Find Death Records in Cherokee County
Cherokee County death records are maintained by the County Clerk in Rusk and have been filed since 1903. Note that the county seat is the city of Rusk, which is not the same as Rusk County. Cherokee County is a forested East Texas county with a mix of rural communities and small cities. Certified death certificates can be requested at the courthouse in Rusk, by mail, or through the Texas DSHS.
Cherokee County Overview
Cherokee County Clerk Office
| Office | Cherokee County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 135 S. Main St., Rusk, TX 75785 |
| Phone | (903) 683-2350 |
| 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 Cherokee County Clerk's office at 135 S. Main Street in Rusk is the official custodian of death records for the county. The office issues certified copies, handles mail requests, and maintains the local archive of vital records going back to 1903. Staff can help you determine whether a record is on file locally and what you need to bring for in-person requests.
It is worth noting that Cherokee County's seat is in the city of Rusk, TX, while Rusk County's seat is in Henderson, TX. These are two different counties. If you are unsure which county you need, check the address of the death location before contacting either office.
For those who cannot visit in person, all Cherokee County death records are also held by the Texas DSHS. The state processes mail and online requests and is often the more convenient option for people not close to Rusk.
Getting a Certified Death Certificate
You can get a certified death certificate for a Cherokee County death in person at the courthouse in Rusk, by mail to the county or state, or online through the Texas state portal.
In-person requests go to 135 S. Main St., Rusk, TX 75785. The fee is $21 for the first certified copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Bring photo ID and relationship documentation 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 state 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. Processing takes 7 to 14 business days. For faster help, 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 immediate family members include the deceased's spouse, parent, child, sibling, and grandparent. Attorneys and authorized legal representatives may also request copies. Proof of relationship and a photo ID are required for restricted records.
After 25 years, the record is public. The rules are in 25 TAC Chapter 181. Genealogists researching records over 25 years old do not need to show any relationship.
Fees and Payment
The Cherokee County Clerk charges $21 for the first certified death certificate and $4 per additional copy. Call (903) 683-2350 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 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. Unusual deaths 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
Cherokee County death records from 1903 forward are available through the county clerk and DSHS. The Texas State Library and Archives Commission holds early vital records. FamilySearch provides free access to digitized Texas death records. Ancestry.com holds additional Texas vital record collections.
State-Level Death Record Requests
The Texas Department of State Health Services holds all Texas death records. 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 Cherokee County
Cherokee County includes the cities of Rusk and Jacksonville, along with smaller communities. No cities in Cherokee County meet the 100,000 population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site.
Nearby Counties
For death records in neighboring East Texas counties, contact these clerks.