Find Death Records in New Braunfels

New Braunfels death records are maintained by the Comal County Clerk, the official local office for certified death certificates in this part of the Texas Hill Country. This page explains how to get a copy, what fees apply, who is eligible to request records, and what Texas law governs access.

Comal County Clerk - Where to Get New Braunfels Death Records

The Comal County Clerk at 150 N. Seguin Street, New Braunfels, TX 78130, phone 830-221-1100, is the local office for death certificates. New Braunfels is the county seat of Comal County, so the clerk's office is located in the city itself. This is convenient for most residents who need to come in person.

The clerk issues certified copies of death certificates for all deaths that occurred in Comal County. Walk in during business hours with your ID and the request form. Same-day service is available in most cases. Call 830-221-1100 to confirm hours and any current wait times before visiting.

The Comal County Clerk's page for New Braunfels provides information on requesting death records and certified copies.

The county clerk issues certified copies of death certificates for deaths that occurred in Comal County, including New Braunfels.

Comal County was created in 1846 from parts of Bexar and Guadalupe counties, making it one of the older counties in South-Central Texas. Statewide death registration began in 1903, so official records go back that far. For deaths before 1903, alternative sources like church records and cemetery logs are needed.

How to Request a Certified Death Certificate

Getting a certified copy from the Comal County Clerk requires a few things. Fill out the vital records request form. You can get this form at the clerk's office or on the county website. Bring a valid photo ID. If the death is less than 25 years old, also bring documentation showing your relationship to the deceased.

In-person requests are the most straightforward. Go to 150 N. Seguin Street, fill out the form at the front counter, show your ID, and pay the fee. The clerk can typically issue a certified copy the same day during normal business hours.

Mail requests work as well. Send your completed form, a legible copy of your photo ID, and a check or money order payable to the Comal County Clerk to 150 N. Seguin Street, New Braunfels, TX 78130. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so the copy can be returned to you by mail.

Online ordering is available through the Texas.gov portal at texas.gov/texas-vital-records. Texas DSHS Vital Statistics processes these orders and mails the certified copy to your address. VitalChek at vitalchek.com is another online option. Both cover all Texas counties including Comal.

If you are not sure whether to request from the county or from DSHS, either office can issue a valid certified copy. Both are accepted for insurance claims, estate settlement, and other legal purposes.

Who Can Access New Braunfels Death Records

Texas restricts access to recent death records. Deaths less than 25 years old are not public. Only immediate family members can get a certified copy of a recent record. Immediate family includes a spouse, parent, child, sibling, or grandparent of the deceased.

You need to show proof of the relationship. A birth certificate, marriage license, or court document that links you to the deceased will satisfy this requirement. The county clerk staff will review what you bring and can tell you if more documentation is needed.

Licensed funeral directors can access records in connection with their professional duties. Attorneys and court-appointed estate administrators can also access records if they bring proper legal authorization.

Records 25 years old or older are public. No explanation is needed. Any person can request them with a valid ID and payment.

All requesters must show a valid photo ID under Texas SB 16. Acceptable forms of ID are listed at dshs.texas.gov. A Texas driver's license, Texas state ID, or U.S. passport all qualify.

Fees and Payment

The Comal County Clerk charges $21 for the first certified copy of a death certificate and $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. These rates match the statewide standard set by Texas law.

If you order through DSHS, the fee is $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy. DSHS offers expedited processing for $25 if you need the copy faster.

Payment at the clerk's office is accepted in cash, check, or money order. For mail requests, use a check or money order only. Do not mail cash. Make the check payable to the Comal County Clerk.

Online orders through Texas.gov or VitalChek accept credit and debit cards. A small convenience fee may apply on top of the base cost. Review the total before completing the online order.

Texas Vital Records Law

Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 191 governs all vital records in the state. It sets out who must file a death certificate, how records are stored, and who can request a copy. The full statute is at statutes.capitol.texas.gov.

When a death occurs in New Braunfels, the attending physician certifies the cause. The funeral home then files the death certificate with the Comal County Clerk as the local registrar. The clerk sends a copy to DSHS, which stores it in the statewide TxEVER system (Texas Electronic Vital Events Registrar).

For deaths that require investigation, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 49 covers inquests. See the full text at statutes.capitol.texas.gov. Comal County has justice of the peace courts that handle local inquest proceedings.

Fee rules for vital records are in Texas Administrative Code 25 TAC 181.31 at texreg.sos.state.tx.us.

The 25-year access restriction is set by state law and applies uniformly across all Texas counties, including Comal. It cannot be waived by the county clerk. If you need a recent record and are not immediate family, you need a court order.

Historical Records and Genealogy

Comal County is one of the older counties in Central Texas, formed in 1846. Statewide death registration started in 1903, so official records date from that year. But the county's German immigrant community kept excellent church records long before official registration, making Comal County a rich area for genealogy research.

FamilySearch at familysearch.org has a free Texas death records collection. It includes many early Comal County entries and is a good starting point before contacting the county clerk.

Ancestry.com holds Texas death records at ancestry.com. Subscription access gives full record detail. Many public libraries in the New Braunfels area offer free Ancestry access on library computers.

The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) at tsl.texas.gov holds historical records including microfilm for early Texas death records. Comal County records from the early registration period are often available there.

Local church archives are particularly valuable for New Braunfels research. Many of the area's 19th-century German Lutheran and Catholic congregations kept meticulous burial records. Contact the individual churches or the Sophienburg Museum and Archives in New Braunfels for access to these records.

Nearby Cities

Other Texas cities with death records pages include San Antonio, Austin, and Round Rock.

County Resources

For county-level records, see the Comal County records page.