Find Death Records in Comal County
Comal County death records are maintained by the County Clerk in New Braunfels and have been filed since 1903. Located between San Antonio and Austin in the Texas Hill Country, Comal County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state. Certified death certificates can be requested at the courthouse in New Braunfels, by mail to the county or state, or through the Texas DSHS online ordering system.
Comal County Overview
Comal County Clerk Office
| Office | Comal County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 150 N. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130 |
| Phone | (830) 221-1230 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Website | co.comal.tx.us |
Note: Texas Senate Bill 16 requires valid photo ID for all official public record filings submitted at this office.
The Comal County Clerk's office at 150 N. Seguin Ave. in New Braunfels is the official repository for death records in the county. Comal County has experienced significant population growth as part of the San Antonio-Austin corridor, and the clerk's office handles a high volume of vital records requests. It is a good idea to check current wait times before visiting, especially during busy periods.
The clerk's office issues certified copies, handles mail requests, and can direct you to state resources when needed. New Braunfels is accessible from both IH-35 and IH-35W, making it easy to reach from San Antonio or Austin. Bring valid photo ID and, for restricted records within 25 years, proof of your relationship to the deceased.
All Comal County death records are registered through TxEVER. The county clerk holds local copies, while the Texas DSHS holds the statewide archive. Either office can issue certified copies. For many residents, the county clerk in New Braunfels is the more convenient option, while the state is a good fallback for mail and online requests.
Getting a Certified Death Certificate
You can get a certified death certificate for a Comal County death in person at the New Braunfels courthouse, by mail to the county or state, or online through the state portal.
In-person requests go to 150 N. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels, TX 78130. The fee is $21 for the first copy and $4 per additional copy ordered at the same time. Bring valid photo ID and relationship documentation 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, a copy of your ID, and payment.
Online orders go through Texas.gov or VitalChek. Service fees apply. Standard processing takes 7 to 14 business days. For urgent requests, call DSHS at (888) 963-7111 or visit the 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 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 set out in 25 TAC Chapter 181. Genealogists researching records over 25 years old do not need to show any relationship to the deceased.
Fees and Payment
The Comal County Clerk charges $21 for the first certified death certificate and $4 per additional copy ordered at the same time. Cash, check, and money order are accepted. Call (830) 221-1230 to confirm whether card payments are accepted.
The Texas DSHS charges $20 for the first copy and $3 per additional. Expedited processing adds $25. Online orders through Texas.gov and VitalChek carry a service fee. Always confirm current fees before mailing payment.
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. Given Comal County's growth, its clerk and medical examiner offices handle a significant caseload each year.
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
Comal 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 for genealogy research. FamilySearch provides free access to digitized Texas death records. Ancestry.com holds Texas vital record collections for broader 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 Comal County
Comal County is anchored by New Braunfels, one of Texas's fastest-growing cities. New Braunfels has a qualifying population for a dedicated page on this site.
Nearby Counties
For death records in surrounding Hill Country and San Antonio metro counties, contact these neighboring clerks.