How much do death certificates cost in Texas?
Certified copies from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) cost $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
Online ordering through VitalChek adds significant service fees. The state fee stays the same, but VitalChek's processing fee can bring the total well above $100 per order. Ordering directly through Texas.gov is cheaper.
How to order
Through a funeral home (fastest)
Your funeral director will ask how many copies you need during arrangements. They handle the paperwork and coordinate with the medical certifier. Copies typically arrive within 2 to 4 weeks.
Online
Two options:
- Texas.gov — The official DSHS application. This is the fastest and cheapest online option. You will need the deceased's information and a valid credit card.
- VitalChek — An authorized third-party vendor with higher fees but sometimes faster processing.
By mail
Download the application from the DSHS Vital Statistics website. Include a check or money order payable to "DSHS" and a copy of your photo ID.
Standard mail processing takes approximately one month.
In person
Visit a local vital statistics office or county clerk. Some offices offer same-day service for recent deaths.
Processing times
| Method | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Funeral home | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Online (Texas.gov) | 3 to 4 weeks |
| By mail (DSHS) | About 1 month |
| In person | Same day to a few days |
Expedited service: An additional $25 fee is available for applications mailed via overnight service. This prioritizes processing but does not guarantee the record if requirements are not met.
Who can order?
Texas does not restrict who can order a certified death certificate. Anyone can request a copy.
You will need to provide the deceased's full name, date of death, and place of death. A valid photo ID is required for most ordering methods.
What to know about Texas specifically
Unrestricted access. Unlike many states, Texas does not require proof of relationship to order a certified copy. This simplifies the process for attorneys, financial advisors, and others helping with estate settlement.
The four-year connection. Texas gives families four years to offer a will for probate. If you are handling an estate and plan to file for probate, make sure you have enough certified copies early. Reordering later means another round of processing and waiting.
County clerks for older records. For deaths that occurred before 1903, records may only be available through the county clerk where the death occurred, not through DSHS.
For a broader overview of the death certificate process, see our guide on how to get death certificates. If you are handling probate, see our guide on how probate works in Texas.
Managing a Texas estate?
Our free checklist walks you through every step, customized for your state.
Open the Checklist