If the death was inside the city limits of Dallas, the County Clerk says to use the City of Dallas Bureau of Vital Statistics, not this counter. The county lists the suburban cities it does issue (Addison, Garland, Irving, Mesquite, and others on the official page). Some hospitals are also carved out. Confirm the place of death before you stand in line.
Who may request
A spouse, an immediate family member by blood, a legal guardian with papers, or a legal representative of the family with papers. Anyone else needs a notarized original statement from a qualified applicant naming them and naming the type of certificate. Both people need valid ID. Texas also lists qualified requestors on the DSHS page.
What to bring
In person: original valid government-issued ID. By mail: a notarized copy of valid government-issued ID, plus acceptable ID under Texas Administrative Code section 181.28. Confirm the current ID list before you mail.
Where to write or visit
Records Building, 500 Elm Street, Suite 2100, Dallas, TX 75202. Mail: money order payable to John F. Warren, Dallas County Clerk's Office. Do not mail cash. In person you may pay cash and often receive the record while you wait. Mail is 2 to 4 weeks.
Notes from the desk
First copy $21, additional copies of the same record $4 when ordered together. A $21 search fee applies if the record is not found. Texas DSHS extras are $3. Order extras on the first request. Online orders, where offered, add a service fee. This desk takes no cut.