Texas Death Certificate - How to Get Certified Copies

An independent guide to ordering certified death certificates in Texas. Fees and processing times change, so confirm them with the state office.

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Independent service, not a government agency. GetDeathCertificates.com is an independent information site. We are not the Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics, we are not affiliated with any government agency, and we do not issue death certificates. You can order directly from the state office yourself at its Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics website.

Getting a Death Certificate in Texas

Obtaining certified death certificate copies in Texas requires submitting a request to the Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics. Fees and processing times are set by that office and change, so check the current fee and turnaround on its Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics website before you order. Online ordering through this site is not available right now; ordering directly from the state office is usually the fastest and cheapest option.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Determine eligibility: In Texas, only authorized persons may request death certificates. See the "Who Can Request" section below.
  2. Gather required documents: You will need to provide specific documentation with your request. See the "Required Documents" section below.
  3. Submit your request: Requests can be submitted to the Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics by mail, or in person at the state office by appointment.
  4. Pay the official fees: The state office sets the fee per certified copy and the payment methods it accepts. Check current fees and accepted payment methods with the Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics website.
  5. Receive your copies: Certified copies are mailed to your address after processing. Processing times vary by office and season; ask the office for its current turnaround and whether expedited handling is offered.

Required Documents

  • Completed application form
  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of relationship or legal authority
  • Payment

Who Can Request a Texas Death Certificate

Texas restricts access to death certificates to authorized individuals. Eligible requestors include:

  • Registrant (if 18+)
  • Parent
  • Child (18+)
  • Legal guardian
  • Attorney
  • Funeral director

Texas Vital Records Office Contact

Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics

Address
1100 W 49th St, Austin, TX 78756
Phone
(512) 776-7111
Website
State office website
Cost
Check current fees with the office
Processing Time
Varies - check with the office

Counties in Texas

Death certificates in Texas can be requested for deaths that occurred in any of the state's 65 counties.

Show all 65 Texas counties
  • Anderson
  • Andrews
  • Angelina
  • Aransas
  • Archer
  • Armstrong
  • Atascosa
  • Austin
  • Bailey
  • Bandera
  • Bastrop
  • Baylor
  • Bee
  • Bell
  • Bexar
  • Blanco
  • Borden
  • Bosque
  • Bowie
  • Brazoria
  • Brazos
  • Brewster
  • Briscoe
  • Brooks
  • Brown
  • Burleson
  • Burnet
  • Caldwell
  • Calhoun
  • Callahan
  • Cameron
  • Camp
  • Carson
  • Cass
  • Castro
  • Chambers
  • Cherokee
  • Childress
  • Clay
  • Cochran
  • Coke
  • Coleman
  • Collin
  • Collingsworth
  • Colorado
  • Comal
  • Comanche
  • Concho
  • Cooke
  • Corpus Christi
  • Coryell
  • Cottle
  • Crane
  • Crockett
  • Crosby
  • Dallas
  • Dawson
  • Deaf Smith
  • Delta
  • Denton
  • El Paso
  • Harris
  • Hidalgo
  • Tarrant
  • Travis

Order from the Texas vital records office

Online ordering through this site is not available right now. You can order a certified death certificate directly from the Texas vital records office (link below) - this is usually the fastest and cheapest option.

Texas vital records office

Start an order (online ordering opening soon)

Related: Find Funeral Homes in Texas

If you are working with a funeral home in Texas, our directory lists funeral homes across the state. Browse funeral homes in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions - Texas

The state office sets the government fee and it can change, so check the current fee on the Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics website.

Processing time depends on the vital records office and how it receives your request, and it changes over time. Check the current turnaround, and whether expedited handling is offered, on the Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics website.

Most requests in Texas go through the state vital records office at Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics. Some counties may have local options - contact us or check the county health department website.

Death certificates are issued by the vital records office for the state where the death occurred, not where the person lived. If the death occurred in Texas, you request it from Texas vital records regardless of where the deceased resided.