Somervell County Death Records
Somervell County death records are held by the County Clerk in Glen Rose and include filings going back to 1903, when Texas established mandatory statewide death registration. Certified copies of death certificates can be requested in person at the courthouse, by mail, or through the Texas state online portal. All deaths occurring within Somervell County are officially registered through the county clerk in Glen Rose.
Somervell County Overview
Somervell County Clerk Office
| Office | Somervell County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 107 N.E. Vernon Street, Glen Rose, TX 76043 |
| Phone | (254) 897-4427 |
| 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 Somervell County Clerk is located on Northeast Vernon Street in Glen Rose. The office holds death certificates for all deaths registered in the county and processes requests for certified copies. Staff can confirm whether a record is on file and guide you through the request process.
In-person requests are handled during business hours. Bring a valid photo ID and the deceased's name and date of death. Mail requests are accepted as well. For mail, include your photo ID copy, a request letter or form, and a check or money order payable to the Somervell County Clerk. Do not send cash.
If you have a question about a specific record or are not sure what documentation you need, calling the office at (254) 897-4427 before your visit or before mailing your request is a good first step.
Getting a Certified Death Certificate
A certified death certificate is the official version of the document. It carries the state registrar's seal and is accepted by courts, banks, insurance companies, and government agencies. An informational copy is not valid for legal or official use.
To get a certified copy from Somervell County, you can visit the clerk's office in Glen Rose or mail a request. In-person service is usually completed the same day. Mail requests take one to two weeks on average.
If you cannot travel to Glen Rose, online ordering through VitalChek is available. VitalChek routes your order to the Texas DSHS, and the certificate is shipped to you. Standard delivery takes about 7 to 14 business days.
The Texas.gov vital records portal lets you order certified death certificates online from anywhere in Texas.
Online orders are processed statewide and arrive within 7 to 14 business days.
Who Can Request Death Records
Texas restricts access to death records for 25 years after the date of death. Only eligible individuals can receive a certified copy during that period. The list of eligible requesters includes the deceased's surviving spouse, parent, adult child, adult sibling, and any authorized legal representative acting for those relatives.
Once 25 years have passed, the record is open to anyone. You can request a copy of an older record without proving a family connection. You still need to identify the record, but eligibility is not an issue once the restriction lifts.
For records within the 25-year window, bring proof of your relationship. A marriage certificate, birth certificate, court order, or power of attorney may be required depending on your connection to the deceased. The clerk reviews these before issuing a certified copy.
Attorneys, government agencies, and licensed funeral professionals have their own request pathways. If you are unsure about your eligibility, call the Somervell County Clerk or the Texas DSHS at (888) 963-7111 before submitting your request.
Fees and Payment
Somervell County charges $21 for the first certified copy of a death certificate and $4 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. These fees are fixed by the state and apply everywhere in Texas.
At the office, cash, check, and money order are standard payment options. Mail requests should include a check or money order made payable to the Somervell County Clerk. Confirm the current accepted payment methods with the office before sending anything.
Orders placed directly with the Texas DSHS cost $20 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy. A commemorative heirloom certificate is also available through the state for $25. This keepsake version has the same legal force as a standard certified copy.
VitalChek online orders include a service fee, typically $8 to $16, above the base state fee. If you want the most affordable option, a direct mail request to the county or state is your best bet, though it takes more time. For speed, visiting the clerk in person is the fastest path.
Texas Law and Death Record Requirements
Texas requires all deaths to be registered under the Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 191. This statute covers who must file a death certificate, what information must be included, and the rules governing public access to the records.
The attending physician or medical examiner certifies the cause of death. The funeral director then files the completed death certificate through TxEVER, the state's electronic filing system. Certificates must be submitted within the statutory time frame after the death occurs.
Deaths involving accidents, violence, or unclear circumstances may require an inquest under Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 49. The justice of the peace or medical examiner in Somervell County conducts these investigations, and the final certificate may be delayed until the inquest concludes.
TxEVER is managed by the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit. All Texas hospitals, funeral homes, and physicians use this system to submit death certificates electronically. The rules for TxEVER and vital records access are in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Chapter 181.
Historical Death Records and Genealogy
Formal death registration in Texas started in 1903. Deaths before that year in Somervell County were not captured in any official state system. Genealogists researching earlier deaths typically look to church records, cemetery registers, and county probate filings held by local historical organizations or county archives.
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission holds historical vital records and can help researchers locate older materials. Their staff are experienced in navigating the gaps that exist in records from before statewide registration began.
FamilySearch offers free Texas records through its online platform. The FamilySearch Texas collection includes digitized death certificates and other documents searchable by name and county. New records are added regularly as digitization efforts continue.
Ancestry.com maintains Texas death records and indexes. Their vital records section supports detailed searches by name, year, and county. A subscription is required for full access, but many Texas public libraries offer free Ancestry access for cardholders.
State-Level Death Record Requests
The Texas DSHS Vital Statistics Unit is the statewide authority for death certificates and can handle requests for any Texas county. If you prefer the state route over the local clerk's office, or if you need records from multiple counties, DSHS is a practical option.
Reach the Texas DSHS at (888) 963-7111. Written requests go to P.O. Box 12040, Austin, TX 78711-2040. For in-person visits or courier service, use the address at 1100 W. 49th St., Austin, TX 78756.
State-level requests follow the same eligibility and ID rules as county requests. Download the form from the DSHS death records page, fill it out completely, and include your photo ID copy and payment. Acceptable ID types are listed on the DSHS website.
State mail orders generally take two to four weeks. Visiting the Somervell County Clerk in Glen Rose in person is faster. VitalChek online ordering provides home delivery in about 7 to 14 business days, making it a good middle option for those who cannot visit Glen Rose.
Cities in Somervell County
Glen Rose is the county seat of Somervell County. No cities in the county meet the population threshold for a dedicated records page. All death records for Somervell County are maintained through the county clerk's office in Glen Rose.