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Dallas County Medical Examiner: records and autopsy reports

Dallas County Medical Examiner, Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences (SWIFS). 2355 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75207. Phone (214) 920-5900.

Records and autopsy reports from the medical examiner

Autopsy report
Autopsy reports are public information. The Dallas County District Attorney may ask the Attorney General to withhold one if its release would interfere with investigating or prosecuting a crime. (dallascounty.org)
Report fee
$15 for a certified copy and $5 for a non-certified copy of an autopsy or external examination report. Copies of case records are .10 cents per page. (dallascounty.org)
How to request
Mail the Request for Autopsy/External Examination Report form with a check or money order payable only to Dallas County to Dallas County Medical Examiner, Attn: Records, 2355 North Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75207. No credit card or electronic payments. dallascounty.org (dallascounty.org)
When reports are ready
Most autopsy and external examination reports are completed within 90 days of the examination. Completed reports are mailed within seven business days after the request and payment arrive. (dallascounty.org)
Records phone
Medical Examiner Records, (214) 920-5921, or the main number (214) 920-5900, option 4, for the Records Department. (dallascounty.org)
Records email
Medical Examiner Records: swifs.reports@dallascounty.org. (dallascounty.org)
Out-of-county cases
Autopsy records from inquests done for other counties on a Justice of the Peace's order are released only with that Justice of the Peace's approval. (dallascounty.org)
Cremation approval fee
Cremation certificate: $30 on the fee schedule effective May 1, 2025. (dallascounty.org)

Contact details

OfficeDallas County Medical Examiner, Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences (SWIFS)
TypeMedical examiner
Address2355 N. Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TX 75207
Phone(214) 920-5900
HoursMonday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; body release hours the same
Official pagedallascounty.org

After a death in Dallas County

  • Once identification and examination are complete, the body is released to the family's chosen funeral home, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
  • The legal next of kin (spouse, adult children, parents, siblings, in that order) must sign a funeral release form so the funeral home can claim the body and any property.
  • The office's online public information page shows when a body is releasable; the status reads "ready for release".
  • There is no charge for the medical examiner's services; fees apply only to copies of reports and documents.

The medical examiner's role before a cremation

  • From July 1, 2026, cremation permit requests must go through the online cremation permit portal, with payment at the time of request and the death certificate worksheet uploaded.
  • If no arrangements are possible, the legal next of kin may sign county disposition paperwork authorizing Dallas County to cremate; the ashes are not returned to the family.

Texas cremation rules, including when a medical examiner must review a cremation

Next steps for the family

Funeral homes and cremation in Texas · Death certificates in Texas · The first 72 hours · Other offices

Sources

Official pages only, each with the day we read it. Hours and fees change: call first.

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