Where You Can Order a Death Certificate Online

You can order a death certificate online through your state's vital records office or through a third-party service that works with that office. Most states now accept online orders, though a few still require you to order by mail or in person. The fastest route is usually your state's official vital records website, where you can pay a fee (typically $15 to $35) and receive the certificate by mail within one to three weeks.

Some states also use VitalChek, a third-party ordering service that handles death certificates for multiple states. If your state uses VitalChek, you can order through their website instead of the state office directly — the process is the same, but VitalChek may offer faster shipping for an additional fee. Check your state's vital records office website first to see which ordering method they recommend.

Key Takeaways

  • Most states let you order a death certificate online through their vital records office website, which is usually faster and cheaper than mail or in-person orders.
  • You will need the deceased person's full name, date of death, and place of death (city and county) to complete an online order.
  • Standard delivery takes one to three weeks; some states offer expedited shipping for an extra fee if you need the certificate sooner.
  • The fee varies by state but typically ranges from $15 to $35 per certificate, and most offices accept credit or debit card payment online.
  • If you cannot find an online option for your state, you can order by mail or phone, or visit the vital records office in person.

What Information You Need Before You Order

Before you start an online order, gather the deceased person's full legal name, date of death, and the city and county where they died. If you do not know the exact date, having the month and year is usually enough. Some state offices also ask for the deceased person's date of birth or the parents' names, so have that information ready if you have it.

You will also need to know your relationship to the deceased person — the website will ask whether you are a family member, attorney, funeral director, or someone else. This determines which version of the certificate you can order. Most people need a certified copy, which is the official version with a state seal and signature that banks, insurance companies, and courts will accept.

How to Find Your State's Vital Records Office Website

Search for "[your state] vital records death certificate" in a search engine. The official state website should appear at the top of the results. Look for a link that says "order online," "request a certificate," or "vital records." Avoid third-party sites that charge extra fees or claim to speed up the process — the state office itself is always the cheapest option.

If you cannot find an online ordering option, the state website will list a phone number and mailing address where you can order instead. Some states have a central vital records office in the state capital, while others have separate offices in each county. The state website will tell you which office handles the county where the death occurred.

Steps to Complete an Online Order

Once you are on your state's vital records website, look for a button or link to order a death certificate. Click it and fill in the deceased person's name, date of death, and place of death. The form will ask how many certified copies you want — order at least two or three, since you may need them for insurance claims, probate, or other purposes, and ordering extra copies now is cheaper than ordering again later.

Next, enter your own name, address, and phone number, and confirm your relationship to the deceased. Choose how you want to pay — most states accept credit cards, debit cards, and sometimes e-checks. Select your delivery method: standard mail (one to three weeks) or expedited mail (three to five business days, if available). Review your order, pay the fee, and you will receive a confirmation number by email.

Save your confirmation number and the email receipt. The state office will mail the certificate to the address you provided. If you do not receive it within the timeframe stated on the website, use the confirmation number to check the status or contact the office by phone.

Expedited and Rush Options

If you need the certificate faster than standard mail, many states offer expedited shipping for an additional fee — usually $10 to $25 extra. This typically cuts the delivery time to three to five business days. A few states also offer same-day or next-day pickup if you can visit the vital records office in person, though this is rare.

Some third-party services like VitalChek offer rush delivery options that are faster than the state's standard expedited service, but they charge more. If you need the certificate within days rather than weeks, check whether your state offers rush delivery through the state office first — it is usually cheaper than a third-party service.

What to Do If Your State Does Not Offer Online Ordering

A small number of states do not yet offer online ordering. If your state is one of them, you can order by mail by downloading the process form from the state's vital records website, filling it out, and mailing it with a check or money order to the address listed. This usually takes two to four weeks plus mail time.

You can also call the vital records office during business hours and order over the phone with a credit card. Some offices charge a small fee for phone orders. If you are in a hurry and live near the vital records office, you can visit in person and often receive a certificate the same day, though you may have to wait in line and pay a higher fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many copies of a death certificate should I order?

Order at least two or three certified copies. You will likely need one for the funeral home, one for insurance claims, and one for probate or estate matters. Ordering extra copies now costs less than ordering them separately later, and you may discover you need more as you handle the deceased person's affairs.

Can I order a death certificate for someone who is not a close relative?

It depends on your state and your relationship to the deceased. Most states restrict who can order a certified copy — usually when ready family, spouses, attorneys, and funeral directors. Some states allow anyone to order a non-certified copy, which is a public record but may not be accepted by banks or courts. Check your state's website to see what relationship is required.

What if I do not know the exact date of death?

Most state offices can search by month and year if you do not have the exact date. Provide as much information as you have — the deceased person's full name, approximate date, and the city and county where they died. The office may charge a search fee if they have to look through multiple records, or they may waive it if they find the certificate quickly.

How long does it take to receive a death certificate ordered online?

Standard delivery usually takes one to three weeks from the date you order. Expedited shipping, if available, takes three to five business days. The timeframe depends on your state and how busy the vital records office is. Check your state's website for the current processing time before you order.

What if the death certificate never arrives?

Use your confirmation number to check the status on your state's website, or call the vital records office. If the certificate was lost in the mail, the office can reissue it. If you paid extra for expedited shipping and it did not arrive on time, ask whether the office will refund the expedited fee.