In Brenham’s family-oriented community, vital records serve essential roles from school enrollment at Brenham ISD to youth activities at local organizations. Whether you’re registering for community events at the Washington County Fairgrounds, applying for passports to visit relatives, or handling family estate matters, these official documents provide necessary verification for life’s important moments in this close-knit Texas town.
Vital Records & Certificates in Brenham, TexasWashington County Courthouse
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Washington County Courthouse. We also offer expedited passport services for Brenham residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Brenham residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Brenham
Birth certificates for Brenham residents are processed through the Washington County Courthouse at 100 E Main Street. Babies delivered at Brenham’s Scott & White Hospital or those born at nearby medical facilities have their birth records managed by Washington County’s vital statistics department. The courthouse’s convenient downtown location makes it easily accessible for families throughout the Brenham area. Parents often need these certificates when registering children for Brenham ISD schools or when applying for youth sports leagues and community programs. Texas requires specific documentation and fees for certified birth certificate copies, with processing typically completed the same day for walk-in requests.
Requirements
Valid government ID, payment, proof of relationship to person named on certificate
Who Can Request
The person named on the certificate, their parent/legal guardian, spouse, child, grandparent, sibling, or authorized legal representative with proper documentation.
Processing Time
Common Uses
- ✓ Passport applications
- ✓ Driver’s license/State ID
- ✓ Social Security card
Marriage Licenses in Brenham
Couples choosing to marry in Washington County can obtain their marriage licenses directly from the Washington County Courthouse on East Main Street. Many couples appreciate Brenham’s scenic venues, from historic downtown locations to countryside settings near local farms and ranches. The courthouse processes all marriage license applications for ceremonies held throughout Washington County. Texas law requires a 72-hour waiting period after license issuance, unless couples complete a premarital education course. Local wedding planners frequently coordinate with the courthouse to ensure proper documentation for ceremonies at popular venues throughout the Brenham area.
Requirements
Both parties present with valid ID, certified copies of divorce decrees if previously married
Popular Wedding Venues
Waiting Period
For Passport Name Change
Need to update your passport with your new married name? We can help expedite the process.
Update Passport with New Name →Death Certificates in Brenham
Death certificates for Washington County residents are issued through the courthouse vital records office. Families in Brenham can obtain certified copies for insurance claims, estate proceedings, and funeral arrangements. The courthouse staff understands the sensitive nature of these requests and provides compassionate service during difficult times. Whether the death occurred at local medical facilities, care homes, or at residence, the Washington County vital records department maintains all necessary documentation and can provide multiple certified copies as needed for estate settlement.
Requirements
Valid ID, proof of relationship or legal authority
Who Can Request
Spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, legal representative of the estate, funeral director, or anyone with a documented legal or personal interest.
Processing Time
Special Instructions
Divorce Decrees in Brenham
Divorce decrees for cases processed through Washington County courts are available from the courthouse records department. The courthouse maintains comprehensive records for all divorce proceedings within the county jurisdiction. Residents may need certified copies for various purposes including remarriage, name changes, or child custody matters. The records office can locate divorce files using case numbers or party names, making the process straightforward for individuals seeking their decree copies.
Requirements
Valid ID, case number helpful
Processing Time
Special Notes
📄 Reverting to maiden name?
You’ll need your divorce decree to update your passport with your previous name.
Name Change Process →How to Order in Brenham
Visit the Washington County Courthouse at 100 E Main Street, Suite 202, in downtown Brenham. The vital records office operates Monday through Friday, typically from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though specific department hours may vary. Free parking is available around the courthouse square and on surrounding downtown streets. The office accepts cash, checks, and money orders for payment. Staff can assist with completing applications and determining which documents you’ll need. During busy periods, especially before school enrollment seasons, consider calling ahead to confirm processing times and any special requirements.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Washington County Courthouse
Address
100 E Main St #202, Brenham, TX 77833, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
The courthouse is located on the historic town square in downtown Brenham, easily accessible from Highway 290 and Highway 36.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Washington County Clerk (Government Service) | PassportsAndVisas.com (Expedited Service) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing Time | Same day (in-person) 2-3 weeks (mail/online) | 3 days guaranteed |
| Certificate + Passport | ✗ Separate processes | ✓ One-stop service |
| Personal Account Manager | ✗ Not available | ✓ Dedicated support |
| Error Checking | ✗ Your responsibility | ✓ Expert review |
| Tracking | ✗ No tracking | ✓ Real-time updates |
Need to Renew Your Passport?
Got your marriage certificate for name change? Complete your passport renewal in minutes online. We serve Brenham residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Brenham, Texas
Where exactly is the vital records office in the Washington County Courthouse?
▼Can I walk to the courthouse from downtown Brenham businesses?
▼What are the parking options near the courthouse square?
▼Do I need an appointment to get vital records at the Washington County Courthouse?
▼What’s the typical processing time for birth certificates in Washington County?
▼Can I get multiple copies of the same vital record during one visit?
▼What identification is required to request vital records in Washington County?
▼How much do vital records cost in Washington County?
▼Can someone else pick up my vital records from the courthouse?
▼What if I don’t have all the required information for my record request?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Brenham residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Washington County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs