Tarrant County Vital Records
This guide explains how to obtain vital records — birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses — through the Tarrant County Clerk's Vital Records Division in Tarrant County, Texas. It covers who may request certified copies, confidentiality periods, and how to order in person or by mail.
Vital Records in Tarrant County, Texas
The Tarrant County Clerk's Vital Records Division handles birth records, death records, and marriage licenses for events that occurred within Tarrant County. In 2023, the county recorded roughly 28,006 births and 14,996 deaths, and the Clerk's office issues certified copies of these events to eligible requestors.
This website is an informational resource only. It does not sell, issue, or display certificates, and it is not affiliated with the Tarrant County Clerk. To order an actual certified record, you must go directly to the County Clerk's Vital Records Division through its official pages.
Note that divorce records are not a vital-records product in Texas. Divorce decrees in Tarrant County are held by the District Clerk (Family Law), not the County Clerk. See the sibling divorce-records page for that process.
Birth and Death Certificates
The County Clerk issues certified copies of Tarrant County birth and death records. Because these documents contain sensitive personal information, Texas law restricts who can obtain a certified copy and for how long records remain confidential.
Confidentiality periods
- Birth records are confidential for 75 years from the date of the event.
- Death records are confidential for 25 years from the date of the event.
During those confidentiality periods, only an eligible requestor may order a certified copy. That generally means the person named on the record, an immediate family member, or a legal representative with proper documentation. You will need to present valid government-issued photo identification and meet the Clerk's eligibility requirements.
What you'll typically need
- A completed application (form and format are set by the County Clerk).
- Valid government-issued photo ID for the requestor.
- Proof of your relationship or legal interest, if required.
- The applicable fee — confirm the current amount on the official Birth and Death Records page, as this site does not list fee figures.
Because requirements and acceptable ID can change, confirm the details with the Tarrant County Clerk Vital Records Division before you visit or mail your request.
Marriage Licenses and Records
The County Clerk issues marriage licenses and maintains records of marriages recorded in Tarrant County. Couples apply for a marriage license through the Clerk; after the ceremony and return of the license, the record becomes part of the county's official records.
Searching marriage records
Marriage records can be searched through the free Tarrant County Clerk Official Records search. The public index allows you to locate a record, but obtaining a certified copy requires valid identification and payment of the fees listed by the Clerk.
Getting a license
Couples generally must appear together, present identification, and complete the application as directed by the Clerk. Specific requirements — such as ID types, waiting periods, and fees — must be confirmed directly with the County Clerk, as those details are set by the office and are not reproduced here.
How to Order Certified Copies
The Tarrant County Clerk offers several ways to request vital records. Availability of each method and required documents should always be verified on the official Vital Records pages before you proceed.
In person
- Visit the County Clerk's Vital Records Division during posted business hours (confirm current hours with the office).
- Bring your completed application, valid photo ID, and the required fee.
By mail
- Mail a completed application with the required identification documentation and payment as instructed by the Clerk.
- Follow the exact mailing instructions and accepted payment methods listed on the official page.
Online
Some certified records may be available through an official online ordering partner designated by the Clerk. Only use the ordering methods linked from the Tarrant County Clerk's official Vital Records pages — this website is not an ordering portal and does not process payments.
Other County Clerk Records
The Tarrant County Clerk also maintains Official Public Records such as deeds, plats, and recorded liens. These are separate from vital records and searchable through the Clerk's Official Public Records system. The Clerk does not perform title or lien searches for the public.
Assumed name (DBA) filings and other business-related recordings may also be handled by the County Clerk. For details on those services, check the official County Clerk pages, as procedures and fees vary by document type.
Again, divorce decrees are held by the District Clerk (Family Law), not the County Clerk's Vital Records Division. Property and court records have their own sibling pages on this site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone get a copy of a recent birth certificate?
No. Birth records are confidential for 75 years from the event date. During that period, only an eligible requestor — such as the person named on the record, an immediate family member, or a legal representative — may obtain a certified copy, and valid government ID is required. Confirm eligibility rules with the County Clerk.
How long are death records confidential?
Death records are confidential for 25 years from the date of the event. Certified copies during that period require an eligible requestor and proper identification.
Can I search marriage records for free?
Yes. Marriage records can be searched through the free Tarrant County Clerk Official Records site. However, a certified copy requires valid ID and payment of the fees listed by the Clerk.
Where do I get divorce records?
Divorce records in Tarrant County are held by the District Clerk (Family Law), not the County Clerk Vital Records Division. See the divorce-records page for details on that process.
Official & Public Resources
County Clerk – Vital Records
Birth, death and marriage records; VitalChek and in-person options for certified copies.
https://www.tarrantcountytx.gov/en/county-clerk/vital-records.html
Birth and Death Records (County Clerk)
Confidentiality periods, ID rules, and how to order birth or death certificates.
https://www.tarrantcountytx.gov/en/county-clerk/vital-records/birth-death-records.html
Marriage Licenses (County Clerk)
How to apply for a Tarrant County marriage license and request certified copies.
https://www.tarrantcountytx.gov/en/county-clerk/vital-records/marriage-licenses.html
Vital Records FAQs
Official FAQ: marriage license search, birth/death ordering, and that divorce is at the District Clerk.
Tarrant County Clerk – Official Public Records Search
Free search for marriage licenses recorded in Tarrant County; unofficial copies can be downloaded.
https://tarrant.tx.publicsearch.us/
Tarrant County Clerk
County Clerk home: vital records, recording and court divisions.
https://www.tarrantcountytx.gov/en/county-clerk.html
Tarrant County Sheriff's Office
Official Sheriff's Office site: detention bureau, records, warrants and inmate services.
https://www.tarrantcountytx.gov/en/sheriff.html
Tarrant County Inmate Search (official)
Search current Tarrant County Jail inmates by last name, first name or CID.
https://inmatesearch.tarrantcounty.com/
