Brown County Death Records Search
Brown County death records are held by the County Clerk in Brownwood and go back to 1903. The county sits in central Texas and serves as a hub for the surrounding region. Certified death certificates can be requested in person at the Brownwood courthouse, by mail to the county or state, or through the Texas DSHS online ordering system.
Brown County Overview
Brown County Clerk Office
| Office | Brown County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 200 S. Broadway, Suite 101, Brownwood, TX 76801 |
| Phone | (325) 643-2594 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Website | dshs.texas.gov |
Note: Texas Senate Bill 16 requires valid photo ID for all official public record filings submitted at this office.
The Brown County Clerk's office at 200 S. Broadway in Brownwood maintains death records for all deaths in the county. The office handles in-person and mail requests for certified copies and can direct you to state resources if needed. Brownwood is the county seat and the main service center for this part of central Texas, so the office sees a steady flow of requests.
If you visit in person, bring a valid photo ID. For restricted records within the 25-year window, you also need documentation of your relationship to the deceased. Having the full name of the deceased and approximate date of death on hand will help speed up the process.
All Brown County death certificates are registered through the TxEVER system. The state holds copies of all records. If you prefer to go through the state, the Texas DSHS can process your request without you needing to contact the local office.
Getting a Certified Death Certificate
To get a certified death certificate for a Brown County death, you can visit the clerk's office in Brownwood, mail a request to the county or state, or order online through the Texas state portal.
In-person requests go to 200 S. Broadway, Suite 101, Brownwood, TX 76801. The fee is $21 for the first certified copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Same-day processing is usually available for walk-in requests.
Mail requests to the Texas DSHS go to P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040. Include your completed form, a copy of your ID, and a check or money order. The state charges $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy. Expedited processing costs $25 more.
Online orders can be placed through Texas.gov or VitalChek. Service fees apply. Standard processing takes 7 to 14 business days. For faster service, the DSHS walk-in office at 1100 W. 49th St., Austin, TX 78756 is an option. Call (888) 963-7111 for information.
Who Can Request Death Records
Texas restricts death certificates for 25 years after the date of death. During this period, only immediate family members and certain authorized parties can get a certified copy. After 25 years, the record becomes public and is available to anyone.
Eligible family members include the deceased's spouse, parent, child, sibling, and grandparent. Executors, attorneys, and legal representatives acting for eligible family can also request copies. You need valid ID and proof of your relationship.
The rules are defined in 25 TAC Chapter 181. Genealogists working with records older than 25 years do not need to prove any relationship.
Fees and Payment
The Brown County Clerk charges $21 for the first certified death certificate and $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Cash, check, and money order are accepted. Call (325) 643-2594 to ask about card payments before your visit.
The Texas DSHS charges $20 for the first copy and $3 per additional copy. Expedited processing costs $25 extra. Online orders through Texas.gov and VitalChek include a service fee. Always confirm the current fee schedule before mailing payment.
Texas Law and Death Record Requirements
Texas law requires death certificates to be filed within 10 days of death. The attending physician or medical examiner certifies the cause. Funeral homes process the filing through TxEVER, routing records to both county and state archives.
The legal basis is in Health and Safety Code Chapter 191 and Chapter 193. For deaths involving unusual circumstances, an inquiry may be needed under Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 49.
The Texas.gov vital records portal allows online ordering of certified death certificates from anywhere in the state.
Online orders are processed by the state and typically arrive within 7 to 14 business days.
Historical Death Records and Genealogy
Brown County historical death records from 1903 forward are available through the county clerk and the DSHS. For older records and genealogy work, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission holds early vital records indexes and county registers.
FamilySearch offers free access to digitized Texas death records, including Brown County records from the early 1900s through the mid-20th century. Ancestry.com holds additional Texas vital records that may be useful for extended family research.
State-Level Death Record Requests
The Texas Department of State Health Services holds death records for all Texas counties. Call (888) 963-7111. Mail: P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040. Walk-in: 1100 W. 49th St., Austin, TX 78756. Online orders: Texas.gov and VitalChek. Review the DSHS acceptable IDs page before submitting.
Cities in Brown County
Brown County includes Brownwood as the county seat, along with Early and Bangs. No cities in Brown County meet the 100,000 population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site.
Nearby Counties
For death records in surrounding areas, contact the clerks in these neighboring counties.