Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section
Texas · Vital Records
dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics/costs-feesState 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.
Steps to take when someone dies
- •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
- •Valid photo ID (photocopy by mail, original in person)
- •Application signed before a notary for mail orders
- •Proof of relationship or legal interest
State Vital Records in Texas: key facts
What Texas says9
- Administering office
Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section.1
- Office location and hours
DSHS - VSS, MC 2096, 1100 W. 49th St., Austin, TX 78756. Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.1
- Mail orders
Texas Vital Statistics, Department of State Health Services, P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040.1
- Certificate fee
$20 for the first certified copy; $3 for each additional copy ordered at the same time; expedited processing adds $25.1
- Processing time
20-25 business days via Texas.gov; 25-30 business days by mail. Expedited: Estimated 4 weeks for expedited mail orders sent by overnight mail.1
- 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).1
- Filing deadline
The death certificate must be filed within 10 days.2
- Public record
Death records become public 25 years after the death.1
- Records available from
1903.1
Governing law: Tex. Health & Safety Code § 711.008
Sources2
- 1.Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section
- 2.Texas death-certificate filing rule (Tex. Health & Safety Code § 711.008; Tex. Health & Safety Code § 712.002; Tex. Health & Safety Code § 694.003; Tex. Health & Safety Code § 193.003; Tex. Health & Safety Code § 193.008; 25 Tex. Admin. Code § 181.2; 25 Tex. Admin. Code § 181.3; 25 Tex. Admin. Code § 181.4; 25 Tex. Admin. Code § 181.5)
Texas vital records offices
Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section
Phone
Hours
Mailing address
Website
Tools for Settling an Estate in Texas
Free tools for settling an estate in Texas: whether probate is needed, executor and trustee pay, creditor deadlines, and inheritance taxes.
How Many Death Certificates Do I Need?
In Texas, certified death certificates come from the Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics SectionTexas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics SectionVerified Oct 15, 2026View source; the first copy costs $20Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics SectionVerified Oct 15, 2026View source, additional copies $3Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics SectionVerified Oct 15, 2026View source each.
How Do I Settle an Estate?
Settling an estate in Texas: the personal representative files the estate inventory within 90 daysTex. Estates Code §§ 309.001, 309.051, 309.056, 309.101Verified Sep 15, 2026View source of appointment; creditors have 4 monthsTex. Estates Code §§ 308.051-308.056, 355.001-355.004, 355.060, 355.064, 355.102Verified Oct 19, 2026View source to present claims; a simple estate closes in 4 months to 6 months.
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