Tarrant County Medical Examiner serves as the official medical examiner office for deaths that require a medico-legal investigation under Texas law. The office works closely with law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, and public officials to examine cases involving sudden, unexpected, violent, or unattended deaths. Experienced forensic pathology professionals conduct scientific examinations, review medical evidence, and prepare official reports that support legal proceedings and public health records. Depending on the circumstances, services may include autopsy examinations, forensic documentation, identification assistance, and other forensic services that help establish accurate findings. These investigations help determine both the cause of death and the manner in which the death occurred through evidence-based medical evaluation.
Tarrant County Medical Examiner provides reliable death investigations and professional forensic support for families, government agencies, and the justice system. The office maintains official records, prepares autopsy reports when required, and completes medical certifications related to investigated cases. Qualified forensic specialists examine physical evidence, laboratory findings, and case information before issuing final determinations. This page provides information about the Medical Examiner’s responsibilities, available services, report requests, eligibility requirements, office contact details, processing information, and other resources that help users obtain accurate assistance from the appropriate county office.
What Does the Tarrant County Medical Examiner Do?
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner conducts medico-legal investigations for deaths that occur under specific legal circumstances, such as unexpected, suspicious, or unattended deaths. These investigations may involve reviewing medical history, examining physical evidence, consulting with investigators, and performing forensic examinations when needed. The office follows established forensic standards to prepare accurate medical findings and official documentation through Tarrant public services.
Responsibilities of the Medical Examiner
The Medical Examiner performs several duties that support public safety and official death investigations. Each responsibility focuses on producing accurate medical findings and maintaining reliable forensic records.
Key responsibilities include:
- Determining the cause and manner of death
- Performing forensic examinations when required
- Conducting autopsies in qualifying cases
- Reviewing medical records and investigative evidence
- Preparing official forensic reports
- Completing death certifications
- Assisting with the identification of unknown persons
- Supporting law enforcement during death investigations
Types of Cases Investigated
The Medical Examiner investigates only deaths that fall within the authority granted by Texas law. Cases are evaluated individually to determine whether a formal investigation is required.
Common cases include:
- Sudden or unexpected deaths
- Unattended deaths
- Accidental deaths
- Suspected homicides
- Suspected suicides
- Deaths occurring in custody
- Workplace fatalities
- Deaths involving public safety concerns
- Cases involving unidentified persons
Qualified staff within the pathology division review each case using medical records, scene information, laboratory findings, and other available evidence before issuing an official determination.
Medical Examiner Services
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner provides specialized medical examiner services for deaths that require official review under Texas law. Available services include autopsy report requests, forensic examinations, identification assistance, and cremation permit processing, helping families, public agencies, and authorized requesters receive the appropriate assistance.
Official Website URL: https://www.tarrantcountytx.gov/en/medical-examiner.html
How to Use the Medical Examiner Service Finder
- Open the Medical Examiner Service Finder on this page.
- Select the service that matches the request.
- Review the required documents displayed by the tool.
- Check the office contact information provided for that service.
- Review the estimated processing information before submitting a request.
- Follow the recommended request method shown in the results.
Autopsy Report Requests
Authorized persons may request autopsy reports for qualifying cases handled by the Medical Examiner. Before submitting a request, applicants should have the decedent’s full name, date of death, and case number if available. Some reports contain confidential information and may only be released to eligible requesters as permitted by law.
Forensic Examination Services
The Medical Examiner performs forensic examinations to determine the medical facts surrounding deaths that require investigation. Depending on the case, examinations may include external examinations, autopsies, toxicology testing, laboratory analysis, and other investigative pathology procedures. The findings become part of the official forensic documentation used during the investigation.
Identification of Unidentified Persons
When a deceased person cannot be immediately identified, the Medical Examiner uses available evidence to assist with identification. This process may include fingerprint comparisons, dental records, DNA analysis, medical records, and personal property. Identification efforts help complete investigations and notify family members whenever possible.
Cremation Permit Services
The Medical Examiner reviews eligible cases before issuing or approving a cremation permit when required by law. The office confirms that no additional forensic examination or investigation is needed before cremation authorization is granted. Applicants may be asked to provide supporting documentation based on the circumstances of the case.
Required Information for Service Requests
Submitting a medical examiner request requires accurate information to help staff identify the correct case and process the request efficiently. Providing complete details at the time of submission may reduce delays and help verify eligibility for the requested service.
Identification Requirements
Some requests require proof of identity before records or information can be released. Applicants should present a valid government-issued photo identification or other acceptable documentation that confirms their identity when requested.
Accepted forms of identification may include:
- Driver’s license
- State-issued identification card
- Passport
- Military identification
- Other government-issued photo ID
Required Case Information
Providing complete case information helps the Medical Examiner locate records more accurately. If some details are unavailable, applicants should provide as much information as possible.
Helpful information includes:
- Full name of the deceased
- Date of death
- Case number (if available)
- Place of death
- Requester’s contact information
- Relationship to the deceased (when applicable)
Who Can Submit a Request
Certain Medical Examiner records are available only to authorized persons under applicable laws and office policies. Eligibility depends on the type of record requested and the requester’s relationship to the deceased.
Eligible requesters may include:
- Immediate family members
- Legal representatives
- Attorneys representing an authorized party
- Law enforcement agencies
- Government agencies authorized by law
- Other persons approved under applicable legal requirements
Fees and Processing Time
Fees and processing times for Medical Examiner records depend on the type of report or service requested. Autopsy reports and related records are available after the examination has been completed and all required testing and documentation have been finalized.
Service Fees
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner charges fees for copies of reports and related records. The most common fees include:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of Inquest Report (Family Only) | $25.00 each |
| Notarized Copy of Inquest Report | $20.00 each |
| Completion of Notarized Affidavit | $15.00 each |
| Digital Photos (CD) | $16.00 per case |
| Digital X-Rays (CD) | $16.00 per case |
| Mailing Fee | $5.00 |
| Subpoena Witness Fee | $11.00 |
| Federal Subpoena Witness Fee | $40.00 |
Payment Methods
Payment must be submitted with the request form before records are processed. The Medical Examiner’s Office accepts:
- Check
- Cashier’s Check
- Money Order
Payments should be made payable to Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office. A separate check or money order is required for each requested record or service.
Estimated Processing Time
Processing time depends on the status of the case and whether laboratory testing has been completed. Under Texas law, an autopsy report is generally filed within 30 days after the autopsy unless required testing cannot be completed within that period. More complex cases involving toxicology or specialized laboratory analysis may take up to 12 weeks or longer before the final examination report becomes available. Applicants should wait until the examination report has been finalized before requesting copies. Similar to other county services, including Elections and public record requests, timely processing depends on accurate information and proper submission procedures. Submitting duplicate requests before processing is complete may delay the release of official reports.
Office Location and Contact Information
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office provides forensic and investigative services for cases that fall within its legal authority. Families, attorneys, law enforcement agencies, funeral homes, and authorized requesters may contact the office during regular business hours for assistance with Medical Examiner services and record requests.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Office | Tarrant County Medical Examiner |
| Address | 200 Feliks Gwozdz Place, Fort Worth, TX 76104-4919 |
| Phone | (817) 920-5700 |
| Fax | (817) 920-5713 |
| MEBilling@tarrantcountytx.gov (Billing & Payments) | |
| Office Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM |
| Official Website | https://www.tarrantcountytx.gov/en/medical-examiner.html |
Frequently Asked Questions
The following answers cover some of the most common questions about the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office. These FAQs provide helpful information about autopsy reports, eligibility, processing times, office contact details, and the services available through the Medical Examiner.
How do I request an autopsy report?
An autopsy report may be requested by submitting the appropriate request to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office. The request should include available case details, such as the decedent’s name and date of death, to help locate the correct record. Some requests may require proof of identity or documentation confirming the requester’s legal authority. Applicable fees must be paid before the request is processed. If additional review is required, the office may contact the requester for more information.
Who can obtain an autopsy report?
Autopsy reports are not available to everyone and may only be released to authorized persons under Texas law. Eligible requesters may include immediate family members, legal representatives, attorneys, law enforcement agencies, or other parties with legal authorization. The Medical Examiner’s Office may ask for identification or supporting documents before releasing records. Eligibility requirements can vary depending on the type of report requested. Requests that do not meet legal requirements may be denied.
What information is needed to request a report?
Providing complete case information helps the Medical Examiner’s Office process requests more efficiently. Requesters should include the decedent’s full name, date of death, and case number if it is available. Contact information should be provided so the office can respond if additional details are needed. Some requests may require proof of relationship or other supporting documentation before records can be released. Accurate information helps reduce processing delays and assists staff in locating the correct file.
How long does it take to receive an autopsy report?
Processing time depends on the status of the investigation and whether all examinations have been completed. In many cases, autopsy reports become available after laboratory testing and required reviews are finished. Cases involving toxicology testing or other specialized analysis may require additional time before the final report is issued. Requests submitted with complete information are often processed more efficiently. The Medical Examiner’s Office notifies requesters if more information is needed before records can be released.
What services does the Medical Examiner provide?
The Tarrant County Medical Examiner provides a range of forensic services for deaths that require official investigation under Texas law. Services include death investigations, forensic examinations, autopsy reports, identification assistance, and cremation permit review for qualifying cases. The office works with law enforcement agencies, healthcare providers, funeral homes, and authorized requesters during the investigation process. Qualified forensic pathologists and investigators prepare official medical findings based on scientific examination and available evidence. These services support public safety, legal proceedings, and accurate death documentation without replacing the responsibilities of other county offices.