Search San Antonio Death Index

San Antonio death index records are maintained by the City of San Antonio Office of the City Clerk and the Bexar County Clerk. Both offices issue certified death certificates for events in San Antonio. The city clerk handles records for deaths within the city limits from 1961 to present. Records before 1961 are held by the Bexar County Clerk. San Antonio is the second largest city in Texas, and death records go back to 1903 through the state system. You can request records online, by phone, by mail, or in person with a valid ID. Immediate family members and qualified requesters can get certified copies of restricted records.

San Antonio Vital Records Offices

San Antonio has two offices for death index records depending on when the death occurred. The City of San Antonio Office of the City Clerk holds records for deaths within the city limits from 1961 to present. That office is at 719 S. Santa Rosa, San Antonio, TX 78204, and can be reached at 210-207-7253. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For deaths before 1961, or for deaths that happened in Bexar County outside San Antonio city limits, contact the Bexar County Clerk.

The Bexar County Clerk's Vital Statistics Department is at the Paul Elizondo Tower, 101 W. Nueva, Suite B110. Phone is 210-335-3009. The office is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours on Wednesdays until 5:45 p.m. The Bexar County Clerk also offers a mobile unit called "Records on the Run" for community outreach. Online ordering is available through VitalChek as an authorized partner of the Bexar County Clerk.

Note: The Bexar County Clerk has maintained records dating back to 1836 when Texas became independent. For pre-1903 records, the county archives and the Bexar County Spanish Archives Center at 126 E. Nueva St. may have relevant historical documents.

The San Antonio vital records page provides ordering instructions, fee information, and details on who qualifies to request death certificates.

The city clerk office at 719 S. Santa Rosa handles death index records for events in San Antonio city limits from 1961 forward.

How to Search San Antonio Death Index Records

San Antonio death index records can be searched through several channels. The state DSHS portal at dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics covers all Texas deaths from 1903 to the present. For online genealogical research, FamilySearch has a free index of Texas deaths from 1903 to 2000. Ancestry also has a Texas death index with records for over 7 million people.

When you search these databases, you can usually find the decedent's name, county of death, date of death, and certificate number. With the certificate number, you can request a certified copy from the appropriate local office. If the death occurred in Bexar County, you can also use the Bexar County Clerk's office to request copies directly. Online orders through the San Antonio city site or VitalChek take a few days to process. Walk-in requests at either office are typically handled the same day.

For deaths from the last 25 years, you need to qualify as an immediate family member or show a documented legal need. Deaths older than 25 years are public record under Texas Government Code § 552.115. Anyone can request them.

Fees and Identification

Death certificates in San Antonio cost $21 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. This applies whether you go through the city clerk or the county clerk. There is also a non-refundable search fee equal to the certificate cost if a record is not found. Payment methods vary by office but typically include check, money order, and credit or debit card for online orders.

You need valid government-issued photo ID for all requests. A driver's license, state ID card, U.S. passport, or military ID satisfies the Group A primary ID requirement. If you do not have a primary ID, you can combine secondary and supporting documents. The full list of acceptable ID is on the DSHS website at dshs.texas.gov.

Bexar County Death Records

San Antonio is the county seat of Bexar County. The Bexar County Clerk holds death index records for events across the county, including deaths before 1961 and those outside city limits. For a full look at county resources and office details, visit the Bexar County death index page.

View Bexar County Death Index

Nearby Cities

Other qualifying Texas cities near San Antonio with death index pages:

• New Braunfels - Comal County
• Austin - Travis County
• Laredo - Webb County
• Corpus Christi - Nueces County