What is a death certificate used for?
A death certificate is the official record of a person's death.
Families and institutions may use certified copies to settle the person's affairs, such as:
- life insurance claims
- bank and financial accounts
- pensions and retirement plans
- government benefits
- property transfers
- probate and estate administration (the court process for settling an estate)
- some vehicle or business matters
What a copy can be used for, and who can get a certified one, depends on the state.
After.com's What Are Death Certificates Used For? is a helpful consumer guide on this.
Who prepares the death certificate?
That depends on where the death happened and the circumstances.
A physician, medical examiner, coroner, funeral director, hospital, hospice, or someone else with authority may each fill in different parts of the record.
Who's responsible for filing the certificate also differs from state to state.
What is the difference between a certified and informational copy?
A certified copy is an official copy issued by the authorized vital-records office.
An informational (uncertified) copy can be handy for your own records, but it may not be accepted for financial or legal matters.
When a bank or insurer asks for a "death certificate," ask whether they need a certified copy.
How many certified copies should you order?
There's no set number.
A family dealing with many accounts, insurance policies, properties, or legal matters may need more copies than someone settling a simple estate.
Before you order, list the organizations that are likely to want an official copy.
For example:
| Institution | May require certified copy? |
|---|---|
| Life insurer | Often |
| Bank | Sometimes |
| Pension administrator | Often |
| Retirement account custodian | Often |
| Probate court | Often |
| Social Security or government agency | Requirements vary |
| Employer | Usually asks for some proof, but it varies |
| Utility company | Usually not, but it varies |
Each institution sets its own requirement. HonestFarewell doesn't.
How do you order a death certificate?
Go through the authorized vital-records office for the place where the death is recorded.
Depending on the state, you may be able to order:
- online
- by mail
- in person
- through a funeral director
- through an authorized records vendor
The CDC's Vital Records directory will point you to the official state office.
Why do states restrict death certificates?
Death certificates hold personal and sensitive information.
So state laws limit who can get one. They can require ID, proof of your relationship to the person, or proof of a legal interest.
No single national rule says anyone can order one.
Does the funeral home provide death certificates?
Many funeral homes offer to order copies for the family as part of the arrangement.
Ask:
- how much each copy costs
- whether that's the government fee or a service fee
- when the copies should arrive
- who is actually issuing the certificates
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a death certificate?
It depends on the state, the county, how you order, and whether the death record is ready to be certified.
Can anyone request a death certificate?
No. Access rules depend on the state and on how long ago the death happened.
How much does a certified death certificate cost?
The state or local office sets the fee. The first copy and extra copies may be priced differently.
Do I need a death certificate to close a bank account?
The bank may ask for a certified copy or some other document. Check with the bank before you send the original.
How many copies should I buy?
Don't order a big stack by default. List the institutions first and ask which ones need certified copies.
Where do I get the official form?
Start with the state or local vital-records office. The CDC Vital Records directory can point you to the right one.