Denton County Death Index

Denton County death index records are maintained by the Denton County Clerk in Denton, Texas. You can search and get certified death certificates for deaths that occurred in Denton County, with in-person, mail, and online ordering options available. The clerk's office serves the cities of Denton, Lewisville, Flower Mound, and all other communities in the county.

Denton County Clerk and the Death Index

The Denton County Clerk handles vital records for all events that occurred in Denton County. The main office is at 1450 E. McKinney Street, Suite 1103, Denton, TX 76209. You can reach the clerk by phone at 866-809-2161. The Denton County website has forms and information about requesting death records. The clerk is open Monday through Friday during regular courthouse hours.

Denton County Vital Records issues certified copies of death certificates only for events that occurred within Denton County. This is an important distinction from birth certificates, which the county can issue for events anywhere in Texas. If you need a death certificate for a death that happened in another county, you must go to that county's clerk or order through DSHS. All Denton County death records go back to 1903.

Note: Denton County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas. The clerk's office processes a large and increasing number of vital record requests each year. Plan ahead if you need records during busy periods.

The Denton County website provides direct access to information about the county clerk's office and vital records services including the Denton County death index.

The Denton County Clerk at 1450 E. McKinney Street is the local source for certified death certificates covering all deaths that occurred within Denton County boundaries.

How to Request Denton County Death Records

In-person requests at the Denton County Clerk's office at 1450 E. McKinney Street, Suite 1103, Denton are the fastest option. Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the $21.00 fee. The clerk will search the death index and can issue a certified copy the same day in most cases. For deaths within the last 25 years, bring documentation showing your relationship to the person on the record.

Mail requests are accepted. Complete the VS-142 application from DSHS. Include a photocopy of your government-issued photo ID and a check or money order for $21.00 payable to the Denton County Clerk. Mail to Denton County Clerk, 1450 E. McKinney Street, Suite 1103, Denton, TX 76209. Processing is usually completed within a few business days of receipt.

Access Rules for Denton County Death Index

Texas law restricts death records that are less than 25 years old. Under Texas Government Code Section 552.115, only qualified applicants can get certified copies of recent death records. A qualified applicant is an immediate family member, meaning a spouse, parent, child, sibling, or grandparent of the deceased. Legal representatives with proper documentation may also apply. After 25 years, the record becomes public and anyone can request it.

All applicants must present valid government-issued photo ID. The clerk checks ID for every request. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, state ID card, military ID, and U.S. passport. Check the DSHS acceptable ID list for the complete breakdown. Fees are non-refundable even if the record is not found. Do not submit a request if you are not sure the record exists in Denton County.

Making a false statement on a vital records application is a felony in Texas, with penalties of 2 to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.

Genealogy and Historical Death Records

Denton County death records go back to 1903. For genealogy research, start with the free FamilySearch Texas Death Index, which covers 1903 to 2000. You can filter results to Denton County and search by name. The Ancestry Texas Death Index covers a similar range with image links for some years.

The Texas State Library and Archives holds microfilm of the statewide death index going back to 1903. For death records that are 25 or more years old, the general death index is available to the public and not restricted. Genealogists often use both the online index databases and the county clerk's records together to build a complete picture of a person's death and burial.

The Library of Congress Texas vital records guide is a useful reference for researchers who are new to Texas records. It explains the relationship between county-level records and the state system, which can help you figure out where to look if a record is not where you expect it.

The Denton County Birth and Death Certificates page explains the process for getting certified copies of death certificates and lists all available ordering methods.

The county's vital records page includes instructions for in-person, mail, and online ordering, along with current fee information and ID requirements.

Cities in Denton County

Denton County covers a large and growing area north of Dallas. Death records for all communities in the county are processed through the Denton County Clerk in Denton.

Other Denton County communities include Carrollton (partial), Little Elm, Corinth, Highland Village, and Argyle. Death records for all these areas go through the Denton County Clerk in Denton.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Denton County. If you are unsure which county a death was registered in, the clerk can help confirm the correct location.

Collin County • Dallas County • Tarrant County • Wise County • Cooke County • Grayson County