Legacy Records
Death Certificates
Our records team electronically files a death certificate on behalf of the family using information provided in our Donor Agreement forms. This information comes from either the donor or their next of kin when registering with our Willed Body Program. The death certificate is then submitted to the State of Texas and the local registrar’s office, where the family can later purchase the completed certificate.
While we ensure the necessary details are gathered and the death certificate is filed, our office does not purchase or provide copies of death certificates directly. We do provide our families with the proper information on how to obtain a death certificate for their loved one in the respective county of death. The next of kin or designated individual is responsible for completing the purchase.
How long does it take to obtain a Death Certificates?
Processing times are typically 10–14 business days, though delays may happen.
Death Certificate Verification Before Filing
If an email address is provided, our staff will email a copy of the death certificate verification form to the Next of Kin before submission, allowing for any necessary corrections. If no email address is provided our staff will contact the next of kin via telephone. If we do not receive a response after multiple attempts, we will proceed with filing the death certificate as is. Any corrections needed afterward will be the sole responsibility of the next of kin or authorized individual, who must request and pay for amendments through the State of Texas.
Be sure to check email and voicemail regularly for updates and request, including junk and spam inboxes.
How to obtain a Death Certificate?
In the event that you cannot go in person to purchase the death certificates you can go online and make a purchase directly through the State of Texas at Order Vital Records | DSHS Official Application | Texas.gov. The State of Texas processing time is usually (2-3 weeks) however, the state of Texas gives you a receipt and a tracking number so you can check your order status at any time.
How much does a Death Certificate cost?
The purchasing of a death certificate is at your expense; we do not obtain any copies of the death certificate. The first certified death certificate is $21 dollars and each additional death certificate, purchased at the same time as the first, are $4 dollars each. Our office will provide you with as much information as we can to make this process as easy and smooth as possible.
Social Security Notification
When filing a death certificate electronically, an automated notification is sent to the Social Security Administration if a social security number is provided in the donation agreement forms.
This notification verifies the deceased’s legal name, date of birth, and social security number for accuracy. Our office does not contact Social Security by phone, fax, or mail to request benefit changes. The next of kin or authorized representative must handle those changes by purchasing a death certificate and presenting it to their local Social Security office.
To locate an office and schedule an appointment, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit https://www.ssa.gov/personal-record/when-someone-dies
Newspapers
If the family chooses to publish an obituary in a newspaper, the publication may contact us to verify our business name and the donor's date of death.
No additional details will be disclosed.
Contact the Legacy Records Team
If you have questions about your loved one’s death certificates, please contact us by filling out the form below.