Death Certificate

What does Death Certificate mean?

The death certificate is the official document issued which certifies the date, cause of death (may be excluded in some states and under some conditions), and location of a death. Some experts claim this document could be one of the most important legal documents issued.

The death certificate can be signed by a variety of individuals (varies by state): nurse practitioners, coroners, medical examiners, primary care doctors, or a justice of the peace. A copy of the death certificate, which legally certifies the decedent’s death, will be needed to collect life insurance, death benefits, and to access specific financial accounts.

How do I get a copy of a death certificate?

State procedures may vary, but generally you can order a death certificate from the funeral home or from the state or county state vital records office. There is a small fee for the certificate and for copies, generally less than $30.00. The fee can be paid by cash, debit, money order, business checks, or credit card. Many states also allow you to order a death certificate online.

Death certificates are only issued to qualified applicants, which include legal representatives or persons related to the decedent by marriage or blood. Proof such as U.S. passport, a driver’s license, or a current US military ID may be required to obtain a death certificate. Requests can be made immediately after a death but are not sent until the death is registered with the state.

How do I get an error fixed on a death certificate?

Each state’s Office of Vital Statistics is tasked with updating or modifying death certificates. To make a correction you can complete the Affidavit for Correction of Record and submit it to the correct Office of Vital Statistics. There is correction fee.

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