How Do I Get a Death Certificate in Texas?

Use our free calculator to determine how many certified death certificates to order based on your specific situation, and see exactly what it will cost in your state.

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Death certificate requirements and fees vary by state and are subject to change. This calculator provides estimates based on publicly available data. Contact your state vital records office for current pricing and availability.Data verified 2026-04-21

Frequently Asked Questions

In Texas, the first certified copy costs $20, with additional copies at $3 each when ordered at the same time. Copies ordered together cost less than placing separate orders later. The estate settlement plan outlines each account and institution that typically requires a certified copy.

Death certificates in Texas are issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section. Online ordering is available. Most funeral homes also assist families with ordering certificates at the time of death.

Standard processing in Texas takes 20-25 business days for expedited mail orders. Funeral homes typically handle initial certificate orders at the time of death.

In Texas, death certificates can be requested by: Texas residents: Immediate family member (child, spouse, parent, sibling, grandparent), Non-residents: Surviving spouse, surviving parent, or funeral director listed on record. Requesters typically need to provide Valid photo ID and Proof of relationship or legal interest.

The Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section has death records from 1903 to present. Records become public 25 years after the date of death.

The number of certified copies depends on the deceased's accounts and assets. Banks, insurance companies, government agencies, and retirement plans each typically require an original certified copy. Most families need between 8 and 15 copies. The Texas estate settlement plan lists each step of the estate settlement process to help determine the right number.

Death Certificates in Texas

Certified death certificates are required by nearly every institution that holds accounts or policies in the deceased's name. The first copy costs $20 and additional copies cost $3 each when ordered together — significantly less than placing separate orders later.

Death certificates are needed at the very start of estate settlement — well before the 4 months creditor claim period begins. Institutions require a certified copy before releasing account information or processing claims. Simple estates in Texas typically take at least 4 months to close.

For a step-by-step walkthrough of the entire process, the estate settlement plan covers every task from the first week through final distribution. The Texas probate cost calculator provides a comprehensive overview of costs and timelines.