FamiliaLista › Guides › How to get a death certificate in Texas

By Frank Flores, founder of FamiliaLista · Updated October 19, 2026

How to get a death certificate in Texas

In Texas, the funeral home usually files the death certificate and can order certified copies for the family, or you can order them yourself online through Texas.gov, by mail, or in person. For deaths in the last 25 years, only immediate family (child, spouse, parent, sibling or grandparent) or someone with legal proof of a direct interest can get a certified copy. The state charges $20 for the first copy and $3 for each extra copy ordered at the same time.

Who can request a death certificate in Texas?

Death certificates are restricted in Texas for 25 years after the death. During that time, the state only issues certified copies to immediate family of the person on the certificate. Texas DSHS defines immediate family as the person's:

Child
Spouse
Parent
Sibling (brother or sister)
Grandparent

Anyone else must send legal documentation of a "direct, tangible interest," such as an insurance policy that names them as the beneficiary, or a court order. A funeral home can also order copies. Sources: DSHS death FAQ, DSHS, persons qualified to request records.

Every applicant needs a copy of a valid government-issued photo ID. Mail applications for a death certificate must also be notarized. Source: DSHS form VS-142.

What are the ways to order a Texas death certificate?

Way	Where	Speed	Good for
Through the funeral home	Ask when you make arrangements	Usually the easiest	The first batch of copies
Online	Texas.gov (DSHS calls it the fastest, easiest way)	About 20-25 business days, mailed to you	Extra copies later, from anywhere
By mail	DSHS form VS-142, notarized	About 25-30 business days; expedited for an extra fee	When you can't go online
In person	The state office in Austin (1100 W. 49th St.) or a local vital records office	Austin: same day in most cases	When you need a copy right away

Sources: DSHS, Death Records, DSHS, Processing Times. Processing times are DSHS averages and change with volume.

How much does a death certificate cost in Texas?

At the state office: $20 for the first certified copy and $3 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Expedited mail processing adds $25. Standard return mail is free; overnight return shipping is $16 (or $22.95 for USPS Express to a PO box). Local offices set their own fees, so check with your county. Source: DSHS Costs and Fees.

Tip: order your extra copies in the same request. The $3 price only applies to copies ordered together.

How many death certificate copies do I need?

Count the places that will ask for one: each bank, each life insurance policy, each retirement or investment account, the car title, the house, and any pension. Some offices accept a photocopy, so ask before you mail an original. Our list of who to notify when someone dies helps you count.

What is a Texas death verification letter?

It's a letter from the state with the person's name, date of death and the county where the death happened. It costs $20 and is not a legal substitute for a certified copy. Banks and insurers will want the certified certificate. Sources: DSHS death FAQ, DSHS form VS-142.

How do I fix a mistake on a Texas death certificate?

Fix it early. A misspelled name or a wrong date can hold up insurance claims and bank paperwork. Corrections go to DSHS by mail; there is no same-day walk-in service for corrections. The funeral home can help you start the request. Sources: DSHS, Death Records, DSHS death FAQ.

How do I use a Texas death certificate in Mexico?

Mexican consulates ask for the US death certificate with an apostille and a Spanish translation. In Texas, the Secretary of State issues apostilles for $15 per document. It needs an original certified copy issued within the last five years; ask DSHS for a certified copy and write "Apostille" as the reason. Sources: DSHS, records for foreign governments, Texas Secretary of State, apostille. See bringing a loved one home to Mexico.

What will I need the death certificates for?

Social Security (see how to report a death to Social Security), life insurance claims, banks, the vehicle title, the house, retirement accounts, and closing their digital accounts. Each one goes faster when the family already knows which bank, which policy and which account. The step-by-step guide for what to do when a family member dies walks through the rest.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get a death certificate in Texas?

Walk-in requests at the Austin office are usually done the same day. Online orders take about 20-25 business days and mail orders about 25-30 business days, according to DSHS.

Can a friend or a girlfriend request the death certificate?

For deaths in the last 25 years, only immediate family can get a certified copy. Anyone else needs legal proof of a direct interest, such as an insurance policy naming them as beneficiary.

Is a death verification letter the same as a death certificate?

No. Texas DSHS says verification letters are not legal substitutes for certified copies.

How much is a death certificate in Texas?

At the state office, $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Local offices may charge differently.

Is this legal advice?

No. It's general information based on the Texas DSHS website. Check the current rules with DSHS or your county before you order.

Sources

General information, not legal or financial advice. Rules change; check the official sources above or talk to a licensed professional about your situation.