Search Chambers County Death Records
Chambers County death records are held by the County Clerk in Anahuac and date back to 1903. Located east of Houston along the upper Texas Gulf Coast, Chambers County borders Galveston Bay and has seen growth as part of the Houston metropolitan area. Certified death certificates can be requested at the Anahuac courthouse, by mail, or through the Texas DSHS or state online portal.
Chambers County Overview
Chambers County Clerk Office
| Office | Chambers County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 404 Washington Ave., Anahuac, TX 77514 |
| Phone | (409) 267-2418 |
| 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 Chambers County Clerk's office at 404 Washington Ave. in Anahuac is the official repository for death records in the county. The office maintains death certificates filed since 1903 and issues certified copies to eligible requesters. Staff handle both in-person and mail requests and can direct you to state resources if needed.
Chambers County is part of the greater Houston area but remains largely rural except for communities along I-10. Anahuac, the county seat, is a small city on Trinity Bay. If you are coming from the Houston side of the county, the drive to Anahuac can take some time. Ordering by mail or online may be more practical for Houston-area residents.
All death certificates in Chambers County are processed through TxEVER, the state's electronic vital events system. This means the Texas DSHS also holds a copy of every record. If you are unsure whether to contact the county or the state, either office can process your request.
Getting a Certified Death Certificate
To get a certified death certificate for a Chambers County death, you can visit the county clerk's office in Anahuac, mail a request to the county or state, or order online through the Texas state portal.
In-person requests go to 404 Washington Ave., Anahuac, TX 77514. The fee is $21 for the first certified copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Bring valid photo ID and proof of relationship for records under 25 years old.
Mail requests to the Texas DSHS go to P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040. Include your form, a copy of your ID, and payment. The DSHS charges $20 for the first copy and $3 per additional. Expedited processing costs $25 extra.
Online orders go 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 their 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. Eligible requesters during this period include the deceased's spouse, parent, child, sibling, and grandparent, plus authorized legal representatives. After 25 years, the records are public.
Proof of relationship is needed for restricted records, along with a valid photo ID. The rules are set out in 25 TAC Chapter 181. Genealogists working with records over 25 years old do not need to prove any relationship.
Fees and Payment
The Chambers County Clerk charges $21 for the first certified death certificate and $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Call (409) 267-2418 to confirm payment methods. The DSHS charges $20 for the first copy and $3 per additional, plus $25 for expedited processing. Online orders include a service fee.
Texas Law and Death Record Requirements
Texas 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 require 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
Chambers County historical records from 1903 forward are available through the clerk and 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 also holds Texas vital records collections 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: Texas.gov and VitalChek. See the DSHS acceptable IDs page for ID requirements.
Cities in Chambers County
Chambers County includes communities such as Anahuac, Winnie, Beach City, and Baytown (partial). No cities in Chambers County meet the 100,000 population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site.
Nearby Counties
For death records in adjacent counties east of Houston, contact these clerks.