As Panola County’s seat, Carthage serves residents across East Texas’s piney woods region who need vital records for various purposes. Local families require birth certificates for school enrollment at Carthage ISD, passport applications for travel, and property transactions in the growing community. The area’s rich history in timber, oil, and gas industries means many families need documentation for estate planning and genealogical research into their East Texas heritage.
Vital Records & Certificates in Carthage, TexasPanola County Clerk’s Office
Get birth certificates, marriage licenses, death certificates, and divorce records from the Panola County Clerk’s Office. We also offer expedited passport services for Carthage residents with 3-day processing.
❓ Why You Need These Certificates
🛂 Need This Certificate for a Passport?
Most Carthage residents need their birth or marriage certificate for passport applications. Let us handle both together in one process.
Birth Certificates in Carthage
Panola County residents obtain birth certificates through the County Clerk’s Office at 110 Sycamore Street, conveniently located in the historic courthouse on the town square. Babies born at Carthage Medical Center or transported to larger facilities in nearby Marshall require certified documentation for school enrollment and healthcare services. The clerk’s office maintains comprehensive birth records for all Panola County births and provides personalized service typical of smaller East Texas communities. Residents appreciate the convenience of conducting business in the familiar courthouse environment.
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 Carthage
Couples choosing Carthage for their wedding celebrations, often at venues like the historic courthouse gazebo or scenic locations along the Dogwood Trails, obtain their marriage licenses from the Panola County Clerk. The courthouse’s intimate setting provides a personal touch for local couples, and staff members often know families personally. Texas requires no waiting period, allowing couples to marry immediately after obtaining their license from the Sycamore Street office.
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 Carthage
The Panola County Clerk’s Office at 110 Sycamore Street processes death certificates for county residents. Local families often need multiple copies for insurance, estate matters, and burial arrangements. The courthouse staff understands the personal nature of these requests in a close-knit community and provides compassionate service during difficult times. Records are maintained for all Panola County deaths regardless of where they occurred.
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 Carthage
Panola County divorce records are maintained at the courthouse on Sycamore Street by the District Clerk. The historic courthouse houses both civil and family court records, making it convenient for residents to access various legal documents in one location. Staff provides certified copies of divorce decrees for remarriage, benefit changes, and other legal purposes within the familiar East Texas community setting.
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 Carthage
The Panola County Clerk’s Office operates from the historic courthouse at 110 Sycamore Street on the town square. Free parking surrounds the courthouse, and the building is easily recognizable as the centerpiece of downtown Carthage. Office hours are Monday through Friday, and walk-in customers are welcomed with the personal service typical of East Texas communities. Payment options include cash, checks, and major credit cards, with staff happy to assist with any questions about requirements or procedures.
In Person
⏱️ Same Day
By Mail
⏱️ 2-3 Weeks
Online
⏱️ 1-2 Weeks
🏛️ Panola County Clerk’s Office
Address
110 Sycamore St, Carthage, TX 75633, United States
Phone
Website
Office Hours
Get Directions
The courthouse is located on the town square at the intersection of Sycamore and Main Streets in downtown Carthage, easily accessible from Highway 59.
⚖️ Government vs. Expedited Service
Choose the option that best fits your timeline
| Feature | Panola 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 Carthage residents with 3-day expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about certificates in Carthage, Texas
How far is the county courthouse from Highway 59?
▼Can I get birth certificates without making a special trip to the county seat?
▼What are the courthouse hours for vital records in Carthage?
▼Is parking free around the Carthage courthouse?
▼Can I get records for births that occurred in Marshall but family lives in Carthage?
▼Does the Carthage courthouse handle marriage licenses for destination weddings?
▼What’s the quickest way to get a death certificate in Panola County?
▼Can I order certificates by mail if I live outside Carthage?
▼Do I need appointments for vital records at the Carthage courthouse?
▼What forms of payment does the Panola County Clerk accept?
▼Ready to Get Your Certificate & Passport?
Whether you need just a certificate or a complete passport service, we’re here to help Carthage residents get what they need quickly and easily.
📋 Just need the county clerk office?
🏛️ Visit Panola County Clerk WebsiteHours: Monday-Friday 8AM-8PM EST, Saturday 10AM-6PM EST
Emergency Service: Available 24/7 for urgent passport needs