Cochran County Death Records
Cochran County death records are held by the County Clerk in Morton and go back to 1903. Located on the South Plains of West Texas along the New Mexico border, Cochran County is a small agricultural county. Certified death certificates can be requested in person at the courthouse in Morton, by mail to the county or state, or through the Texas DSHS online portal.
Cochran County Overview
Cochran County Clerk Office
| Office | Cochran County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 100 N. Main St., Morton, TX 79346 |
| Phone | (806) 266-5450 |
| 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 Cochran County Clerk's office in Morton is the local custodian for all death records filed in the county. The office handles in-person requests, issues certified copies, and can process mail orders. As one of the less populous counties in West Texas, the office is small, and calling ahead at (806) 266-5450 is always a good idea before making the trip.
Cochran County sits on the Texas-New Mexico state line. Its agricultural communities depend largely on cotton farming. The county has a consistent, if small, set of death records going back to the early 1900s. All records are registered through TxEVER and archived at both the county and state level.
For those who cannot get to Morton, the Texas DSHS processes mail and online requests for Cochran County records. The state is often a more practical option given the county's remote location.
Getting a Certified Death Certificate
To get a certified death certificate for a Cochran County death, visit the county clerk in Morton, mail a request, or order online through the state portal.
In-person requests go to 100 N. Main St., Morton, TX 79346. The fee is $21 for the first copy and $4 per additional copy ordered at the same time. Bring valid ID and relationship proof for restricted records.
Mail requests to the Texas DSHS go to P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040. The state charges $20 for the first copy and $3 per additional. Expedited processing costs $25 extra. Include your form, ID copy, and payment.
Online orders go through Texas.gov or VitalChek. Service fees apply. Standard processing takes 7 to 14 business days. Call DSHS at (888) 963-7111 for urgent needs or visit 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 family members include the deceased's spouse, parent, child, sibling, and grandparent, plus authorized legal representatives. Proof of relationship is required along with a valid photo ID. After 25 years, records are public. See 25 TAC Chapter 181 for details.
Fees and Payment
The Cochran County Clerk charges $21 for the first certified death certificate and $4 per additional copy. The DSHS charges $20 for the first copy and $3 per additional, plus $25 for expedited processing. Online orders include a service fee. Call (806) 266-5450 to ask about payment options at the local office.
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
Cochran County historical records from 1903 forward are held by 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 Cochran County
Cochran County is a small rural county on the West Texas plains. Morton is the county seat and main community. No cities in Cochran County meet the 100,000 population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site.
Nearby Counties
For death records in adjacent South Plains counties, contact these neighboring clerks.