Search Collin County Death Records
Collin County death records are held by the County Clerk with offices in both McKinney and Plano, making it one of the more accessible counties in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. Records go back to 1903, and Collin County offers an online vital records ordering portal in addition to in-person and mail requests. Certified death certificates can be obtained through the county's own system, or through the Texas DSHS.
Collin County Overview
Collin County Clerk Office
| Office | Collin County Clerk |
|---|---|
| McKinney Address | 2300 Bloomdale Rd. Ste 2106, McKinney, TX 75071 |
| Plano Address | 900 E Park Blvd #140C, Plano, TX 75074 |
| Phone | (972) 548-4185 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Website | collincountytx.gov |
Note: Texas Senate Bill 16 requires valid photo ID for all official public record filings submitted at this office.
Collin County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States and one of the most populous in Texas. The clerk's office operates two locations, one in McKinney at the county seat and one in Plano to serve the southern part of the county. Both locations can handle vital records requests, including certified copies of death certificates.
Collin County offers its own online vital records ordering portal at collintxvitals.permitium.com. This lets you order directly through the county rather than going through the state. The county portal is a convenient option for recent records and may have shorter processing times than state-level requests.
The main county website at collincountytx.gov has detailed instructions for requesting vital records, including forms, fee schedules, and ID requirements. This is worth checking before you visit or mail a request, as the county updates its procedures regularly given the high volume of requests it handles.
The Collin County public records portal provides access to county record search tools and information for requesting vital records including death certificates.
The portal offers search tools and guidance for accessing Collin County public records online.
Getting a Certified Death Certificate
Collin County offers more options for getting a certified death certificate than most Texas counties. You can visit either the McKinney or Plano office in person, order through the county's own online portal, mail a request to the county or state, or use the statewide ordering systems.
For in-person requests at the McKinney office, visit 2300 Bloomdale Rd., Suite 2106, McKinney, TX 75071. For the Plano office, go to 900 E Park Blvd #140C, Plano, TX 75074. Both locations accept walk-ins during regular business hours. 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.
The county's own online ordering portal at collintxvitals.permitium.com is a convenient alternative for those who cannot visit in person. This portal is specific to Collin County and may process orders faster than state-level requests.
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. Online orders are also available through Texas.gov or VitalChek, with service fees applying. For urgent needs, call DSHS at (888) 963-7111 or visit their Austin walk-in office at 1100 W. 49th St.
Who Can Request Death Records
Texas restricts death certificates for 25 years from the date of death. Only immediate family members and authorized parties can get certified copies during this period. 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. Proof of relationship and a valid photo ID are required for restricted records.
The rules are set out in 25 TAC Chapter 181. Genealogists researching records over 25 years old do not need to prove any relationship. Given Collin County's large population and high volume of requests, having all your documentation ready before you visit will save time.
Fees and Payment
The Collin County Clerk charges $21 for the first certified death certificate and $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. The county offices accept cash, check, money order, and typically credit or debit cards. Confirm by calling (972) 548-4185 before your visit.
The Texas DSHS charges $20 for the first copy and $3 per additional. Expedited processing adds $25. Online orders through the county portal, Texas.gov, and VitalChek all carry service fees. Always verify the current fee before mailing payment, as rates can change.
Texas Law and Death Record Requirements
Texas requires death certificates to be filed within 10 days of death. The attending physician or medical examiner certifies the cause. Funeral homes process filings through TxEVER, the state's electronic vital events system. Given Collin County's large population, the clerk's office processes a very high volume of records each year.
The legal structure for death records in Texas is in Health and Safety Code Chapter 191 and Chapter 193. Chapter 191 governs the vital statistics system broadly. Chapter 193 sets specific rules for death records, including filing requirements, record retention, and access rules.
For deaths in Collin County under unusual circumstances, an inquiry may be required under Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 49. The certificate will not be issued until the investigation concludes. Collin County has a medical examiner's office that handles these cases, given the county's large population.
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
Collin County death records from 1903 forward are available through the county clerk or the Texas DSHS. For older records and genealogy research, the Texas State Library and Archives Commission holds early vital records and county registers.
FamilySearch provides free access to digitized Texas death records. Collin County records going back to the early 1900s are well represented in the Texas death index on FamilySearch. This is a practical starting point for free online genealogy research.
Ancestry.com holds Texas vital records and newspaper collections. Given Collin County's long history as part of the Dallas metro, newspaper obituaries from the region are well archived and can supplement official death certificates. A subscription may be needed to view full record images, but the index is free to search.
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. Check the DSHS acceptable IDs page before submitting your request.
Cities in Collin County
Collin County is home to several large cities in the northern Dallas-Fort Worth metro area. The following cities have dedicated pages on this site.
Nearby Counties
For death records in neighboring Dallas-Fort Worth area counties, contact these clerks.