Search Laredo Death Records

Laredo death records for deaths within city limits are held by the City of Laredo Vital Statistics office, while the Webb County Clerk handles deaths in the rest of Webb County. Laredo is the county seat, so both offices are located in the same city and can be reached without a long drive. This page covers how to request records, who qualifies, what it costs, and the state rules that apply.

Where to Get Laredo Death Records

Laredo has its own vital statistics office for deaths that occurred within city limits. For deaths outside the city but within Webb County, the Webb County Clerk is the right office. When in doubt about which office holds a record, start with the city office and they can direct you to the county if needed.

Webb County Clerk is at 1110 Victoria St., Laredo TX 78040, phone (956) 523-4266.

The Texas.gov vital records portal lets you order certified death certificates online from anywhere in Texas.

Online orders are processed statewide and arrive within 7 to 14 business days.

Getting a Certified Death Certificate

Certified copies of Laredo death records are available in person, by mail, or online through state systems.

In person at 2600 Cedar Ave for city records, or at the Webb County Clerk at 1110 Victoria St. for county records. Bring a valid photo ID, a completed request form, and payment. Most in-person requests are handled the same day.

By mail, send a completed application, a photocopy of your ID, and a check or money order to the appropriate office. Allow 3 to 4 weeks. Add a self-addressed stamped envelope to help speed up the return.

Online through VitalChek or the Texas.gov vital records portal. Both add a service fee on top of the base certificate cost. Delivery is typically 7 to 14 business days.

If neither local office can find the record, contact DSHS directly at (888) 963-7111 or see dshs.texas.gov/vs/death.

Who Can Request Death Records

Texas restricts death records under 25 years old. Only authorized people can get a certified copy of a recent record.

Eligible requesters include the surviving spouse, parent, adult child, or sibling of the deceased. Legal representatives, attorneys for the estate, and those with a valid court order also qualify. If you fall outside those groups, you may be able to request a restricted record by showing a direct and tangible interest in it.

Records 25 or more years old are public under Texas law. Anyone can request them. The fee still applies but no relationship to the deceased is required.

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID in person. For mail requests, include a photocopy of your ID. Acceptable ID types are at the DSHS acceptable ID page. If an agent is picking up on your behalf, they need written authorization from you plus their own ID.

Fees and Payment

Laredo charges $21 for the first certified copy and $4 per additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Call the Webb County Clerk at (956) 523-4266 to confirm fees before visiting.

State DSHS fees are $20 for the first copy and $3 per extra copy. Expedited DSHS processing adds $25.

Online orders add a service fee and shipping. Credit and debit cards are accepted online. In person, cash, check, money order, and most cards are accepted. Mail requests require check or money order. Do not send cash by mail.

All fees are non-refundable. A failed search still costs the fee. Use the correct name, date, and location of death to avoid wasted requests.

Texas Law and Death Record Requirements

Death registration in Texas is governed by the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 191. That chapter covers the 10-day filing deadline, who files the certificate, and what information must be included.

The attending physician certifies the cause of death. The funeral director files the certificate with the local registrar. For Laredo, that is the City of Laredo Vital Statistics office for deaths within city limits.

Deaths investigated by a justice of the peace or medical examiner are handled under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 49. The Webb County Medical Examiner or a JP handles those cases for Laredo and the surrounding county.

All Texas deaths are registered electronically through TxEVER. Funeral homes submit directly into TxEVER, and once the record is confirmed, the local registrar can issue certified copies. Laredo's border location means some families may need records from both the Texas and Mexican sides of the border, which involve separate registration systems.

Access rules for restricted records are in 25 Texas Administrative Code Section 181.31.

Historical Death Records and Genealogy

Laredo and Webb County death records go back to 1903 in the statewide index. Older records may exist in county courthouse files, Catholic church registers, and cemetery records in the area. Laredo has a long history as a border city and many older deaths were recorded on both sides of the Rio Grande.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission holds statewide death indexes and historical records. Their genealogy research guide explains what is available.

FamilySearch has digitized Texas death records and offers free online access. Their Texas collection covers many early 20th century certificates. Filter by Webb County for Laredo-area results.

Ancestry.com holds Texas death indexes and county records. A subscription is needed for full access. The Laredo Public Library may offer free Ancestry access on-site.

For older records on the Mexican side of the border, Registro Civil records in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico may be helpful. FamilySearch also has some Mexican civil registration records available for free search.

State-Level Death Record Requests

If the Laredo city or Webb County clerk cannot help, the Texas Department of State Health Services handles statewide vital records and can issue certified copies for any death in TxEVER.

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

See dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics and dshs.texas.gov/vs/death for details.

DSHS mail orders take 4 to 6 weeks. Online orders through the Texas.gov vital records portal arrive in about 7 to 14 business days.

Nearby Cities

Cities near Laredo with death records pages include Corpus Christi, McAllen, and Brownsville.

County Resources

For deaths outside Laredo city limits, see the Webb County records page.