Find Death Records in Comal County

The Comal County Death Index covers death records maintained by the County Clerk in New Braunfels, Texas. Comal County is a fast-growing Hill Country county near San Antonio, with death records going back to 1903. The county clerk in New Braunfels is the primary source for certified copies, and the Texas DSHS Vital Statistics office in Austin handles statewide ordering and records from all Texas counties.

Comal County Clerk Death Records

The Comal County Clerk's office in New Braunfels is the local registrar for death records in the county. The clerk maintains vital records, marriage licenses, and land records going back to the county's formation in 1846, though the statewide death index begins in 1903. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The Comal County website has current contact information and office details.

The county also operates the Comal County Clerk's official portal at comalcounty.gov, where you can find information about ordering vital records and what to bring when you visit. Comal County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas due to its location between San Antonio and Austin, which means the clerk handles a large volume of vital records requests. Calling ahead or checking the website before visiting is a good idea.

The fee for a certified death certificate is $21.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. These fees are set by Texas law. Valid government-issued photo ID is required to request restricted records during the 25-year confidential period. If a search is done and no record is found, the search fee is still charged and not refunded.

The Comal County website provides information about county services including the clerk's office and how to request vital records in New Braunfels.

Comal County's rapidly growing population means the clerk's office processes a high volume of vital records requests, so checking their website for current hours and procedures is recommended.

How to Search Comal County Death Records

In-person requests are the fastest option. Visit the County Clerk in New Braunfels with a valid ID and the $21.00 fee. The clerk will search the records and issue certified copies the same day when records are available. The main office at comalcounty.gov has the address and full contact details for the clerk.

Mail requests are also accepted. Use the VS-142 Death Certificate Application. Send the form, a copy of your government-issued photo ID, and a check or money order payable to the Comal County Clerk to the office in New Braunfels. Mail requests generally take a few business days after the office receives them.

Online ordering is available through the state system at txapps.texas.gov. Orders placed online go through the DSHS office in Austin and are mailed to you. State fees are $20.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy. State processing averages 20 to 25 business days. For time-sensitive needs, the Comal County Clerk in New Braunfels is the better option.

Note: Given Comal County's rapid growth, expect the clerk's office to be busier than smaller rural counties. Plan ahead if you need records for legal or estate purposes.

The Comal County Clerk page at comalcounty.gov outlines vital records services, forms, and procedures for requesting death certificates in New Braunfels.

The Comal County Clerk's office processes death certificate requests for events that occurred within Comal County going back to the start of statewide registration in 1903.

Who Can Access Comal County Death Records

Under Texas Government Code Section 552.115, death records are confidential for 25 years from the date of death. Only immediate family members can get certified copies during that period. Immediate family means a spouse, parent, child, sibling, or grandparent. A legal representative with documentation showing their authority can also request records.

After 25 years, the record is public information. Anyone can request a copy at that point. All requesters must still present valid photo ID. The DSHS acceptable ID list applies to Comal County just as it does to every other Texas county. Making a false statement on a vital records application is a felony with penalties of 2 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000 under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 195.

Comal County Death Index for Historical Research

Comal County has a strong German immigrant heritage, with New Braunfels founded by German settlers in the 1840s. This means older death records often include German-language entries or German-influenced surnames. The county's records are generally well-preserved, with no known courthouse disasters. Marriage and land records go back to 1846, and death records begin in 1903 with the statewide system.

Free online indexes include the FamilySearch Texas Death Index covering 1903 to 2000 and Ancestry's Texas Death Index for the same range. Both give you name, county, date, and certificate number. The Texas State Library and Archives holds additional indexes through 1973 and is a valuable resource for older Comal County research. The Library of Congress Texas vital records guide explains the full structure of Texas death records for those new to the system.

Cities in Comal County

Comal County includes New Braunfels, one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas. All death records for events in the county are processed through the Comal County Clerk in New Braunfels.

Other communities in Comal County include Garden Ridge, Bulverde, and Canyon Lake. Death records for all of these areas go through the Comal County Clerk in New Braunfels.

Nearby Counties

These counties are adjacent to Comal County. Check nearby clerks if you are not sure which county a death was registered in.

Hays County • Guadalupe County • Bexar County • Kendall County • Blanco County