Guide
Death Certificates: How Many You Need and How to Order Them
Why certified death certificates matter, how many copies to order, what they cost, and how to get them in every state.
Why this one document runs everything
Almost nothing can be settled without a certified death certificate: life insurance claims, bank accounts, vehicle titles, property, pensions, and Social Security corrections all require one. A photocopy usually will not be accepted; institutions want certified copies with a raised or official seal.
How many to order
Order about 10 certified copies up front. Ordering them together in the first batch is cheaper and much faster than going back for more later. Typical cost is $10 to $25 for the first copy depending on the state, with discounted extra copies.
How to order
The funeral home or cremation provider will usually offer to order copies for you, which is the easiest path. You can also order directly from the state vital records office or, in many states, the county clerk where the death occurred.
Each state page on this site lists the exact agency. The CDC also maintains a directory of every state vital records office, linked below.
Who is allowed to order one
Most states restrict certified copies to close family, the legal representative, or someone with a documented legal need. Expect to show ID and state your relationship.
Questions families ask
Straight answers
How long does it take to get death certificates?
If the funeral home orders them, often 1 to 2 weeks. Ordering by mail from a state office can take several weeks. Pending causes of death can delay the final certificate, but a pending certificate is usually still issued and accepted for most purposes.
Can I get a death certificate if we did not use a funeral home?
Yes. The person who filed the death record (often the county) can point you to the vital records office, and you order directly from the state or county.
Sources
Verified against official sources
Reviewed by the Final Steps Help research team.
Last verified via cited sources below.
See something outdated? Tell us and we will fix it.
Get the free after-death checklist
Every step for the first two weeks, personalized to where you are, with the exact numbers to call. Three short emails, then nothing else, ever. No signup, no card, and we will never call you.
Need county-specific burial assistance? Find your county