Austin Death Records Search

Austin death records are maintained by the City of Austin Office of Vital Records for deaths registered within city limits, while the Travis County Clerk holds an older set of records covering 1903 through 1956 only. This page explains which office to contact, how to get a certified copy, what it costs, and the access rules under Texas law.

Where to Get Austin Death Records

Austin runs its own vital records office. The City of Austin Office of Vital Records handles all deaths registered within city limits. This is the main office for current and recent Austin death certificates.

The Travis County Clerk holds a different, older set of records covering 1903 to 1956 only. If you are researching a death from that era, the county clerk may have the record. For anything after 1956, the city office is the right place.

Travis County Clerk is at 5501 Airport Boulevard, Austin TX 78751, phone 512-854-9188. That office holds county-level records from 1903 through 1956 only.

The Austin Office of Vital Records page has current application forms and service updates.

The city office at Levander Loop handles in-person, mail, and phone-initiated requests for deaths registered within Austin city limits.

Getting a Certified Death Certificate

Certified copies are available in person, by mail, or online through VitalChek or the Texas state portal.

In person at 7201 Levander Loop, Building C. Bring a photo ID, a filled-out application, and payment. Same-day service is typical. Walk-ins are accepted during normal business hours.

By mail, submit your completed application, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order to the Austin Office of Vital Records. Processing takes about 3 to 4 weeks. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope to help speed up the return.

Online through VitalChek or the Texas.gov vital records portal. A service fee applies on top of the base certificate cost. Delivery runs 7 to 14 business days depending on the shipping method chosen.

If the city office cannot locate the record, the DSHS Vital Statistics Unit at (888) 963-7111 handles statewide requests. For deaths from 1903 to 1956, also try Travis County Clerk at 512-854-9188.

Who Can Request Death Records

Texas restricts death records less than 25 years old. Only authorized requesters can get a certified copy of a recent death certificate.

Authorized requesters include the surviving spouse, parent, adult child, or sibling of the deceased. A legal guardian, attorney acting for the estate, or a person with a valid court order also qualifies. If you are outside those categories, you can still request a restricted record if you can show a direct and tangible interest.

Death records 25 years or older are public. Anyone can request a copy. You still pay the fee, but no family connection is required to receive the record.

At the Austin city office, present a valid government-issued photo ID in person or include a photocopy with your mail application. If someone picks up on your behalf, they need written authorization from you plus their own ID. Acceptable ID types are listed at the DSHS acceptable ID page.

Fees and Payment

The City of Austin charges $21 for the first certified copy of a death certificate. Each extra copy of the same record ordered at the same time costs $4.

The Travis County Clerk may charge different fees for records from 1903 to 1956. Call 512-854-9188 to confirm before visiting.

State DSHS fees are $20 for the first copy and $3 per additional copy. An expedited fee of $25 applies for faster processing through DSHS. These fees differ from what the city charges.

VitalChek and the Texas.gov portal add service and shipping fees on top of the base cost. Cards are accepted online. In person at the city office, cash, check, money order, and most credit and debit cards are accepted. Mail requests require check or money order only.

All fees are non-refundable. If no record is found for your search, the fee still applies. Use the correct full name, date of death, and city to reduce the chance of a failed search.

Texas Law and Death Record Requirements

Death registration in Texas is governed by the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 191. That chapter sets out who files, the 10-day deadline, and what information the record must contain.

The attending physician certifies the cause of death. The funeral director files the certificate with the local registrar. In Austin, that registrar is the Office of Vital Records for deaths within city limits.

Deaths investigated by a justice of the peace or the Travis County Medical Examiner fall under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 49. That chapter covers inquest rules when a death is sudden, unattended, or requires investigation.

All Texas death records are now registered electronically through TxEVER. Funeral homes file directly into TxEVER. Once the record is confirmed, local registrars like the Austin Office of Vital Records can issue certified copies. This electronic system has reduced processing time significantly compared to old paper methods.

Restricted record access is governed by 25 Texas Administrative Code Section 181.31.

Historical Death Records and Genealogy

Austin and Travis County death records go back to 1903 in the statewide index. The Travis County Clerk holds records from 1903 to 1956. Records from 1957 onward are at the city office or DSHS.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission holds statewide death indexes and historical certificates. Their genealogy research guide explains how to search older records and what collections are available.

FamilySearch has a large collection of digitized Texas death records available at no cost. Their Texas database covers many early and mid-20th century certificates. Search by name and filter by county to narrow results.

Ancestry.com carries Texas death indexes and county records as well. A subscription is required, though the Austin Public Library system offers free Ancestry access on-site at branch locations.

Travis County probate and estate records at the courthouse can supplement vital records for older deaths. The Austin History Center also holds local records including funeral home files and cemetery records that may help with hard-to-find deaths.

State-Level Death Record Requests

The Texas Department of State Health Services handles statewide death record requests. If the Austin city office or Travis County Clerk cannot help, DSHS is the fallback.

DSHS Vital Statistics Unit
1100 W. 49th St., Austin TX 78756
Mailing: P.O. Box 12040, Austin TX 78711-2040
Phone: (888) 963-7111

General vital statistics info is at dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics. Death records details are at dshs.texas.gov/vs/death.

DSHS is physically located in Austin, which can make in-person visits convenient for Austin residents. Mail orders take 4 to 6 weeks. The Texas.gov vital records portal offers online ordering with 7 to 14 business day delivery.

Nearby Cities

Cities near Austin with death records pages include Round Rock, Georgetown, Leander, San Antonio, and Waco.

County Resources

For deaths outside Austin city limits and for records from 1903 to 1956, see the Travis County records page.