Texas Death Certificates

Certified death certificates have a vital function in the necessary paperwork and authorizations that need to be completed after a person dies. They are crucial if you’re in charge of wrapping up the deceased person’s affairs since many authorities will need a copy of this certificate before starting any legal process with you on behalf of the deceased.

You’ll need one each time you claim property or benefits belonging to the deceased, such as social security benefits, veterans’ payouts, life insurance payments, payable-on-death accounts (including bank and retirement accounts), and other examples. It is recommended to have at least ten copies of this certificate from the state health services.

How Can I Get a Death Certificate in Texas?

Texas Death Certificates

To obtain a certified copy of a death certificate, you can generally use the death record forms provided by your vital records office to fill out an application. However, before you can order a death certificate, you must first determine if you are qualified to do so. To be eligible to apply for Texas death certificate or delayed death records, you be one of the following to fulfill the requirements:

  • A spouse. At the time of death, one must be lawfully married to the deceased.

  • A parent. A copy of the birth certificate or adoption forms must list you as a mother, father, or other parent.

  • An adult child of the deceased. Must be 18 years of age and older.

  • A sibling of the deceased.

If you are not a spouse, parent, child, or sibling of the deceased, you must establish a legal right or claim. To order a death certificate, you’ll need an official letter stating that you need access to the death records.

You will be asked to supply a release if you’re the legal representative of a qualified applicant to document a direct, tangible interest in the record. You may submit a notarized letter, and signed by an immediate family member, to Texas Vital Statistics. The notice must grant permission for you to receive a certified copy of the certificate.

Applications must be submitted with one of the following related documents:

  • Passport

  • State-issued, nondriver photo-ID card

  • Driver’s license

  • U.S. Military-issued, photo-ID

Information Required to Apply for Death Certificate

The following information must be supplied with your application for a death certificate in Texas:

  • Name of the deceased

  • Date of death

  • Sex

  • Place of death

  • Father’s name

  • Mother’s maiden name

  • Your name

  • Your phone number

  • Your address

  • Relationship to the deceased

  • Reason for requesting the certificate

Texas Death Certificates Processing Times

Current processing times are 2-3 days after authorization forms are returned.  We have also started a new 1-day rapid process. 

For convenience and to speed up the process, we also have online notary services for a small fee.  Our customers love the simplicity!

Order Online

Order Online

It might be time and energy-consuming to wait in line at a government agency to complete a death certificate application, either in person or on the phone. This is why TX-DPS Records is an excellent alternative for you if you are seeking the fastest service. As the leading provider of official online vital records ordering, we can save you time and headaches by providing expedited delivery of records.

We are a government-approved external processor that can order official vital records online. Our services are timely and convenient, allowing you to order the documents you are entitled to, whether it is a birth or death certificate, or something else. Once you have completed the process, the death certificate request is delivered to the government office for processing immediately – all for an affordable fee.

Contact Us

You can start the process of getting a death certificate immediately! After you place your order, we begin working right away. For further information on our procedures on birth and death certificates, please contact us or call us at (888) 596-7307 during our office hours Monday through Friday.

Texas Death Certificate FAQs

When someone has passed, a death certificate is issued which includes important details about the deceased person. We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you understand why you need to order a death certificate and what information you may need.

FAQs about Texas Death Certificates

What’s needed to Order a

Death Certificate

Ready to order a Texas death certificate? Be sure you have the right information before placing your order. Check our list of information that you’ll need to place your order.

Ordering a Death Certificate

Reasons to Order a Death Certificate

There are many reasons to order a death certificate. A death certificate may be needed to settle an estate or obtain insurance benefits once a family member has passed. Or you may be looking to piece together a loved one’s past and learn more about their genealogy.

Why Order a Death Certificate

Death Certificates for Genealogy Research

If you’ve been looking for a way to connect the branches in your family tree, ordering a death certificate is the perfect way to discover your ancestry. Many people are curious to know who they are and there are many important details on death certificates that can uncover the mysteries in your family!

Researching family history with Death Certificates

Information on Death Certificate

A death certificate contains important information that can tell a bigger story. If you’re ordering one for legal reasons or even genealogical research, much of the information within a death certificate can help you settle an estate or learn more about an ancestor.

Information included on Death Certificates