How to Get a Death Certificate in Every State
Getting a death certificate is a straightforward process, even though you probably don’t have experience getting one. In most cases you’ll just need to fill out an application form, provide a copy of a valid ID, submit a fee and you’re good to go. Find out if you can apply online, in person, or by mail for a death certificate in every state.
Who usually files a death certificate?
In most cases, death certificates are filed by the funeral director you’re working with since (depending on the state). You’ll need access to a death certificate for a lot of paperwork you’ll be doing after someone dies (closing accounts, notifying government agencies, notifying insurance, etc.) so in many cases, your funeral director will help you order death certificates immediately following a death. Your funeral home should help you file the death certificate and order your initial set of copies. If your funeral home doesn't speak about filing a death certificate or if you have any concerns over it, be sure to ask. If you have any specific questions about the process of filing a death certificate in your state, your funeral director is usually an excellent source of information and assistance.
Why do I need a death certificate?
You’ll need a death certificate to legally prove a death has occurred which is useful in a lot of scenarios. If you’re trying to collect any kind of pension, benefits, Medicaid, you’ll need a death certificate. You’ll also need one to prove a death to government agencies (like Social Security), to insurance in case you want to file claims, and to any banks that you need to close an account with. It’s an important piece of paperwork to have that you’ll likely need in a few different cases, so it’s important that you order original copies at the beginning. If you find yourself in need of additional copies, it can sometimes take weeks or months to obtain a death certificate, so it’s important to be prepared at the start.
Should I get copies of a death certificate?
It can be helpful to have copies of a death certificate in the event that an institution or company requests proof of death via a death certificate or copy of a death certificate.
What’s on a death certificate?
A death certificate has a lot of similarities with a birth certificate in that it lists a lot of important identifying information such as date of birth, social security number, birthplace, parents’ names, spouse’s name, place of death, place of disposition, etc. If you’re curious for all of the specifics entailed in a death certificate, here’s an example from the CDC.
How to get a death certificate in Alabama
Apply online
Go to VitalChek to obtain a death certificate, additional fees apply.
Apply in person
You can obtain a death certificate in person by visiting any county health department in Alabama. This can usually be done same day.
Apply by mail
Mail in a completed application, a copy of ID and any fees to:
Alabama Vital Records
P.O. Box 5625
Montgomery, Alabama 36103-5625
How to get a death certificate in Alaska
Apply Online
Email a completed death certificate request form & copy of ID to hss.vr.apps@alaska.gov
Apply in person
You can submit your completed death certificate request form (and copy of ID) in person here:
Alaska Vital Records Office
JUNEAU 5441 Commercial Blvd.
(99811-0675) (Physical Address)
Phone: (907) 465-3391
FAX: (907) 465-3618
Office Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (Walk-In Service)
Alaska Vital Records Office
ANCHORAGE 3601 C Street, Suite 128 (Frontier Bldg)
Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: (907) 269-0991
FAX: (907) 269-0994
Office Hours: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm (Walk-In Service)
Apply by mail
Mail in a completed application, a copy of ID and any fees to:
PO Box 110675
Juneau, AK 99801
How to get a death certificate in Arizona
Apply online
Go to VitalChek to obtain a death certificate, additional fees apply.
Apply in person
You can obtain a death certificate in person by visiting your local county health department
Apply by mail
Download the mail-in application
According to ADHS, they require the following documents when submitting an application by mail:
- A completed Application for Certified Copy of Death Certificate
- A copy of the front and back of your valid government-issued picture identification which bears your signature or have your signature notarized.
- Proof of eligibility.
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request.
- Appropriate fee, according to the fee schedule. Acceptable payment methods are: cashier's checks, money orders, Visa, or MasterCard. PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH. Cashier's checks and money orders must be for the exact amount and made payable to Office of Vital Records. If you pay by credit/debit card, you must include the full card number and expiration date on your application.
Send the completed application & fee to:
PO Box 6018
Phoenix, AZ 85005
How to get a death certificate in Arkansas
Apply online
Go to Vital Records to obtain a death certificate, additional fees apply.
Apply in person
You can obtain a death certificate in person by visiting Arkansas Department of Health’s vital records office at 4815 West Markham St. Little Rock, AR 72205. This can usually be done the same day if you arrive by 4:00 PM.
Apply by mail
Download the mail-in application for an Arkansas death certificate.
Send the completed application, copy of acceptable ID & a check or money order made out to Arkansas Department of Health (no cash or temporary checks) for $16.85 (double check their fees here:
Arkansas Department of Health
Vital Records, Slot 44
4815 West Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72205
How to get a death certificate in California
Apply online
Go to VitalChek to obtain a death certificate, additional fees apply.
Apply in person
You can apply in person, but it must be in the county where the death occurred. Visit the relevant county’s registrar or recorder in order to apply in person.
Apply by mail
First you need to find out if you require an informational copy or an authorized copy. According to CDPH, authorized copies can only be acquired by the following people: the individual named on the record, parents of the individual named on the record, and certain other individuals or entities specified in law.
If you require an authorized copy, you’ll need to get your sworn statement (page 5 of the application) notarized as well.
You’ll also need to determine the fee before submitting your application.
Send the completed application & fee to:
California Department of Public Health
Vital Records – MS 5103
PO Box 997410
Sacramento, CA 95899-7410
How to get a death certificate in Colorado
Apply online
Go to VitalChek or GoCertificates to obtain a death certificate, additional fees apply.
Apply in person
You can obtain a death certificate in person by scheduling an appointment.
Apply by phone
Call 866-300-8540 to apply by phone.
Apply by mail
This is not recommended by Colorado’s health department. Download the mail-in application and send completed application, copy of ID, and applicable fees to:
Vital Records - Certification
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South
Denver, CO 80246-1530
How to get a death certificate in Connecticut
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply by mail
Send a completed State application, any required ID & fees to:
Connecticut Department of Public Health
Vital Records Section
Customer Services, MS ## 11 VRS
Hartford, CT 06134-0308
How to get a death certificate in Delaware
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek or GoCertificates.
Apply in person
Call one of the following offices to make an appointment:
Kent County 302-744-4549
New Castle County 302-283-7130
Sussex County 302-856-5495
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, any required ID & fees to your nearest office:
Jesse S. Cooper Bldg.
417 Federal Street
Dover, DE 19901
Chopin Building
258 Chapman Rd.
Newark, DE 19702
Thurman Adams State Service Ctr.
546 S. Bedford St.
Georgetown, DE 19947
How to get a death certificate in Florida
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply in person
Visit 1217 N Pearl Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202 and bring any required documentation and fees.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, any required ID & fees to:
Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 210
Jacksonville, FL 32231-0042
How to get a death certificate in Georgia
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek, GO Certificates, or ROVER.
Apply in person
Visit 1680 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30349 or your local county office and bring any required documentation and fees.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, and any required ID & fees to:
State Office of Vital Records
1680 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30349
How to get a death certificate in Hawaii
Apply in person
Visit your your local office to fill out an application in person.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, any required ID & fees to:
State Department of Health
Office of Health Status Monitoring
Issuance/Vital Statistics Section
P.O. Box 3378
Honolulu, HI 96801
How to get a death certificate in Idaho
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, any required ID & fees to:
Idaho Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics
PO Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0036
How to get a death certificate in Illinois
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply in person
Visit your your local office and bring any required documentation and fees.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, any required ID & fees to:
Cook County Clerk's Office
Bureau of Vital Records
P.O. Box 641070
Chicago, IL 60664-1070
How to get a death certificate in Indiana
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek or on Indiana’s Vital Records Tool.
Apply in person
Visit your your local office and bring any required documentation and fees.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application and any required documents and fees to:
Indiana State Department of Health, Vital Records
2 North Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
How to get a death certificate in Iowa
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply in person
Visit your Bureau of Health Statistics, Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor 321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0075 and bring any required documentation and fees.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, any required ID & fees to:
Iowa Department of Public Health
Bureau of Health Statistics
Lucas State Office Building, 1st Floor
321 E. 12th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0075
How to get a death certificate in Kansas
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply by app
Download the iKan app on your mobile device and pay by credit card or ACH.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, any required ID & fees to:
Office of Vital Statistics
Curtis State Office Building
1000 SW Jackson, Suite 120
Topeka, KS 66612-2221
How to get a death certificate in Kentucky
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply in person
Visit 275 E. Main St., Frankfort, KY and bring any required documentation and fees.
How to get a death certificate in Louisiana
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply in person
Visit either the Central Office (located at 1450 Poydras Street, Suite 400, New Orleans, LA 70112), any participating Clerks of Court, or Vital Records Kiosks and bring any required documentation and fees.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, any required ID & fees to:
Vital Records Registry
PO Box 60630
New Orleans, LA 70160
How to get a death certificate in Maine
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, any required ID & fees to:
Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC)
220 Capitol Street
11 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
How to get a death certificate in Maryland
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, a self addressed envelope, any required ID & fees to:
Division of Vital Records
P.O. Box 68760
Baltimore, MD 21215-0036
How to get a death certificate in Massachusetts
Apply online
Order a death certificate online by contacting the correct clerk online at VitalRec.
Apply in person
You can visit the clerk’s office to get a copy of the death certificate in the city where the death occurred.
How to get a death certificate in Michigan
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply in person
You can search for your local office and call to see if they allow in person appointments.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, any required ID & fees to:
Vital Records Requests
PO Box 30721
Lansing MI, 48909
How to get a death certificate in Minnesota
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply in person
Visit your your local office and bring any required documentation and fees.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, any required ID & fees to:
Minnesota Department of Health
Central Cashiering – Vital Records
P.O. Box 64499
St. Paul, MN 55164-0499
How to get a death certificate in Mississippi
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply in person
You can apply in person by visiting Mississippi State Department of Vital Records & Statistics at 222 Marketridge Dr, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Check for any required fees and documents before heading over.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, any required ID & fees to:
Mississippi Vital Records
P.O. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215-1700
How to get a death certificate in Missouri
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply in person
You can search for your local office for in person appointments.
Apply by mail
Submit completed application form, necessary documents, a legal size, self-addressed stamped envelope, and check or money order for the search fee to:
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Bureau of Vital Records
930 Wildwood Drive
Jefferson City, MO 65109
How to get a death certificate in Montana
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, any required ID & fees to:
Office of Vital Records
Department of Public Health and Human Services
111 N Sanders Rm 6
PO BOX 4210
Helena, MT 59604
How to get a death certificate in Nebraska
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, any required ID & fees to:
Nebraska Vital Records
P.O. Box 95065
Lincoln, Nebraska
68509-5065
How to get a death certificate in Nevada
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application with applicable fees and required ID to:
Office of Vital Records
4150 Technology Way, Suite 104
Carson City, Nevada 89706
How to get a death certificate in New Hampshire
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, any required ID & fees to:
NH Department Of State
Division Of Vital Records Administration
Registration / Certification
9 Ratification Way
Concord, NH 03301-2410
How to get a death certificate in New Jersey
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with New Jersey’s Vital Record Online Service.
Apply by mail
Contact New Jersey Department of Health to find out if they allow applications by mail. At this time, it appears they’re only accepting online orders.
How to get a death certificate in New Mexico
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply in person
You can search for your local office and call to see if they allow in person appointments.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, any required ID & fees to:
New Mexico Department of Health
Bureau of Vital Records and Health Statistics
PO Box 25767
Albuquerque, NM 87125
How to get a death certificate in New York
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, a self-addressed envelope, and any required ID & fees to:
Office of Vital Records
125 Worth Street, CN-4, Room 133
New York, N.Y. 10013-4090
How to get a death certificate in North Carolina
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply in person
Bring a valid form of ID & any fees to the North Carolina Vital Records office located at 225 N McDowell St, Raleigh, NC 27603.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, any required ID & fees to:
North Carolina Vital Records
1903 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1900
How to get a death certificate in North Dakota
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with North Dakota’s official web app.
Apply in person
Bring a valid form of ID & any fees to the Division of Vital Records, located in room 118 of the Judicial Wing of the State Capitol in Bismarck, North Dakota.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, any required ID & fees to:
Division of Vital Records
600 E. Boulevard Ave., Dept. 301
Bismarck, ND 58505
How to get a death certificate in Ohio
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with Ohio's Online Certificates Application.
Apply in person
You’ll need to contact your local office to determine if they offer in person appointments.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, any required ID & fees to:
Ohio Department of Health
Bureau of Vital Statistics
PO Box 15098
Columbus, Ohio 43215-0098
How to get a death certificate in Oklahoma
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply in person
You’ll need to schedule an appointment online or by phone at 405.271.4040 to apply in person.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, any required ID & fees to:
Vital Records Service
Oklahoma State Department of Health
PO Box 53551
Oklahoma City, OK 73152
How to get a death certificate in Oregon
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply in person
You can apply in person at 800 NE Oregon Street, Room 205, Portland 97232 and complete a Record of Information. Bring your ID & enough to cover any fees.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, any required ID & fees to:
Oregon Vital Records
PO Box 14050
Portland OR 97293
How to get a death certificate in Pennsylvania
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply in person
Complete an appointment request form and an Application for a Death Certificate and either fax or email the forms to the number & email listed on the appointment request form.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, any required ID & fees to:
Division of Vital Records
Death Certificate Processing Unit
PO Box 1528
New Castle, PA 16103
How to get a death certificate in Rhode Island
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply in person
Visit the Rhode Island Department of Vital Records at 3 Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908 or any city or town clerk's office and provide a completed application (downloadable on the left hand side under Copy Request Forms), any required supplemental information and cover any fees.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, copy of ID, and fees to:
Rhode Island Department of Vital Records
3 Capitol Hill
Providence, RI 02908
How to get a death certificate in South Carolina
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply in person
Visit the DHEC State Vital Records Office at 2600 Bull St., Columbia, SC 29201 or any Regional Vital Records Offices and provide a completed application, proof of ID and cover any fees.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, copy of acceptable ID and fees to:
DHEC Vital Records
2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
How to get a death certificate in South Dakota
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with VitalChek.
Apply in person
Visit the State Office or any Register of Deeds and complete an application, provide proof of ID and cover any fees.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, copy of acceptable ID (if you don’t have acceptable ID, sign the application in front of a notary), and fees to any Register of Deed or to the State Office at:
State Office
207 E. Missouri
Suite1-A
Pierre, SD 57501
How to get a death certificate in Tennessee
Apply by mail
Send a completed application and applicable fees to:
Tennessee State Library and Archives, Research Department
403 Seventh Avenue North
Nashville,TN 37243-0312
How to get a death certificate in Texas
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with Texas.gov Vital Records Application.
Apply in person
Visit 1100 West 49th Street Austin, TX 78756 to complete an application and submit it in person. Bring along acceptable forms of ID and enough to cover fees.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, copy of acceptable ID, and fees to:
DSHS Vital Statistics
P.O. Box 12040
Austin, TX 78711-2040
How to get a death certificate in Utah
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with Utah’s Vital Records Service.
Apply in person
Check to see if your local health department vital records office is accepting in person orders. If they are, complete an application, bring the acceptable IDs and enough to cover the fees to the office.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application, copy of acceptable ID, and fees to:
Vital Records
PO Box 141012
Salt Lake City UT 84114-1012
How to get a death certificate in Vermont
Apply online
Order a death certificate online with Vermont’s Vital Records Request Service.
Apply by mail
Read the supplemental instructions and then send a completed application ), copy of ID & fees to:
Vermont Department of Health, Vital Records
P.O. Box 70
Burlington, VT 05402
How to get a death certificate in Virginia
Apply online
Go to VitalChek to obtain a death certificate, additional fees apply.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application (found under the Commonly Used Forms section), copy of ID & fees to:
Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, Virginia 23218-1000
How to get a death certificate in Washington
Apply online
Go to VitalChek to obtain a death certificate, additional fees apply.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application & fees to:
Department of Health
P.O. Box 9709
Olympia, WA
98507-9709
How to get a death certificate in West Virginia
Apply online
Go to VitalChek to obtain a death certificate, additional fees apply.
Apply by mail
Send a completed application & fees to:
Vital Registration
Room 165
350 Capitol Street
Charleston, WV 25301-3701
How to get a death certificate in Wisconsin
Apply online
Go to VitalChek to obtain a death certificate, additional fees apply.
Apply in person
You can apply in person at Wisconsin Vital Records Office, 1 West Wilson Street, Room 160 Madison, WI 53703.
Apply by mail
Download the mail-in application for a Wisconsin death certificate.
Send the completed application, a check or money order for $20, and a copy of:
ONE of the following:
- State-issued driver's license or ID card
- U.S. government-issued photo ID
- U.S. or foreign passport
- Tribal or military ID card
or TWO of the following:
- Bank/earnings statement
- Current, dated, signed lease
- Health insurance card
- Utility bill or traffic ticket
- Vehicle registration/title
Send to:
Wisconsin Vital Records Office
PO Box 309
Madison, WI 53701
How to get a death certificate in Wyoming
Apply by mail
Send the completed application, copy of ID, and any fees to:
Vital Statistics Services
2300 Capitol Avenue
Hathaway Building
Cheyenne, WY 82002
