To get a copy of a death certificate from Texas Department of State Health Services - Vital Statistics Section, the death must have occurred in the state of Texas. See the Death Records page for all requirements for ordering a death certificate.
What death records are available?Vital Statistics can provide records for deaths that were filed in Texas from 1903 to the present. Visit the National Center for Health Statistics website for certificates for an out-of-state death.
What is the difference between a death certificate and a death-verification letter?For descriptions and uses of the various types of death records, see the Record Types page.
What is the quickest way to order a death certificate?The quickest way is to order online at Texas.gov.
What are the steps for ordering online (Texas.gov)?See our Requirements for Online Orders page for complete details.
What are the steps for ordering by mail or in person? Where do I mail my application?The address you use for mail-in applications depends on whether you are requesting regular or expedited processing. See the Vital Statistics Mailing Addresses page for more information.
Can I place an order over the phone?No. We accept applications received online, by mail, or in-person. We cannot accept requests by telephone. Texas Administrative Code (181.28) requires all requests for birth certificates to be accompanied with an application approved by the State Registrar.
Can you check if there is a death certificate on file and tell me what information is on there?We cannot release any information on a record without an application, payment, and acceptable ID submitted by a qualified applicant. We can, however, issue a death verification letter stating whether a record of death is on file with the State of Texas. If a record is filed, the verification letter will include the person's name, the date of death, and the county where the death occurred. Verification letters are available for deaths that have occurred since 1903. Verification letters are not considered legal substitutes for certified copies of death certificates. Vital Statistics strongly recommends that applicants ensure a verification will satisfy its intended use. See the Death Records page for more information, including methods and requirements for ordering a death verification.