Burnet County Death Records
Burnet County death records are maintained by the County Clerk in the city of Burnet and go back to 1903, when Texas established a statewide system for registering deaths. Located in the Texas Hill Country northwest of Austin, Burnet County has seen steady population growth in recent decades. Certified death certificates can be requested in person at the courthouse, by mail, or through the Texas DSHS online portal.
Burnet County Overview
Burnet County Clerk Office
| Office | Burnet County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 220 S. Pierce St., Burnet, TX 78611 |
| Phone | (512) 756-5406 |
| 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 Burnet County Clerk's office on Pierce Street in the city of Burnet is the official repository for death records in the county. The office issues certified copies, handles mail requests, and can direct you to state resources when needed. Burnet County has grown as part of the greater Austin metro area's expansion into the Hill Country, so the office handles a meaningful volume of records each year.
When visiting in person, bring valid photo ID and be ready to state your relationship to the deceased. For records less than 25 years old, you will also need documentation showing that relationship. The staff can tell you quickly whether a particular record is on file locally and what the processing time will be.
All death records in Texas flow through the TxEVER system, which means the state holds a copy of every Burnet County death certificate. If the county office is unavailable or you prefer to work through the state, the DSHS can process your request without any issue.
Getting a Certified Death Certificate
To get a certified death certificate for a Burnet County death, you can visit the clerk's office in Burnet, mail a request, or order online through the state portal.
In-person requests go to 220 S. Pierce St., Burnet, TX 78611. The fee is $21 for the first certified copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Bring photo ID and proof of relationship for restricted records. Same-day service 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 payment. The state charges $20 for the first copy and $3 per additional copy. Expedited orders cost $25 more.
Online orders are placed through Texas.gov or VitalChek. Service fees apply. Standard processing takes 7 to 14 business days. For urgent requests, contact DSHS at (888) 963-7111 or visit the walk-in office at 1100 W. 49th St., Austin, TX 78756.
Who Can Request Death Records
Texas restricts death certificates for 25 years from the date of death. During this time, only immediate family members and certain authorized parties can request certified copies. After 25 years, the records are public.
Eligible immediate family includes the deceased's spouse, parent, child, sibling, and grandparent. Attorneys, executors, and legal guardians acting on behalf of eligible family may also request copies. You need valid photo ID and proof of your relationship for restricted records.
The rules are in 25 TAC Chapter 181. Genealogists working with records over 25 years old do not need to show any relationship.
Fees and Payment
The Burnet 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 (512) 756-5406 to ask about card payments.
The Texas DSHS charges $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional. Expedited processing adds $25. Online service fees apply through Texas.gov and VitalChek. Confirm current fees before mailing payment.
Texas Law and Death Record Requirements
Texas law requires death certificates to be filed within 10 days of death. Funeral homes process filings through TxEVER. The legal basis is in Health and Safety Code Chapter 191 and Chapter 193. Deaths under unusual circumstances may trigger an inquiry 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
Burnet County death records from 1903 forward are available through the county clerk and the DSHS. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission holds early vital records and genealogy resources. FamilySearch provides free access to digitized Texas death records. Ancestry.com holds Texas vital record collections for broader 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: Texas.gov and VitalChek. The DSHS is convenient for Burnet County residents given its proximity to Austin. See the DSHS acceptable IDs page before submitting.
Cities in Burnet County
Burnet County includes the cities of Burnet and Marble Falls, along with several smaller communities. No cities in Burnet County meet the 100,000 population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site.
Nearby Counties
For death records in surrounding Hill Country areas, contact these neighboring county clerks.