State Vital Records in Texas
The Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Texas. Executors and surviving family order certified copies to close accounts, file insurance claims, and transfer titles; the office sets the fees, eligibility rules, and processing times.
Administering agency
Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section
State Vital Records in Texas: key facts
- Administering office
- Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section.
- Contact
- Phone 888-963-7111.
- Office location
- DSHS - VSS, MC 2096, 1100 W. 49th St., Austin, TX 78756. Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
- Certificate fee
- $20 for the first certified copy; $3 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; expedited processing adds $25.
- Processing time
- 20-25 business days via Texas.gov; 25-30 business days by mail. Expedited: Same day for most in-person orders at the Austin office.
- Who may order
- Immediate family by blood, marriage, or adoption: child, parent/guardian, brother/sister, grandparent, spouse; Guardian or legal agent/representative; All others must document a direct, tangible interest (e.g. court order, insurance policy naming the applicant).
- Filing deadline
- The death certificate must be filed within 10 days.
- Public record
- Death records become public 25 years after the death.
- Records available from
- 1903.
Steps to take when someone dies
- Confirm the death occurred in Texas — the record belongs to the state where the death occurred, regardless of where the deceased lived.
- Order certified copies through any of the office's channels:
- Online: Order at Texas.gov - fastest and easiest method
- By mail: Mail application with payment; expedited service requires overnight mail plus the expedite fee and expedited return shipping
- In person: Visit Vital Statistics headquarters in Austin or a local office; most in-person orders are issued the same day
- Include what the office requires with the order:
- Valid photo ID
- Proof of relationship or legal interest
- Allow the office's processing time (20-25 business days via texas.gov; 25-30 business days by mail); expedited handling is available.
Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section
Phone: 888-963-7111
Visit the agency website →Frequently asked questions
by mail: Mail application with payment; expedited service requires overnight mail plus the expedite fee and expedited return shipping. in person: Visit Vital Statistics headquarters in Austin or a local office; most in-person orders are issued the same day. The office is at DSHS - VSS, MC 2096, 1100 W. 49th St., Austin, TX 78756.
The death certificate must be filed within 10 days. The funeral director or person in charge of disposition files the certificate with the state; the family orders certified copies once the record is registered.
Valid photo ID; Proof of relationship or legal interest. The office also asks for the deceased's full name, date of death, and place of death to locate the record.
The record belongs to the state where the death occurred, not the state of residence. Order from the state of death, following its fees and eligibility rules.
Sources
Data sourced from State Vital Records in Texas primary sources (1 page reviewed). How we research.
Administering agency
Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section