Death Certificates 101
The one paper everything else will ask for.
In short
The death certificate is the one document nearly every step ahead will ask for. Banks, insurers, Social Security, the court. You will need more certified copies than you expect. Most families use 5 to 10. The funeral home usually orders them; say yes, and order extras.
Who orders
usually the funeral home, or you through the county vital records office.
Cost
roughly 10 to 35 dollars per certified copy.
Time
days to a few weeks.
How many
one per insurer, bank, and agency is the safe rule.
Certified or photocopy
A certified copy carries a raised seal and is the only version most institutions accept. Some return it, many do not.
Photocopies are for your own records.
Who can request one
Rules vary by state. Typically: spouse, parent, child, sibling, or the executor.
Bring ID, and sometimes proof of relationship.
If the cause is pending
You can usually get a certificate marked pending, which is enough to start most practical steps. An updated version follows.
Watch-outs
- Ask each institution first whether a photocopy will do; save the certified ones for those that insist.
- Mail them tracked, always.
- Reordering later works, but it is slower and pricier in small batches.
Words you will meet
- vital records office
- the government office that issues certificates.
- informant
- the person who provided the personal details, often you.
Related
- Survivor Benefits 101
- The notification letter
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