In the days after a loss, the death certificate quietly becomes the most important document you own. Closing a bank account, filing a life insurance claim, transferring a home — almost none of it can happen without a certified copy. Yet some families have no idea how to get one, how many they’ll need, or why ordering the wrong type sends them back to square one weeks later.
This guide explains how to get a death certificate step by step: where to order certified copies, how many to request, what they cost, how long they take, and how to avoid running out at the worst possible moment.
How to get a death certificate: the short answer
For most families, the simplest path is to ask the funeral home to order certified copies for you when they handle the arrangements, and to request 10 to 15. The funeral director already works with the vital records office as part of the normal process, so ordering through them upfront is almost always easier than requesting copies yourself later.
If you’re past that stage, or there was no funeral home involved, you can order directly from the vital records office in the state or county where the death occurred. If you’re not sure which office to contact, the CDC’s Where to Write for Vital Records directory lists every state’s issuing agency. Both paths are covered in detail below.
Certified vs. informational copies: getting the right one
Ordering the wrong type of death certificate is a common, avoidable mistake, so it’s worth understanding the difference before you pay for anything.
A certified copy is an official government document with a raised seal, security paper, or other anti-fraud features. This is what banks, courts, insurers, and government agencies require, and it’s the one you need to settle an estate.
An informational copy looks similar but is stamped “informational, not a valid document to establish identity.” It cannot be used to close accounts, claim benefits, or transfer assets.
You may also choose between a certificate with cause of death and one without. Many institutions accept the version without cause of death, and some families prefer it for privacy. A few life insurance claims want the cause-of-death version, so if you’re unsure, order a couple of each.
How many death certificates do you need?
Most families need 10 to 15 certified copies of a death certificate. This is the question that saves the most hassle, because ordering more later means new fees, new processing time, and waiting all over again while institutions sit on hold.
Certified copies add up faster than you’d expect, because you’ll typically need one for each of these, and many institutions keep the original:
- Each bank, brokerage, and retirement account
- Each life insurance policy
- The Social Security Administration and any pension or employer benefits
- Real estate transfers (deeds) and vehicle titles, for each property or car
- The probate court, if probate is required
- Credit card companies, the DMV, and any other insurers
If the estate is very simple, a handful may be enough. If it’s complex, with multiple properties, several accounts, or a business, you may want more. When in doubt, order a few extra: the cost of one more certified copy is small compared to the delay of running out.
A tip that saves time: Some institutions will accept a photocopy, or will look at an original and hand it back. Always ask, “Do you need to keep an original, or can I show you one?” before you mail off a certified copy you can’t get back.
How to order a death certificate, step by step
1. Order through the funeral home (easiest)
When you meet with the funeral director, tell them how many certified copies you’d like — 10 to 15 is a sensible default. They’ll submit the request to the vital records office and include the copies with the arrangements. This is the route most families take, and the least work for you during an already hard week.
2. Order directly from the vital records office
If you’re ordering yourself, go through the vital records office in the state or county where the death occurred (not where your loved one lived, if those differ). Most states offer several ways to order:
- Online, often through a state-approved service such as VitalChek
- By mail, with a form and payment
- In person, at the vital records or county health office, usually the fastest option
You’ll generally need to prove you’re entitled to a certified copy. States restrict them to close family members, the executor or administrator, and others with a documented legal interest. Be ready to provide your photo ID, your relationship to the deceased, and, in some cases, proof of your role, such as Letters of Administration if you’re the estate’s representative.
How much does a death certificate cost, and how long does it take?
Both cost and timing vary by state. As a general guide, certified copies typically cost between $5 and $30 each, and the first copy is sometimes priced higher than additional copies ordered at the same time — another reason to order your full batch upfront.
Processing time ranges from same-day (in person) to a few weeks (by mail), depending on the state and how the death is being registered. Ordering through the funeral home at the time of arrangements is usually fastest. Always confirm current fees and turnaround times with your specific state’s vital records office.
How Honorly helps you skip the paperwork spiral
Certified copies are the key that unlocks everything else, and once you have them, the real work begins: dozens of accounts to close, claims to file, and agencies to notify, each wanting its own copy and its own forms. Families who go it alone often spend 570+ hours on estate settlement over the 12 to 20 months it typically takes to fully settle an estate.
That’s where a dedicated Honorly Care Team steps in. We help you determine exactly how many certified copies you’ll need based on the specific accounts and assets involved, then do the heavy lifting — coordinating with banks, insurers, and government agencies, submitting the documentation, and following up until each item is genuinely closed or transferred. Once you sign a Letter of Authority, we can handle these closures on your behalf, while you stay fully in control as executor or administrator.
Our pricing is transparent and based on the complexity of the estate, with no hidden fees, and for many families the service pays for itself through recovered assets and avoided mistakes.
Frequently asked questions about death certificates
How many death certificates do I need?
Most families need 10 to 15 certified copies, roughly one for each bank and brokerage account, each insurance policy, Social Security, pensions, real estate and vehicle transfers, and the probate court. Ordering extras upfront is cheaper and faster than requesting more later.
How do I get a certified copy of a death certificate?
The easiest way is to ask the funeral home to order copies when handling arrangements. Otherwise, order directly from the vital records office in the state or county where the death occurred, online, by mail, or in person.
What is the difference between a certified and an informational death certificate?
A certified copy is an official document with a government seal, required by banks, courts, and insurers. An informational copy is marked “not a valid document to establish identity” and cannot be used to settle an estate.
How much does a death certificate cost?
Fees vary by state but typically fall between about $5 and $30 per certified copy, with the first copy sometimes costing more than additional copies ordered at the same time.
How long does it take to get a death certificate?
Anywhere from same-day (in person) to a few weeks (by mail), depending on the state. Ordering through the funeral home at the time of arrangements is usually the fastest route.
Who is allowed to request a death certificate?
States generally restrict certified copies to close family members, the estate’s executor or administrator, and others with a documented legal interest. You’ll typically need to show ID and prove your relationship or role.
Can I get a replacement death certificate later?
Yes. You can order additional certified copies from the same vital records office at any time, though you’ll pay the per-copy fee again and wait for processing, which is why ordering enough upfront is worth it.
Whether you’re just starting the process or already deep in the paperwork, Honorly can help you figure out exactly what you need and take the follow-through off your plate. Get started with a free consultation →
