Death Certificate: Everything You Need to Know

If you're looking to obtain a death certificate for legal or administrative purposes, we're here to guide you through the whole process.

By reading this article, you'll have a clear understanding on what a death certificate is, why it's important and how to order one online through the StateVitalRecords.org (SVR) system.

1. What Is a Death Certificate?

A death certificate is an official record issued by the government.

Death certificates are essential documents used to finalize personal and financial matters, provide legal proof of death, and settle estates.

What does the death certificate consist of?

The vital record details the following about an individual's death:

Date of the death
Time of the death
Location of the death
Cause of the death

When is this document usually created?

The death certificate is produced following a notification of a person's passing.

This is typically created by a healthcare provider or a coroner.

What role does this document play?

The death certificate plays an important role in numerous legal and administrative processes.

This ensures that the death is formally recognized.

Registers of deaths are maintained at:

The local level
The state level
and the national levels

. . . ensuring accurate record-keeping and statistics.

Having a clear understanding of death certificates is crucial as these documents provide essential legal validation for many post-life processes.

2. Importance of a Death Certificate

A death certificate is not just a notice of one's passing but it also serves for various post-life processes.

Once there is an issue of the death certificate, it enables family and friends to settle important matters.

What are those post-life processes include?

Some of the post-life matters include the following:

Claiming life insurance benefits
Accessing retirement funds
Legally transfer ownership of property or assets

Without the death certificate, there will be challenges for families and friends administrating the deceased's financial and legal responsibilities.

3. Situations Requiring a Death Certificate

There are various instances where a death certificate is needed.

A death certificate may be needed in the following circumstances:

Insurance claims require a death certificate —> the document needs to confirm the policyholder's death in order to allow beneficiaries to proceed with claims.
Retirement Fund —> Withdrawals and other financial accounts also require the certificate to validate account holder's death.
Funeral Arrangements —> These often call for a death certificate.
Property transfers —> Crucial for verifying deceased's passing to enable rightful transfer of property to inheritors.
Changing title on deceased's vehicles

Having the death certificate ensures that loved ones can honor the deceased's wishes seamlessly and without unnecessary stress.

4. Eligibility to Obtain a Death Certificate

Not everyone can obtain a death certificate.

Strict regulations ensure only those with valid reasons acquire it:

Family members: such as spouses, children, parents, and siblings are typically among those eligible.
Anyone who has direct legal interest in the deceased, like executors of estates, can also request one.
Legal guardians may also be eligible.

These relationships need to be properly documented.

it's not just about proving you know the deceased - it’s about having legitimate documentation to request the death certificate.

Why can't everyone obtain the death certificate?

Measures are in place to safeguard confidentiality and to prevent unauthorized access to personal information.

This ensures that only those with a genuine need can obtain the certificate.

5. Obtaining Copies of Death Certificates

To obtain multiple copies of a death certificate, you can order online easily through StateVitalRecords.org.

One can start by identifying the issuing authority.

Usually, the vital records office in the state where the death occurred is where to be identified.

However, each state may have slightly different procedures.

What do I need?

When using online services, make sure to have necessary details available:

Deceased’s full name
Date of death
and place of death

Any supporting documentation proving eligibility should also be ready for submission.

6. How to Order a Copy of a Death Certificate Online through SVR

Ordering a death certificate online is simple.

Order online – Submit on State Vital Records through our online order form.
Notarization Through NotaryLive - In terms of notarization, some states require notarization of an application or a sworn statement – because of State Vital Records' partnership with NotaryLive, a remote online notarization platform that provides fast, secure and convenient notarization 24/7. ((Note: Keep in mind there are added fees when using NotaryLive for convenient, remote online notarization.)
- Upload Your Document
- VerifyYour Identity
- Connect Online With An Online Notary
- NotaryLive Routes Your Documents to State Vital Records Automatically

State Vital Records – After notarization through NotaryLive, State Vital Records will send the application to the jurisdiction. This is where the jurisdiction is responsible for the rest of the application process.
Jurisdiction – Will complete order and mail copy of the requested vital records to you

If you require assistance in notarizing your document, please contact [email protected]. Interested in the notarization process? Click here to learn more.

Looking to order your state vital records? Click here to make a request. Have any questions, contact us!

Frequently Asked Questions

ARE THE CERTIFICATES OFFICIAL?

Yes. The certificates are issued by the Department of Public Health and are recognized and accepted by all state and federal agencies.

WHAT KIND OF PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?

We accept Visa, MasterCard, JCB, American Express and Discover. Please contact us for more payment options.

WHAT KIND OF VITAL RECORDS CAN I RECEIVE/ORDER?

State Birth Certificate
State Death Records (Certificate)
Marriage Certificate
Divorce Certificate
Fetal Death and Stillbirth Certificates

ARE YOU AFFILIATED WITH A LOCAL, STATE OR FEDERAL AGENCY?

We are a privately-owned site, but trusted and contracted by the Department of Public Health.