Death Certificate Copies Online

If you need a copy of a death certificate, simply order a certified copy online.

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Disclaimer: Usbirthcertificates.com is a private, independent website owned by Travel Document Systems LLC, not affiliated with any government agency. We provide vital records application assistance services. Blank forms can be obtained for free at the relevant state office.

Need a certified copy of a death certificate? You can now apply online in minutes. We help you request official death certificate replacements quickly and securely, without the need to visit a government office.

A certified death certificate is a key document for many procedures, including settling an estate, managing legal affairs, and closing financial accounts. Our platform simplifies the process so you can order from the comfort of your home.

Our application system guides you step by step and includes state-specific instructions to help reduce mistakes and avoid delays.

What Are Death Certificates?

A death certificate is a government-issued document that confirms the death of an individual. It includes crucial information such as:

  • Full name of the deceased
  • Date and place of death
  • Cause of death (in most cases)
  • Details of the informant (usually a relative or legal representative)
  • Place of burial or cremation
  • Registrar or health officer's signature

These records are created and stored by state or local vital records offices. Each state may issue short-form or long-form death certificates, depending on your needs.

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You may need a vital records death certificate for various reasons:

  • Settling wills and estates: To prove the person has passed and to start probate, distribute assets, and close accounts.
  • Arranging burial or cremation: To obtain burial permits, schedule services, and register the death officially.
  • Claiming life insurance benefits: To validate a claim. Without it, they won’t release the payout to the listed beneficiaries.
  • Transferring property or ownership: To update deeds, vehicle titles, or business ownership.
  • Notifying banks, pension funds, or social services: Banks and agencies won’t close or update accounts until you submit the death certificate.
  • Accessing medical records or government benefits: To request the deceased’s medical records and to apply for benefits.

How to Get a Death Certificate Copy

To obtain a certified copy of a death certificate you must complete a form issued by the state where the death occurred.

You’ll then need to provide valid identification. In some cases, you may also need to show proof of your legal right to access the record, such as documentation of your relationship to the deceased.

Once you’ve paid the processing fee your application will be reviewed by the local vital records office or county agency. Processing times may differ by location.

You can submit your request online or in person. If visiting an office, check whether an appointment is needed or if there may be a wait. This is why most people choose to apply online.

Get a Death Certificate

Order a death certificate online in 3 steps

Here’s how to obtain a death certificate:

  • fill-form

    1. Fill out the online form

    Provide basic information about the deceased, including full name, date of death, city and state of death, and your relationship to them. Our form adapts to the requirements of your state so you don’t miss anything important.

  • prepare

    2. Prepare your paperwork

    Upload a copy of your government-issued ID and any supporting documents, such as proof of relationship or legal authorization. We’ll let you know exactly what’s required depending on the state.

  • recieve

    3. Receive your certificate by mail

    Once your request is processed and approved by the state vital records office, your certified death certificate will be mailed directly to your address. You can choose regular or expedited delivery based on your needs.

How many copies do you need?

The number of certified death certificate copies you need depends on your situation. Banks, insurance companies, government agencies, pension providers, and other organisations may each request a certified copy.

For a straightforward estate, you may only need a few copies. If several financial accounts, properties, benefits, or insurance policies are involved, consider ordering 10 to 12 certified copies.

Ordering enough copies at the beginning can help you avoid submitting another request later. Check whether each organisation requires an original certified copy or will accept a photocopy before deciding how many to order.

Get your state-issued certified record

If you need an official copy of a vital record, it only takes a few minutes to apply securely from the comfort of home.

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Start any vital record application from only $59

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Requirements for Death Certificate Copies

To request a certified death certificate, you usually need to meet these basic requirements:

  • Eligibility: Confirm that you have a qualifying relationship or legal interest, such as a marriage certificate.

  • Identification: Provide a clear copy of a valid photo ID for yourself. Accepted documents often include a driver's license, passport, or state-issued ID.

  • Payment: Pay the required state fee and any service or shipping costs. Fees vary depending on the state and delivery method.

Some states require additional verification steps or documentation depending on the year of death or the type of certificate requested. We alert you if any extra documents are needed before submitting your application.

Get a Death Certificate

Documents Required to Order a Death Certificate

While the exact list varies by state, most requests will require the following:

  • Completed application form

  • Valid government-issued photo ID

  • Proof of relationship

  • Legal authorization (if applicable)

  • Payment for the certificate and service fees

Some states require notarized copies or sworn affidavits if you're applying on behalf of someone else. If documents are missing or invalid, the application will be delayed or rejected.

Our platform helps prevent mistakes by reviewing your submission before sending it to the vital records office.

Death Certificates for Deaths Abroad

If the person died outside the United States, the process to get a vital records death certificate depends on the circumstances:

U.S. citizens who died abroad

When a U.S. citizen dies abroad, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate may prepare a Consular Report of Death Abroad (CRDA). This is generally issued after receiving a foreign death certificate or another official finding of death.

A CRDA records the essential facts of the death and can be used in the United States for purposes such as settling an estate. It may be provided as a paper document or electronically.

Next of kin and legal representatives can request additional copies of CRDAs filed from 1975 onwards from the U.S. Department of State. Requests generally require a notarised Form DS-5542, a copy of valid photo identification and the applicable fee.

For CRDAs issued before 1975, records must be requested from the National Archives.

Foreign nationals who died abroad

For a foreign national who died outside the United States, the death certificate is normally issued by the relevant authority in the country where the death occurred.

Depending on how the document will be used, you may need an English translation, authentication, or an apostille. Requirements vary by country and by the organisation requesting the certificate.

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