Birth and Death Records
Please Note the following:
We are only able to issue a birth certificate if you were born in Rains County after 1950.
THIS OFFICE GLADLY ACCEPTS CREDIT CARDS
(A TRANSACTION FEE OF 2.85% APPLIES)
Birth Certificates: How to Apply for a Birth or Death Certificate at Rains County Clerks Office.
Our office does accept Birth Certificate requests by mail. The cost for a Birth Certificate is $23 and payment must be in the form of a Money Order.
Qualified Applicants are the following:
- The registrant. The person named in the record.
- The parent, child, brother, sister, spouse, grandparent, legal guardian or managing conservator of the registrant.
- Legal representative, agent or other person acting under contract for the registrant must provide a letter of permission and a copy of identification from the registrant.
- An applicant must provide all necessary information and show proper identification prior to obtaining the certificate.
Application for a Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate (PDF Form)
Information needed to obtain a birth certificate:
- Full name on birth certificate
- Date and place of birth
- Father’s full name
- Mother’s full maiden name
- Name, address and phone number of the Requester
- Relationship to person on birth record
- Valid identification (Driver's License Preferred)
- Purpose of obtaining the birth certificate
Death Certificates:
- Death Records are available only for decedents who pass within the Rains County limits.
Application for a Certified Copy of a Death Certificate (PDF Form)
Our office does accept Death Certificate requests by mail. The cost for a Death Certificate is $21 for the first certificate and $4 for each additional certificates if purchased at the same time. Payment must be in the form of a Money Order or Credit Card.
Only a Qualified Applicant may obtain a copy of a death certificate:
- The parent, child, brother, sister, spouse, grandparent, legal guardian or managing conservator of the
registrant.
- Legal representative, agent or other person acting under contract for the registrant must provide a letter of permission and a copy of identification from the registrant.
- An applicant must provide all necessary information and show proper identification prior to obtaining the certificate.
Acceptable Forms of Identification (PDF)
Marriage Licenses
THIS OFFICE GLADLY ACCEPTS CREDIT CARDS
(A TRANSACTION FEE OF 2.85% APPLIES)
A Marriage License can be obtained through the County Clerk’s Office. You must obtain a Marriage License 72 hours prior to being married. Both parties must be present, your Social Security Card and Drivers License are required. The Fee for obtaining a Marriage License is $82.00. Payment must be cash (please bring exact amount), check or debit/credit card. (a processing fee will be charged on all debit/credit cards)
Certified Copies Of Marriage License
Certified copies of Marriage Records are available for a fee of $8.00 each. We only have marriage licenses that were purchased and filed in Rains County. (PDF Form)
You will need to include in your request the name of the bride and groom as well as the date of marriage. EMAIL REQUESTS ARE NOT ACCEPTED. Marriage records are open records, application form is required. No plain copies are issued. Marriage Records are issued as certified copies.
***PLEASE ARRIVE BY 3:45 P.M. TO APPLY***
Marks and Brands
A brand is proof of ownership and the best way to identity livestock.
The brand record contains a description of the design or elements of the brand, where on the livestock the brand is located, and any ear marks that are used to identify livestock.
Every 10 years, the State of Texas requires that brands be re-registered in the county or counties in which you operate. The next brand re-registration period begins August 31, 2021, and concludes February 28, 2022. If you have an existing registered brand you will need to re-register it with the County Clerk’s Office before February 28, 2022. After February 28, 2022 all brands are open to whoever registers them first.
The application that will be registered for marks and brands is required to be notarized or signed in front of a County Clerk Deputy. The form that is supplied by the TSCRA does not meet these requirements.
2021 Marks and Brands Application
If you need to transfer ownership of a brand please print the form below and bring the signed and notarized original with the new owner to the Rains County Clerk's office.
Release and Transfer of Ownership of Registered Brand
Texas Agricultural Code 144.041
For more information on brands visit www.tscrabrands.com.
It is not required to complete this application in advance; the County Clerk’s office will provide forms in the office at the time of registration.
When a renewal or new brand is filed, the County Clerk’s office will verify the current owner of the brand or that the brand is not currently in use.
Cost
- $26.00 per brand
- $5.00 each additional brand location on animal
Estrays (Stray Livestock)
According to Chapter 142 of the Texas Agriculture Code, "...report the presence of the estray to the sheriff of the county in which the estray is discovered."
Recording Requirements
Rains County Recording Fees
UCC Financial Stmt 3 pgs. $36.00
UCC Financial Stmt 3 pgs. $51.00
or more
Plats $71.00
**All Plats must have a certificate from the Rains County Appraisal District showing that all taxes have been paid.
Plat-Certified Copy $15.00
Plat-Uncertified Copy $10.00
Assumed Name Certificate (DBA) $24.00 to file
Certificate of Abandonment $26.00 to file
The County Clerk Does Not Offer Notary Services
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An instrument must be signed by all parties required according to the instrument that is being recorded. Signatures must be original and have their name printed legibly or typed below the signature. All parties required to sign must do so before a notary. The notary seal must be clear and dark enough for recording.
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Instruments must be in the English language in order to be recorded or must be accompanied by a certified translation.
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Submit documents on white paper that is no larger than 8.5x14 inches and no smaller than 8.5x11 inches. Paper needs to be of a sufficient weight and substance so that printing, typing, or handwriting will not bleed through.
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Use a font size of at least 8 point. Printing or typing be clearly legible.
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The File Number goes on the first page in the upper right hand corner. Provide a three (3”) inch margin at the top of the page, unless directed otherwise by the County Clerk.
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Provide a heading at the top of the first page that identifies the type of document.
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Corresponding names should be printed or typed beneath all signatures.
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Ink used should be black or blue.
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The mailing address of each grantee named in the instrument must appear on the instrument, or an added fee of $25.00 will be charged in addition to regular recording fees
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An instrument transferring an interest in real property to or from an individual must include the following notice that appears at the top of the first page in 12 point boldfaced type or 12 point uppercase letters.
Notice of Confidentiality Rights: If you are a natural person, you may remove or strike any or all of the following information from any instrument that transfers an interest in real property before it is filed for record in the public records: your social security number or your driver's license number.
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Property should be in Rains County. A legal description of the property showing it is in Rains County or volume and page or Clerk's File Number referencing a previous recording that describes the property.
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Legal questions regarding content should be directed to an attorney.
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Assumed Name Application-(DBA)--
- Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission-(TABC)
Please click and follow the link to start your application process:
TABC Official Site | Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
Misdemeanor and Criminal Offenses
The county clerk records information on all class A and B misdemeanor offenses such as DWI's, thefts, assaults, and drug cases. The office also issues Occupational Licenses for individuals. This office also provided administrative support to the county court through the issuance of warrants, summons, bond forfeitures, subpoenas, commitments, etc. (NOTE: The only people that are NOT charged for copies in misdemeanor criminal cases are District Attorney's and the Defendant's Attorney of Record at the time of the offense.)
Probate Matters
The office maintains records for civil and probate court. The office issues citations, writs of execution, letters of guardianship, letters testamentary, notices, and other documents as required by law or requested by the customer. The probate court hears cases concerning wills to be probated, administration of estates, mental health commitments, guardianships, etc.