Death records maintained by the Clerk and the Bureau of Vital Statistics are closed to public inspection, with the exception of death records that have reached the 25th anniversary of the date of death as shown on the record. The county death records date back to around 1860; however, we presently do not have all the death records for events that happened in the City of Terrell, Terrell is also a local Registrar. Those certificates that we don't possess can be located at the City of Terrell. For information on Terrell deaths, you will need to call 972-551-6619.

For genealogical search information, contact the Genealogy Collection at the State Archives Library at 512-463-5463.

Other Useful Link: Kaufman County TX GenWeb Project Site

Qualified Applicants

Because death records are protected by state law, you must be a qualified applicant in order to receive a death certificate.

The following may apply for a Death Certificate:

* The parents, sibling, spouse, grandparent, legal guardian or managing conservator of the registrant.
* Legal representative, agent or other person acting under contract for the registrant. A letter of permission and copy of identification from the registrant must be provided.
* Any one else must have a signed (original) statement authorizing them (naming them) to pick up the death certificate. This statement must include a copy of your government issued ID. The person named in your request must present their original government issued ID also. The form that can be used for authorization "Designation Document" can be found below in the Forms section.

Necessary Information

An applicant must provide all necessary information and show proper identification prior to obtaining the certificate.

The following information is required:

• Full name as it appears on death record
• Date and Place of Death
• Your relationship to person named on the certificate
•  Your Name and mailing address
• Purpose of record
• Valid identification (Photo ID preferred)
•  Appropriate fee. Accepted forms of payment are: cash, check, money order, or credit card.

The above information is required by the Texas Administrative Code Sec. 181.28 http://www.sos.state.tx.us/tac/
Death records are considered confidential information; therefore, all requirements must be met. If you are unable to meet the requirements, please contact the State Bureau of Vital Statistics in Austin. The toll-free phone number is (888) 963-7111. The fax number is (512) 458-7506.

Procedures to Purchase a Death Certificate

In Person:

• Download the attached Death Certificate Application (see below) or obtain application from clerk.
• Complete and sign application.
• Provide necessary identification and pay appropriate fee.
• Application will be processed and Death Certificate (if available) will be provided immediately.

By Mail:

• Download the attached Death Certificate Application (see below), or send a letter which includes all of the information required.
• Include a legible return address and daytime telephone number.
• Complete and sign the application, mail with a copy of valid Id and appropriate fee to:

                      Laura Hughes
                      Kaufman County Clerk
                      100 W. Mulberry
                      Kaufman, TX 75142
                      Attn: Vital Statistics Clerk

• . Proper identification and a check or money order, payable to the Laura Hughes County Clerk, must accompany the Death Certificate Application or written request. Please do not send cash through the mail.
• Completed application will be processed and Death Certificate will be mailed within 7 business days.

Applicable Fees

• The fee for a Death Certificate is $21.00 for the 1st certified copy and $4 for each additional certified copy.

Type of Payments Accepted

• Cash (for your protection, please don't mail cash!)
• Check or Money Order - Made payable to Laura Hughes County Clerk
• Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover)
  Must include a daytime phone number if you are paying by credit card.

Form: Death Certificate Application

For a complete list of forms and instructions on downloading please visit our Forms page. The forms you print and use must be clear and sharp. Applications that are blurred or illegible will not be accepted. They must be printed in black print on white paper. The paper must be 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches, with no holes or perforations, at least medium (20 lb.) weight, and with a matte surface. Thermal paper, special inkjet paper, and other shiny-papers are not acceptable.