Vital Records & Certificates in Bay City, TexasMatagorda County District Clerk’s Office

Bay City residents require vital records for numerous purposes throughout their lives. Birth certificates are essential for enrolling children in Bay City ISD schools, applying for youth sports leagues, and obtaining passports for family vacations to nearby Gulf Coast destinations. Marriage certificates validate unions for insurance benefits, home purchases in Bay City’s growing residential areas, and legal name changes. Death certificates facilitate estate settlements and insurance claims, while divorce decrees enable remarriage and custody arrangements within the community.

Matagorda County processes all birth certificates through the Matagorda County District Clerk’s Office at 1700 7th Street, Suite 307. Babies born at Bay City Medical Center, Matagorda Regional Medical Center, or other healthcare facilities in the county have their birth records maintained here. Parents and guardians can request certified copies for newborn passport applications, school district enrollment, or sports league registration. The office maintains detailed records dating back decades, ensuring accurate documentation for all Bay City families. Bring valid photo identification and be prepared to provide specific birth details including full name, date, and parents’ names when requesting certificates.

Couples planning ceremonies at Bay City’s scenic venues like Le Tulle Park pavilion or intimate downtown gatherings obtain marriage licenses from the Matagorda County District Clerk’s Office. The historic courthouse square provides a beautiful backdrop for wedding photos, while the Colorado River waterfront offers romantic ceremony locations. Texas requires a 72-hour waiting period after license issuance, so plan accordingly for your Bay City celebration. The clerk’s office processes all Matagorda County marriage documentation efficiently.

The Matagorda County District Clerk’s Office handles death certificate requests for Bay City residents and those who passed away within county boundaries. Families working with local funeral homes like Lakewood Funeral Home need certified copies for insurance settlements, estate proceedings, and Social Security administration. Multiple copies are often required for different agencies, so consider ordering several at once to save time and trips to the courthouse.

Divorce proceedings finalized in Matagorda County are documented through the District Clerk’s Office on 7th Street. Individuals needing certified copies for remarriage, name changes, or custody modifications can request them during regular business hours. Having your case number readily available expedites the process, though staff can search records using personal information when necessary.

Visit the Matagorda County District Clerk’s Office at 1700 7th Street, Suite 307, in downtown Bay City. The office operates Monday through Friday during standard business hours, with ample street parking available along 7th Street and nearby blocks. The courthouse building features accessible entrances and elevators. Cash, checks, and credit cards are typically accepted, though it’s wise to call ahead to confirm current payment methods. Allow extra time during busy periods like back-to-school season when many families request birth certificates.

The courthouse is located in downtown Bay City at the intersection of 7th Street and Avenue F, easily accessible from Highway 35 and major city streets.