A death certificate is the official legal document confirming a person's death. As an executor, you'll need certified copies for almost every administrative task you face. Here's how to get them.
Who Issues Death Certificates in the US?
Death certificates are issued by the vital records office in the state where the death occurred — typically through the state health department. The attending physician or medical examiner completes the medical portion; the funeral home typically files the document on behalf of the family.
How to Order Certified Copies
You can order certified copies through the funeral home (easiest, typically done at the time of arrangements), through your state's vital records office directly, or via VitalChek (a third-party authorized provider). Costs are typically $10–$25 per certified copy depending on the state.
How Many Copies Do You Need?
Order more than you think you'll need. A typical estate requires 8–12 certified copies: one each for the probate court, each financial institution, insurance companies, Social Security, pension administrators, real estate transactions, the DMV, and the IRS.
Common Complications
- Errors on the certificate: can be corrected through the issuing vital records office
- Death occurred in a different state than residency: you may need certificates from both states
- Delays: death certificates can take 2–6 weeks to process in some states after COVID-related backlogs
