How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Vital Statistics Unit (state level - Austin) / County & Local Health Departments

Details

What you need to know

Fee

Certified death certificate: $20 first copy; $3 each additional copy of same record in same order; expedite: $25 additional; death verification letter: $20

Processing Time

Online: 10-15 business days; expedited: same but priority; mail: longer; in-person: not guaranteed same-day

Online Option

texas.gov or dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics

Where to Go

Texas.gov online (fastest); DSHS mail or in-person (Austin); some county health depts

Texas Notes

Important state-specific details

$3 each additional copy in same order (very low compared to many states).
State has death records since 1903.
Order multiple copies at once - estates, insurance, banks, SSA, VA each need one; $3 additional copies is a very good deal.

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

DSHS Vital Statistics - dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics | (512) 776-7111 | P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040