Texas Death Certificate Search

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) - Vital Statistics Section is responsible for generating and managing Texas death records. These records are categorized into: Texas death certificates and Texas death verification documents. The DSHS provides records for deaths from 1903 till date. However, certificates of death prior to 1903 can be retrieved at the clerk's office in the county where the death occurred.

A Texas death certificate is a vital and legal record used in the following ways:

To settle a deceased person's estate
Insurance companies use it for issuing life insurance benefits
Family members use death certificates to collect retirement benefits and transfer properties
The cause of death can be used for purposes of medical research.
The government uses information in a death certificate to track population-wide statistics.
Law enforcement agencies use information in a death certificate for investigative purposes
Public health officials use the Mortality data from death certificates to track disease trends, set public health policies, and allocate health and research funding.
A widow or widower will need a death certificate to prove their previous partner has passed when they want to remarry.

All deaths that occur in the state are registered via Texas Electronic Vital Events Registrar (TxEVER). These deaths entered on the TxEVER are recorded by the DSHS and collated as part of vitals statistics. A record seeker can conduct a Texas death certificate search to retrieve the certificate of death. These searches can be performed online, by mail, or in person at the DSHS office.

Are Death Certificates Public in Texas?

Yes, after a specified period. Texas death certificates are confidential until after 25 years of death. Confidential death certificates can only be accessed by eligible persons like the deceased's immediate family members (related by blood, marriage, or adoption), guardians, or a legal representative. Immediate family members include children, siblings, grandparents, birth parents/guardians, and spouses. Other applicants must have legal documentation showing a direct, tangible interest in the death certificate. Examples of legal documents that can be provided are an insurance policy listing the applicant as the beneficiary or a court order establishing guardianship. Death certificates become public records after 25 years elapse. At this point, anyone can request to inspect or obtain copies of death certificates.

What is a Death Certificate in Texas?

A death certificate is a certified copy of a death record in Texas. It is the most comprehensive type of death record in the state in comparison to the death verification document. A typical death certificate includes the deceased's personal information, place and time of death, basic birth information, parent and spouse information, and cause of death. Death certificates also show the history of modifications made to a death record.

Can I View Death Certificates Online for Free

No, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) does not offer free death certificates online. Online requests for death certificates cost $20 for the first copy and $3 for additional each additional copy. However, individuals can view death records for free on the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) via a third-party online tool provided by the state's designated online vendor.

How to Conduct a Free Death Certificate Search in Texas

Individuals might not be able to conduct a free death certificate search on Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) website. However, the TSLAC has a third-party tool that can be used to view death information. The tool does not show images of a person's death certificate, but vital information about the death can be retrieved.

Where to Get a Death Certificate in Texas

The following offices are responsible for issuing death certificates in Texas:

The Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC)
Local Vital Record Offices

How to Get a Death Certificate in Texas

Individuals can get death certificates in Texas online, by mail, or in person at the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) - Vital Statistics Section office. The first copy of the death certificate costs $20, and additional copies cost $3 each when ordered from the DSHS. At local vital records offices, death certificates cost $21 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy requested simultaneously.

Online Death Certificate Requests

The fastest way to get a death certificate is online. Online requests can be made via the Vital Records tool. Only family members can request protected death certificates via this tool. Protected certificates are records of deaths that occurred 25 years ago. Online requesters must meet the following eligibility requirements:

They must be eligible to order a death certificate online:
- Only Texas residents who are the decedent's family members can order death certificates.
- Out-of-state residents who are the decedent's surviving spouse, surviving parent, or funeral director can order death certificates. They must be listed on the death certificate.
Online requesters must verify their identities by providing their state-issued driver's license or ID number and social security number and specify their relationship with the deceased.
They must provide necessary information like the date of death, the deceased's first and last name, sex, and the city and/or county where the death occurred.
Online requesters must pay the required fees with a credit or debit card.

Mail requests

Individuals who cannot order death certificates online can request them by mail. To obtain a Texas death certificate by mail, the person requesting must:

Be eligible to order a death certificate per state statute
Complete a Mail Application for Death Record form in English or Spanish. Make sure to fill out all boxes. Do not make any cross-outs, white out, or use correction tape on the form.
Sign the application form before a notary and get a notary seal.
Provide an acceptable ID (photocopy). Acceptable IDs include a driver's license, military ID card, passport, federal or state ID card, pilot's license, student ID, medical insurance card, and veterans affairs card.
Provide a check or money order made out to DSHS Vital Statistics.
Mail the application form, acceptable ID, and fees to the correct location.

Incomplete applications will be rejected by the DSHS. A rejected application is considered closed. However, requesters can resubmit rejected applications after making necessary corrections, and the processing time will recommence.

In-person death certificate requests

In-person requests for Texas death certificates can be made at local Vital Record Offices or the Vital Statistics central office during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8 am - 4 pm). Applicants would be asked to fill and sign application forms and provide original IDs. They would also have to pay the required fees with a credit card or a check/money order made to DSHS Vital Statistics.

What Information is on a Death Certificate in Texas?

Generally, a Texas death certificate contains information about a person's death and related details. Specifically, the following information is typically listed on a Texas death certificate:

State file number
Place of death (county, city/town, length of stay, and full name of hospital or institution/ street address or location of death)
Usual residence (state, county, city/town, and street address)
Deceased's name (first, middle, and last name)
Date of death
Sex
Color or race
Marital status
Birth date
Age (years, months, days)
Usual occupation and kind of business or industry
Birthplace
The decedent's father's name and birthplace
The decedent's mother's name and birthplace
Social security number
Informat's signature
Cause of death
Burial/cremation date
Name of cemetery or crematory
Funeral director's signature
Registrar's file number
Registrar's signature

How Long Does It Take to Get a Death Certificate in Texas?

Between 24 hours to 8 weeks. Ultimately, the processing time for death certificates varies with the method used to order the certificate. For example:

The processing time for an online death certificate request is 20 to 25 business days.
Mail requests take between 6 and 8 weeks after receipt of the request.
In-person orders can be gotten on the same day.
Mail-in expedited orders take about 20 and 25 business days

How Many Death Certificates Do I Need in Texas?

5-10 copies. However, the ideal number of death certificates to get will depend on the individual, their assets at the time of their demise, and the offices involved in settling their estate. Banks, insurance companies, utility companies, and law enforcement agents will usually ask for a person's death certificate to process certain payments or benefits. Usually, a certified copy of the death certificate will be needed for the following processes:

Life insurance policy beneficiaries must submit death certificates before claiming death benefits.
A death certificate serves as formal proof of death necessary to transfer ownership of properties belonging to the deceased.
Certified copies of the death certificate are needed to close or transfer a deceased person's bank accounts, treasury bills, retirement savings accounts, and bonds.
A death certificate will be needed to cancel the deceased's credit or debit card, subscription, or membership.
A death certificate will be needed to get social security benefits ( survivor benefits).
A death certificate is needed in filing a deceased person's final tax return.
A family member might have to submit a death certificate signed by a local physician or coroner to local authorities, cemeteries, and crematories to finish a burial or cremation service.