Find Death Records in Coke County
Coke County death records are filed with the County Clerk in Robert Lee and date back to 1903. Located in West Texas between San Angelo and Big Spring, Coke County is a sparsely populated rural county where the local clerk maintains a small but complete archive of vital records. Certified death certificates can be requested at the courthouse, by mail, or through the Texas DSHS or state online portal.
Coke County Overview
Coke County Clerk Office
| Office | Coke County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 13 E. 7th St., Robert Lee, TX 76945 |
| Phone | (325) 453-2631 |
| 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 Coke County Clerk's office at 13 E. 7th St. in Robert Lee is the official repository for death records in the county. The office handles all vital records filings, issues certified copies, and assists with mail requests. Robert Lee is a small community, so it is best to call ahead at (325) 453-2631 before visiting to confirm hours and availability.
Coke County sits near the Colorado River in the West Texas oil country. The county has a small population, and the clerk's office handles a modest volume of records each year. All death certificates are registered through TxEVER, which routes copies to both the county and the Texas DSHS. Either office can issue a certified copy from the same record.
For those outside the area, ordering through the Texas DSHS by mail or online is often the most practical approach. The state can process your request without requiring a trip to Robert Lee.
Getting a Certified Death Certificate
You can get a certified death certificate for a Coke County death in person at the county clerk's office in Robert Lee, by mail to the county or state, or online through the Texas state portal.
In-person requests go to 13 E. 7th St., Robert Lee, TX 76945. The fee is $21 for the first copy and $4 per additional copy ordered at the same time. Bring valid 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. 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 requests 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 immediate family includes the deceased's spouse, parent, child, sibling, and grandparent, plus authorized legal representatives. Proof of relationship and photo ID are required for restricted records. After 25 years, records are public. The rules are in 25 TAC Chapter 181.
Fees and Payment
The Coke 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 (325) 453-2631 to confirm payment methods at the county 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
Coke County death 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 for extended research.
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 Coke County
Coke County is a small rural county in West Texas. Robert Lee is the county seat and largest community. No cities in Coke County meet the 100,000 population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site.
Nearby Counties
For death records in adjacent West Texas counties, contact these neighboring clerks.