A death certificate is an important legal document that allows you to settle all kinds of financial, legal, and administrative matters after a loved one dies.
In this post, we’ll detail the key situations when you might need a death certificate and the purposes it serves. We’ll also share advice on how to get certified copies of death records efficiently and hassle-free.
What Is a Death Certificate Used For?
The purpose of a death certificate is to give formal confirmation of someone’s death. The certificate includes the deceased person’s full name and their date and place of death. Some records also provide the cause of death.
A death record is not just a statement about how a person’s passing occurred — it’s an official legal document that’s needed when dealing with the person’s estate and other affairs.
Death certificates are needed to plan a funeral or cremation and register a burial. They’re also required to:
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File life insurance claims
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Apply for Social Security benefits or pensions
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Transfer real estate and property titles
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Settle an estate through probate court
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Close or transfer ownership of bank accounts and investment portfolios
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Cancel driver’s licenses, passports, and other government-issued IDs
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Update records with the IRS, Medicare, and other government agencies
Only official, certified copies of the death certificate are accepted. In most cases, you need a number of copies to complete the tasks that follow a person’s passing.
What else do you use death certificates for?
Beyond financial and insurance matters, a death certificate is often required for a wide range of other tasks. Once the immediate arrangements are underway, there are still many processes that may call for official proof of death.
This table outlines some of the most common situations where a death certificate is needed:
| Category | Other Uses of a Death Certificate |
|---|---|
| Government and official records | Remove the deceased from voter rolls or DMV records Apply for veteran?s benefits or survivor?s military pensions File a final tax return or claim any tax refunds due Handle estate taxes |
| Housing and legal affairs | End housing contracts or rental agreements File claims for final paychecks or unpaid wages |
| Accounts and services | Cancel or transfer utilities, subscriptions, and services tied to the deceased Claim airline miles, memberships, or other personal accounts held in the deceased?s name Close social media accounts or memorialize them |
| Family history and research | Conduct genealogical research Maintain family history and medical records Apply for dual citizenship based on lineage |
Who Needs a Death Certificate?
A range of people may need access to a death certificate, including close family members and third parties. This includes:
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Immediate family — To close accounts, claim inheritance, or apply for survivor benefits
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Executors of the estate or legal representatives — To initiate probate, distribute assets, or manage outstanding debts
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Banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions — To freeze or close the deceased's accounts, transfer funds, or settle loans
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Insurance companies and pension providers — To process claims for life insurance payouts or begin survivor pension payments
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Local, state, and federal agencies — To update Social Security records, cancel identification documents, or finalize benefits
Funeral directors often help next of kin to order a first copy of a death certificate. In most cases, you’ll require a number of copies to manage legal and financial matters.
Who can order a death certificate in the United States?
Only certain individuals are allowed to request an official copy of a death certificate from state offices. In the U.S., immediate family members and the estate’s executor or administrator are legally entitled to obtain copies.
Attorneys, legal representatives, and government agencies may also request them when acting on behalf of the family or in an official capacity.
In most other situations, third parties like insurance companies or banks must get the death certificate from the deceased person’s family or representative, not directly from the state.
How to Get a Death Certificate
Death records can only be issued by an official agency, usually your state’s vital records office. The process involves completing an application form and verifying your identity, but other requirements vary from state to state.
It’s possible to make your request in person, but most people prefer to apply online for home delivery.
Our platform assists you in completing your application pack, so your request can be approved on the first try. Simply fill out our quick form, and we’ll help you with the next steps, including the specific requirements for your state.
How many death certificates do you need?
Most families request multiple certified copies of death certificates. You’re recommended to order several, as banks, insurance companies, or government agencies all typically require an original. Photocopies are not usually accepted.
It’s sometimes possible to reuse a copy of a death record, but if you have to make arrangements with various institutions, they may retain the documentation you provide.
Ordering too few can delay essential paperwork, so it’s best to request several with one application.
