One of the first things people discover after a death is that a single document is needed everywhere — by banks, insurers, government agencies, courts, and employers. That document is the death certificate, and you'll need more copies than you think.
Most families need more certified death certificates than they expect. Ordering extra copies upfront is usually cheaper and easier than scrambling for more later.
- Start with the funeral home if one is involved because they usually handle the first order fastest.
- Order enough copies for banks, insurers, retirement accounts, courts, and property transfers.
- Use the state vital records office or a state-authorized service, not a random search result.
This guide explains exactly how to get them, how many to order, and what happens if you run short.
What a Death Certificate Is
A death certificate is an official government document that records the fact of a death — the person's name, date of birth, date and place of death, and cause of death. It is issued by the state's vital records office and serves as the legal proof of death required by most institutions.
There are two types:
- Certified copy — an official copy with a raised seal or security paper, required by banks, courts, insurers, and government agencies. This is what you need for administrative purposes.
- Informational copy — a plain copy marked "not for legal use," sometimes used for genealogy records or personal reference. Rules on who can receive each type vary by state.
When people say "I need a death certificate," they almost always mean a certified copy.
How Many Death Certificates Do You Need?
Order more than you think you need — and order them all at once. The general guidance from estate attorneys and funeral directors is 8 to 12 certified copies for most estates. Here is why the number adds up quickly:
| Who needs a copy | Notes |
|---|---|
| Social Security Administration | Required to stop benefits or claim survivor benefits |
| Each bank or financial institution | One per institution — they keep the copy |
| Each life insurance policy | One per policy claim |
| Probate court | Required to open the estate |
| Retirement accounts (IRA, 401k, pension) | One per account or provider |
| Real estate transfers | One per property |
| Vehicle title transfers (DMV) | One per vehicle |
| Veterans Administration | Required to claim burial benefits |
| Employer or pension provider | If the deceased was still employed or receiving a pension |
| Your personal records | Keep at least one copy for yourself |
Most institutions keep the certified copy you submit and will not return it. If you run out, you'll need to order more — which takes additional time and money. Ordering 10 upfront is almost always the right call.
Who Can Request a Death Certificate
Certified copies of death certificates are not available to the general public in most states. Eligibility is restricted to people with a clear legal or personal connection to the deceased. Rules vary by state, but certified copies are generally available to:
- A spouse, domestic partner, parent, child, or sibling of the deceased
- The executor or administrator of the estate
- A named beneficiary
- An attorney representing the estate or a family member
- Government agencies with lawful purpose
In most states, you'll need to show identification and sign a statement confirming your eligibility. Some states require notarization. If you're not sure whether you qualify, contact your state's vital records office directly — they can tell you exactly what you'll need.
How to Get a Death Certificate
There are three main ways to obtain certified copies:
1. Through the funeral home (easiest)
The simplest option for most families. When making funeral arrangements, tell the funeral director how many certified copies you need — typically 8 to 12. They will file the death certificate with the state and order the certified copies on your behalf. This is handled as part of the arrangement process and you pay for the copies directly.
2. Through your state's vital records office
Each state has a vital records office that issues certified copies of death certificates. You can request copies in person, by mail, or online through the state's official website. You'll typically need to provide:
- The full name of the deceased
- Date and place of death
- Your relationship to the deceased
- A copy of your government-issued ID
- Payment for the number of copies requested
Start at usa.gov/death-certificate for links to each state's vital records office. The CDC maintains a state-by-state directory of vital records offices with contact information and ordering instructions for every state.
3. Through a third-party service
Services like VitalChek (vitalchek.com) act as an authorized intermediary for many states, allowing you to order online and pay by credit card. They typically charge a service fee on top of the state's per-copy fee. This can be convenient, but ordering directly through the state or funeral home is usually faster and less expensive.
How Long Does It Take?
Processing times vary significantly by state and by the circumstances of the death. Deaths involving a medical examiner or coroner investigation typically take longer, as the cause of death must be determined before the certificate can be finalized.
General timelines for standard cases:
| State | Typical processing time |
|---|---|
| California | 7–14 business days |
| Texas | 20–25 business days |
| Illinois | 5–7 business days |
| Florida | Typically within 5–10 business days |
| Most other states | 1–4 weeks for standard processing |
Many states offer expedited processing for an additional fee if you need copies urgently. Ask your funeral home or state vital records office about this option.
What Does a Death Certificate Cost?
Certified death certificates are issued by the state, and the fee is set by each state's vital records office. Most states charge between $10 and $30 per copy. Here are some examples:
| State | Cost per certified copy |
|---|---|
| Florida | $10 |
| Minnesota | $13 (first copy); $6 each additional |
| South Carolina | $12 |
| California | ~$26 |
| Most states | $10–$25 per copy |
If you use a third-party service like VitalChek, expect to pay a service fee of $10 to $20 on top of the state fee. For the most current fee for your state, check your state's vital records office website directly — fees are updated periodically.
At $10 to $30 per copy, ordering 10 copies costs between $100 and $300. That is a small amount relative to the administrative delays that running short can cause.
If You Need More Copies Later
Death certificates do not expire and can be ordered at any time — months or years after the death. If you find yourself needing additional copies later, you can request them from the state's vital records office directly using the same process.
You'll need the same identification and eligibility documentation as the original request. Processing times and fees are the same as for initial orders.
That said, ordering enough copies upfront through the funeral home is the most efficient approach — it saves time, requires no additional paperwork, and ensures you have what you need before institutions start asking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get a death certificate?
In most cases, the funeral home handles ordering the initial death certificates as part of their services. You can also order additional certified copies directly from the vital records office in the state where the death occurred. In some states you can order online through VitalChek. You'll need to provide proof of identity and your relationship to the deceased, along with a fee (typically $10–$25 per copy).
How many death certificates do you need?
Plan to order 8–12 certified copies. Each institution that requires proof of death — banks, insurance companies, the Social Security Administration, the IRS, pension administrators, courts, and property transfer agencies — typically requires an original certified copy. Photocopies are usually not accepted. It's cheaper to order extras upfront than to reorder later, as fees and processing time can add up.
How long does it take to get a death certificate?
The funeral home typically receives the initial certified copies within 1–2 weeks of the death. If you order additional copies later from the state vital records office, processing takes 2–6 weeks by mail, or 1–3 days in person at the office. Expedited online orders through services like VitalChek typically arrive in 5–7 business days. Some states are faster than others.
Who can request a death certificate?
Certified death certificates are restricted documents. Those who can typically request them include: the surviving spouse or domestic partner, parents of the deceased, adult children, siblings, legal representatives (attorneys, executors), and anyone with a documented legal right or financial interest in the estate. Requirements vary by state. You'll need to provide ID and documentation of your relationship to the deceased.
What is the difference between a certified and informational death certificate?
A certified death certificate has a raised seal or security stamp and is considered a legal document accepted by courts, banks, and government agencies. An informational copy has the same information but is marked "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY" — it cannot be used for legal or financial purposes. Always request certified copies for estate administration.
We reviewed this page against official government, court, regulator, and primary-source materials where available. Exact procedures can still vary by state, county, institution, or provider.