Where to Request a Death Certificate in Georgia
In Georgia, you request a death certificate from the Georgia Department of Public Health, Vital Records Office. This is the only official source for certified copies. The office is located in Atlanta, but you do not have to visit in person — you can request by mail, phone, or online through their website.
The Vital Records Office keeps death records for all deaths that occurred in Georgia. If the death happened in another state, you will need to contact that state's vital records office instead. Georgia's office can tell you which state to contact if you are unsure.
You can reach the Georgia Vital Records Office by phone at 404-679-4702. They are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time. Online requests go through the Georgia Department of Public Health website, where you can also check current processing times and fees.
Key Takeaways
- The Georgia Department of Public Health, Vital Records Office in Atlanta is the only place to get an official death certificate for deaths in Georgia.
- You can request by mail, phone, or online; you do not need to visit in person.
- You will need to provide the full name of the deceased, date of death, and your relationship to them.
- Processing takes 5 to 10 business days by mail and 1 to 2 business days for expedited service; fees vary by service type.
- You must show a valid reason for requesting the certificate, such as settling an estate, claiming insurance, or handling legal matters.
What Information You Need to Provide
When you request a death certificate, have the following details ready: the full name of the deceased, the date of death, the place of death (city and county), the deceased's date of birth, and the names of both parents. If you are requesting online or by mail, you will also need to state your relationship to the deceased and your reason for requesting the certificate.
If you do not have all of this information, the Vital Records Office can still search for the record, but the search may take longer. If the name was common or the date is uncertain, provide as much detail as you can — for example, whether the person was known by a nickname or middle name instead of their legal first name.
How to Request by Mail
To request by mail, send a letter to the Georgia Department of Public Health, Vital Records Office, 2600 Skyland Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30319. Include your name, address, and phone number; the deceased's full name, date of birth, and date of death; your relationship to the deceased; and the reason you need the certificate. Include a copy of your photo ID and a check or money order for the fee.
Standard processing takes 5 to 10 business days from the date the office receives your request. Expedited service (3 to 5 business days) costs more. Mail your request to the address above, and include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you want the certificate mailed back to you.
Keep a copy of your letter and note the date you mailed it. If you do not hear back within the stated timeframe, call the office to confirm they received your request.
How to Request Online or by Phone
The Georgia Department of Public Health website allows you to order death certificates online. Go to the vital records section, fill in the deceased's information, select how many copies you need, and pay by credit card. Online orders typically process in 1 to 2 business days for standard service.
You can also call 404-679-4702 to request by phone. Have your payment information ready — the office accepts credit cards. The staff will ask for the same information as a mail request and can answer questions about processing times and fees on the spot.
Both online and phone requests are faster than mail. If you need the certificate urgently, phone or online is the better choice. The office will mail the certificate to the address you provide or, in some cases, hold it for pickup.
Fees and Number of Copies
The fee for a death certificate in Georgia depends on how many copies you order and how fast you need them. Standard service costs less than expedited service. You can order multiple copies at once — most people order 3 to 5 copies because banks, insurance companies, and courts often each need their own.
Fees change occasionally, so check the Georgia Department of Public Health website or call 404-679-4702 for current pricing. Payment methods include check, money order, or credit card, depending on whether you request by mail, phone, or online.
Some funeral homes or estate attorneys can request the certificate on your behalf, though they may charge a service fee in addition to the state fee. If you are handling the request yourself, you will pay only the state fee.
What Counts as a Valid Reason
Georgia requires you to state a reason for requesting the death certificate. Valid reasons include settling the deceased's estate, claiming life insurance or death benefits, transferring property or bank accounts, obtaining a court order, handling Social Security matters, or other legal or financial purposes related to the death.
You do not need a formal document proving your reason — a straightforward statement in your request letter or phone call is enough. The office is not looking to deny requests; they are documenting why the certificate is needed. Be straightforward about your reason, and the request will move forward.
If the Death Record Does Not Exist or Is Hard to Find
If the Vital Records Office cannot find the record after searching, they will send you a letter stating that no record was found. This can happen if the death was never reported to the state, if it occurred before Georgia's vital records system began, or if the name or date information is significantly different from what was recorded.
If you believe the record exists, you can request a more thorough search or provide additional information. You can also contact the funeral home that handled the death — they may have copies of the death certificate or know where the record was filed. Some older deaths may be recorded in county courthouse records instead of the state vital records office.
If you need a death certificate for legal purposes and the state record cannot be found, a lawyer or the probate court can help you petition for a court-ordered certificate, which serves the same purpose as a state-issued one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a death certificate in Georgia?
Standard mail requests take 5 to 10 business days. Phone and online requests are faster — usually 1 to 2 business days. Expedited mail service takes 3 to 5 business days but costs more. Processing time starts when the office receives your request, not when you send it.
Can I get a death certificate if I am not a family member?
Yes. Georgia does not restrict who can request a death certificate. You must state your reason for requesting it — for example, you may be an executor of the estate, a creditor, or handling legal matters on behalf of the family. The office will process your request as long as you provide valid information and a legitimate reason.
What if the death happened in another state?
Contact the vital records office in the state where the death occurred. The Georgia Vital Records Office can tell you which state to contact and may have contact information for other states' offices. Each state keeps its own records and issues its own certificates.
Do I need the original death certificate or will a certified copy work?
A certified copy is what you need for almost all purposes — banks, insurance companies, courts, and government agencies all accept certified copies. The Vital Records Office issues certified copies, which are official documents with a state seal. You do not need to request an "original" — certified copies are the standard.
Can I request a death certificate for someone who died a long time ago?
Yes, as long as the death was recorded in Georgia. Georgia's vital records go back to 1919 for most deaths. If the death occurred before that, the record may be in county courthouse archives instead. Call the Vital Records Office with the date and location, and they can tell you where to look.