How to Get a Death Certificate in Texas

Losing someone is hard enough without wading through government paperwork. This guide walks you through exactly how to get a death certificate in Texas — which office to contact, what it costs, who is allowed to request one, and how many copies your family will likely need.

Which Agency Handles Vital Records in Texas?

Death certificates in Texas are issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Vital Statistics Section. Phone: (888) 963-7111.

Texas also allows you to request certified copies through your local county or regional health office, which is sometimes faster — especially if the death occurred in that county.

How to Order a Death Certificate in Texas

• Online: Order through the state's official OVRA portal or VitalChek. Processing is typically 3–5 business days plus shipping — the fastest mail-based option.
• By mail: Submit a completed VS-141 application form, a copy of your government-issued ID, and a check or money order payable to DSHS to: Texas DSHS Vital Statistics, P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711. Expect 6–8 weeks.
• In person: Walk-in service is available at the DSHS headquarters in Austin and some regional offices. Bring ID and payment; you may receive copies the same day.
• Through the funeral home: In the days immediately after a death, the funeral home can typically order certified copies on your behalf — often the easiest path when you're managing everything at once.

How Much Does a Death Certificate Cost in Texas?

The current fee is $20 per certified copy. Additional copies ordered at the same time cost $3 each. Confirm the latest fee at dshs.texas.gov before submitting payment.

How Many Copies Should You Order?

Most Texas families need at least 10 certified copies. Typical uses include: each bank or financial institution; each life insurance policy; the Social Security Administration; the Texas probate court; real estate title transfers; vehicle title transfers; pension or retirement accounts; and veterans' benefits (if applicable). For a larger estate, order 12–15.

Who Is Eligible to Request a Death Certificate in Texas?

Texas restricts certified copies to people with a direct interest. Eligible requestors include the spouse, parent, child, sibling, or grandparent of the deceased; the executor or estate administrator; a licensed attorney representing the estate; and government officials with authorized need. You must provide a copy of your own government-issued ID and state your relationship to the deceased.

Processing Timeline

What If There's an Error on the Certificate?

Mistakes happen. If you spot a typo in a name, a wrong date of birth, or an incorrect county of death, you'll need to file an amendment with DSHS. Minor errors can often be corrected with supporting documents such as a birth certificate or driver's license. Errors in the cause of death require a correction from the certifying physician or medical examiner. Start this process early — amendments can take several additional weeks.

What to Do After You Receive Your Death Certificates

Once you have your certified copies in hand, these are the immediate next steps:

1. Notify financial institutions — bring a certified copy to each bank, brokerage, and credit union where the deceased held accounts.
2. File life insurance claims — each insurer needs an original certified copy.
3. Contact Social Security — report the death at (800) 772-1213 or visit your local SSA office.
4. Begin probate if the estate requires it — not every estate does.
5. Update property titles — real estate, vehicles, and other titled assets each need a certified copy.
6. Send notifications — Omuna's free notification templates help you draft letters to banks, insurers, and government agencies.
7. Create a memorial page — Omuna's memorial editor lets you build a lasting tribute your family can share.