Death Certificates

Death Certificates
(Certified Copies)

Cost of the Death Certificate

  • New York City Certified Copy         $15 per copy
  • New York State Certified Copy       $10 per copy


What is a Death Certificate?

A death certificate is an official government issued document that states the date, time, location and cause of death.

In addition to verifying the cause of someone's death, death certificates are used to track changes in society and mortality trends. Death certificates must be completed by a medical practitioner (doctor, medical examiner, coroner, etc.) and a funeral director. The medical practitioner completes questions relating to the cause and manner of death, whether an autopsy was performed, if tobacco use contributed to the death, etc. The funeral director, agent or person acting as such, will need the following information about the deceased:
  • Full Name
  • Social Security Number
  • Date of Birth
  • Placeof Birth (City/State or Country if outside United States)
  • Address at the Time of Death (Usual Residence)
  • Marital Status
  • Surviving Spouse's Name
  • Military Infomation
  • Father's Name and Mother's Name (Including Maiden Name)
  • Highest Level of Education
  • Race
  • UsualOccupation (Student/Disabled/Homemaker are acceptable, Retired is not)
  • Industry/Business 

Many states are moving to an Electronic Death Registration Systems, or EDRS, for filing of death certificates. In other areas, death certificates are filed with the registrar and county health department. While it varies state by state, typically deaths must be reported to the local health department within 72 hours of the death and to the state within five to seven days.

Why Do I Need to Get Death Certificates?
Death certificates are needed to close accounts, claim benefits, and file taxes. For legal matters, an official certificate is needed while other institutions only require a copy. Check below for scenarios on when you may need an original death certificate and when a copy is appropriate.

  • Social Security (if there is a surviving spouse or dependent child)
  • Banks 
  • Pensions
  • Military benefits
  • Property Transfer (real estate, vehicles, etc.)
  • Insurance
  • 401Ks and Stocks (if managed by stock broker, only one copy needed)
  • Estates 

Where Can I Get a Death Certificate?
If you are using a funeral home, ordering them from the funeral director is the easiest way. If you need to order them yourself, you can get them from the county or state vital records office of which the death occurred.

In some states, you can order death certificates through VitalChek, a website that manages records for many government agencies.

Who Can Order a Certified Copy of the Death Certificate?
Certified copies are generally only available to immediate family members, executors, and those who can prove that they have a direct financial interest in the estate. Informational copies are generally available to anyone who requests them.






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