Week 1
Death certificates — how many, where from, what they cost.
Certified death certificates are the single most-requested document in the weeks after a death. Most families need more than they expect. Order them through the funeral home in the first week — it’s cheaper and faster than going back later.
Order 5–10 certified copies to start.
If the deceased owned a home, had retirement accounts, or held multiple insurance policies, lean toward 10. For a simpler estate, 5 is usually enough to start. Extras are inexpensive when ordered with the funeral home; you can always order more from your state vital records office later if needed.
Who asks for a certified copy.
Each of these typically wants an original certified copy, not a photocopy. Some will accept a scan; most won’t.
- Social Security Administration (to stop benefits and file survivor claims)
- Each life insurance policy (one per policy)
- Employer (for final paycheck, retirement, life insurance)
- Pension administrator (one per pension)
- IRS and your state tax authority (for the final return)
- Each bank and brokerage account (one per institution, not per account)
- Real estate title transfer (county recorder)
- DMV (to transfer or cancel vehicle titles)
- Veterans Affairs, if applicable
- Major credit cards (some accept scans; AmEx and issuers with balances owed usually want originals)
What it costs.
Certified death certificate prices vary by state, but in most of the US the range is:
- $10–$30 per copy when ordered through the funeral home along with the initial order.
- $15–$50 per copy when ordered directly from the state vital records office later, plus processing delays of 2–8 weeks.
A few states cap the per-copy fee; a few allow same-day pickup at a county office. Search “[your state] vital records death certificate” for specifics.
How to order.
- At the funeral home. The funeral director files the original death certificate with the state and orders certified copies on your behalf. This is the fast, cheap path. Ask for your target quantity during the arrangement conference.
- Directly from the state later. If you run out, order more from the state vital records office. Requires photo ID and proof of relationship for most states. Processing times vary — typically two weeks, sometimes much longer.
- Through a third-party service. Sites like VitalChek charge a premium for convenience. Use only if the state’s own ordering site is unavailable. Watch for upsells.
Don’t give originals to institutions that don’t need them.
Some creditors and services will ask for a certified copy when a plain photocopy or emailed scan is sufficient. If the institution is canceling an account with no payout involved, ask: “Is a scan or photocopy enough?” before you part with an original. Originals that aren’t returned are gone — you’ll have to reorder.
This is general consumer guidance, not legal advice. Fee amounts and procedures vary by state and change over time. Confirm specifics with your funeral home and your state vital records office.