Death Certificate

The death certificate is the official document issued which certifies the date, cause of death (may be excluded in some states and under some conditions), and location of a death. Some experts claim this document could be one of the most important legal documents issued.

The death certificate can be signed by a variety of individuals (varies by state): nurse practitioners, coroners, medical examiners, primary care doctors, or a justice of the peace. A copy of the death certificate, which legally certifies the decedent’s death, will be needed to collect life insurance, death benefits, and to access specific financial accounts.

How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

State procedures may vary, but generally you can order a death certificate from the funeral home or from the state or county state vital records office. There is a small fee for the certificate and for copies, generally less than $30.00. The fee can be paid by cash, debit, money order, business checks, or credit card. Many states also allow you to order a death certificate online.

Death certificates are only issued to qualified applicants, which include legal representatives or persons related to the decedent by marriage or blood. Proof such as U.S. passport, a driver’s license, or a current US military ID may be required to obtain a death certificate. Requests can be made immediately after a death but are not sent until the death is registered with the state.

How do I get an error fixed on a death certificate?

Each state’s Office of Vital Statistics is tasked with updating or modifying death certificates. To make a correction you can complete the Affidavit for Correction of Record and submit it to the correct Office of Vital Statistics. There is correction fee.