After a death
How to get a death certificate
Certified death certificates are issued by the state vital-records office (and often the county where the death occurred). The funeral director usually orders copies for you. Order several certified originals — most banks, insurers, and agencies require an original, not a photocopy. Costs and ordering vary by state.
The steps
The funeral director files the death certificate
The funeral home almost always files the certificate with the state or county registrar and can order certified copies for you at the same time — the easiest route.
Decide how many certified copies you need
Most families order 10 or more. Each bank, insurer, brokerage, and government agency typically wants its own certified original, not a photocopy.
Order from the state vital-records office
If you need more copies later, order from the state vital-records office (or the county where the death occurred) — online, by mail, or in person. Third-party vendors add a service fee.
Use them to settle the estate
You'll need certified copies to claim life insurance and benefits, close accounts, transfer property, and open probate where required.
Cost by state
Verified against each state's official vital-records office. More states are added as they're verified.
| State | First copy | Additional copies |
|---|---|---|
| California | $26 (as of 2026) | $26 each |
| Florida | $5 (includes the search) | $4 each (same order) |
| New York | $30 by mail / $45 online (NYS) · $15 + order fee (NYC) | Same per-copy fee |
| Texas | $20 | $3 each (same order) |
Common questions
- How much does a death certificate cost?
- Typically $5–$30 for the first certified copy depending on the state, with additional copies often cheaper when ordered at the same time. Third-party online vendors add a service fee on top.
- How many death certificates do I need?
- Most families order 10 or more certified copies. Each bank, insurer, brokerage, and government agency typically wants its own certified original, so it's better to over-order than to wait for more later.
- Who can order a death certificate?
- Usually the next of kin, the executor, or someone with a documented legal or financial interest. The funeral home can order certified copies on the family's behalf when it files the death certificate.
For states not listed, see the CDC's Where to Write for Vital Records directory, or our what-to-do-when-someone-dies guide.