Comanche County Death Records
Comanche County death records are held by the County Clerk in Comanche and date back to 1903. Located in central Texas between Stephenville and Brownwood, the county is a rural area where the local clerk maintains a 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.
Comanche County Overview
Comanche County Clerk Office
| Office | Comanche County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 101 W. Central Ave., Comanche, TX 76442 |
| Phone | (325) 356-2655 |
| 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 Comanche County Clerk's office at 101 W. Central Ave. in Comanche is the official custodian for death records in the county. The office handles in-person and mail requests, issues certified copies, and assists with older records. Call ahead at (325) 356-2655 before visiting to confirm staff availability and what you need to bring.
Comanche County sits in the Cross Timbers region of central Texas. The county's peach orchards and ranching heritage make it a distinctive part of the state. Death records here go back over a century, and the clerk maintains a consistent archive covering the entire county.
All records are registered through TxEVER and are held by both the county and the Texas DSHS. If you are not near Comanche, requesting through the state is a fully equivalent option.
Getting a Certified Death Certificate
To get a certified death certificate for a Comanche County death, visit the county clerk in Comanche, mail a request, or order online through the state portal.
In-person requests go to 101 W. Central Ave., Comanche, TX 76442. 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 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.
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 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. 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 Comanche 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) 356-2655 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
Comanche 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.
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 Comanche County
Comanche County includes the city of Comanche as the county seat, along with De Leon and Gustine. No cities in Comanche County meet the 100,000 population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site.
Nearby Counties
For death records in adjacent central Texas counties, contact these neighboring clerks.