Glossary
Death certificate
A death certificate is the official government record of a person's death, listing identifying details and the cause of death. Certified copies are needed to settle the estate, claim benefits, close accounts, and arrange burial or cremation.
A physician, medical examiner, or coroner certifies the cause of death, and the local vital records office registers it. Funeral homes commonly help order certified copies as part of their services.
Families usually need several certified copies, because banks, insurers, and government agencies each tend to require an original. It is often cheaper to order extra copies up front than to request more later.
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Common questions
- How many copies of the death certificate do I need?
- Families usually need several certified copies, because banks, insurers, and government agencies each tend to require an original. Many people order around 10 to start; it is often cheaper to order extra up front than to request more later.
- How do I get a certified copy of a death certificate?
- Certified copies come from the local or state vital records office where the death was registered. Funeral homes commonly help order copies as part of their services, and there is usually a per-copy fee.
- How long does it take to get a death certificate?
- It varies by jurisdiction and can take from a few days to a few weeks, and a pending cause of death can add delay. The funeral director can give you a realistic timeline for the area where the death occurred.
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