see below) or obtain application from clerk
•  Complete and sign the application
• Provide necessary Identification and pay appropriate fee
• Complete application will be processed and Birth Certificate (if available) will be provided immediately.

By Mail:

• Download the attached Birth Certificate Application (see below), or send a letter which includes all of the information required. Include in either case, a legible return address and daytime telephone number
• Complete and sign the application
• Mail with a copy of valid ID and appropriate fee to:

Laura Hughes
Kaufman County Clerk
100 W. Mulberry
Kaufman, TX 75142
Attn: Vital Statistics Clerk

• Proper Identification and a check or money order, payable to the Laura Hughes County Clerk, must accompany the Birth Certificate Application or written request. Please do not send cash through the mail
• Completed application will be processed and Birth Certificate will be mailed within 7 business days.

Applicable Fees

The fee for a Birth Certificate is $23.00 for each certified copy.

·        Type of Payments Accepted: Cash (for your protection, please don’t mail cash!)

·        Check or Money Order – Made payable to Laura Hughes County Clerk

·        Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover) must include a daytime phone number if you are paying by credit card.

For a complete list of forms and instructions on downloading please visit our Forms page. The forms you print and use must be clear and sharp. Applications that are blurred or illegible will not be accepted. They must be printed in black print on white paper. The paper must be 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches, with no holes or perforations, at least medium (20 lb.) weight, and with a matte surface. Thermal paper, special inkjet paper, and other shiny-papers are not acceptable.