As Harris County continues to recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl, the Harris County Clerk’s Office (HCCO) is stepping up to support families with school-age children. On Saturday, August 3, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., HCCO will host its Fourth Annual Back-to-School Birth Certificate Event at the Chimney Rock Annex, located at 6000 Chimney Rock Road. This event is designed to help families obtain the birth certificates necessary for school registration.

In an effort to ease the burden on families, the first 100+ people in line will receive one birth certificate free of charge, thanks to generous donations. Additional birth certificates will be available for $23 each.

"Every year, various organizations volunteer to assist with this event. These partnerships are invaluable because they provide so much more for families that need help with necessary back-to-school items," said Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth. "Thanks to their support, our office can provide complimentary birth certificates, school supplies, backpacks, and more."

This year, HCCO is collaborating with a wide range of community partners, including Texas State Representative Gene Wu (District 137), the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector & Voter Registrar’s Office, Judge Israel Garcia, Justice of the Peace Precinct 5, Place 1, the Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 5, Harris County Resources for Children and Adults, the Houston Museum of Natural Science, Children’s Museum Houston, Oasis Funeral & Cremations, Farah Law, Trinity Dental Centers, the Houston Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and the Alpha Eta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. in partnership with Alpha Merit Group Educational Foundation, Inc.

 Sponsors
 

The Back-to-School Birth Certificate program was first launched in August 2021, marking the inaugural occasion where the office opened on a Saturday to issue birth certificates. Since then, this annual event has been held at various locations across Harris County.

"Many families manage busy schedules that do not allow them to visit our offices during regular business hours. Allowing them the opportunity to obtain their children’s birth certificates on a Saturday benefits them," added Clerk Hudspeth. "We look forward to helping many families cross one more item off their Back-to-School checklists."

HCCO provides a short-form birth certificate that is acceptable for school enrollment. To purchase a birth certificate copy, a person must:

- Have been born in the State of Texas.

- Be the person named on the certificate, a legal representative, or an immediate family member with appropriate identification.

- Provide a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, federal or state ID card, military ID, or U.S. Passport.

- Complete a birth certificate application, available at the office.

- Pay $23.00 (cash or credit card).

If you are unable to attend HCCO’s Back-to-School Birth Certificate event, you can request birth certificates online, by mail, or in person at any of HCCO’s 11 locations. For additional information, click here or call 713-274-8686.

For more information on HCCO services and updates, visit http://www.cclerk.hctx.net or follow @HarrisCoTXClerk on social media.