How to Get a Death Certificate (and How Many Copies)
How to order certified copies of a death certificate, how many you’ll need, and who to request them from.
Want this tracked alongside everything else you need to do?
The certified death certificate is the document almost every agency, bank, and insurer will ask for. Getting enough certified copies early saves a lot of back-and-forth later.
Step by step
- 1Let the funeral home order them. Funeral homes usually order certified copies as part of their service. Tell them how many you want.
- 2Order 8–12 certified copies. Each institution typically wants its own original. It’s easier to order extra now than to request more later.
- 3Or request directly from vital records. If you’re not using a funeral home, order from the state or county vital records office where the death occurred.
Common questions
How many certified copies should I get?
Most families need 8–12. Banks, life insurers, the DMV, brokerages, and the probate court each commonly require an original certified copy.
How long does it take?
It varies by state and county — often a few days to a few weeks. Funeral homes can sometimes expedite.
Related guides
This is general information, not legal advice. Laws and thresholds vary by state and change over time — verify specifics with the official sources above or a licensed professional.