Where to Request a Georgia Death Certificate

You request a Georgia death certificate from the Georgia Department of Public Health, Vital Records Office, located in Atlanta. This is the only official source for certified copies. You cannot get one from a funeral home, county clerk, or courthouse — those offices do not issue them, though funeral directors can tell you which vital records office to contact.

The Vital Records Office handles all death certificates filed in Georgia, regardless of which county the death occurred in. You can request by mail, in person, by phone, or online through their website. Each method has different processing times and costs, which we cover in the sections below.

Before you contact them, gather the full name of the deceased person, the date of death, and the county where the death occurred. If you do not know the county, you can still submit a request — the office will search statewide, but it takes longer and costs more.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia death certificates come only from the state Vital Records Office in Atlanta, not from counties or funeral homes.
  • You need the deceased person's full name, date of death, and county of death to request; if you lack the county, the office can search statewide for an additional fee.
  • Online requests through the state website are the fastest option and typically arrive within 5 to 7 business days.
  • In-person requests at the Vital Records Office in Atlanta are processed the same day if you arrive before 3 p.m. on a weekday.
  • Mail and phone requests take 2 to 3 weeks and cost more than online requests because they require manual processing.

Ordering Online Through the State Website

The fastest way to get a Georgia death certificate is through the state's online ordering system at vitalrecords.ga.gov. You create an account, enter the deceased person's information, select how many certified copies you need, and pay by credit or debit card. The site accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

Processing takes 5 to 7 business days from the time you submit. The certificate is mailed to the address you provide — there is no option for electronic delivery. Expect an additional 2 to 3 days for postal delivery depending on distance. The cost is $25 per certified copy, plus a $5 service fee per order.

You will need the deceased person's full name, date of death, and county of death. If you do not know the county, you can still order, but you must select "statewide search" and pay an additional $10 search fee on top of the certificate cost. The office will locate the record and mail it to you.

Requesting in Person at the Vital Records Office

The Georgia Vital Records Office is located at 2600 Skyland Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30319. If you go in person on a weekday before 3 p.m., your certificate is printed and ready the same day. You pay cash or card at the counter and leave with it.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed on state holidays. Bring a photo ID and the deceased person's full name, date of death, and county of death. If you do not know the county, staff can search for you, but it takes longer — plan for 30 minutes to an hour instead of 10 to 15 minutes.

The cost is $25 per certified copy when you pay in person. There is no service fee for in-person orders. If you live far from Atlanta or cannot take time off work, the online option is usually more practical despite the longer wait.

Ordering by Mail or Phone

You can mail a request form to the Vital Records Office with a check or money order. read the form from vitalrecords.ga.gov or call 404-679-4702 to request one by mail. Include the deceased person's full name, date of death, county of death, your name, address, phone number, and how many copies you need.

Mail requests take 2 to 3 weeks to process because they are handled manually. The cost is $25 per certified copy plus a $5 service fee. If you do not know the county, add $10 for a statewide search. Mail your request to: Georgia Department of Public Health, Vital Records Office, 2600 Skyland Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30319.

Phone requests are also available at 404-679-4702. You provide the same information over the phone, and the office mails the certificate to you. Phone orders cost the same as mail orders and take the same amount of time. This option is useful if you have questions about what information to include, but it does not speed up processing.

What Information You Need to Provide

Every request requires the deceased person's full legal name (first, middle, and last), the date of death (month, day, and year), and the county where the death occurred. If the name was changed after birth — for example, through marriage or legal name change — provide both the name at death and the birth name.

You also need to provide your own name, mailing address, and phone number so the office can contact you if there is a problem with your request. If you are requesting on behalf of someone else, some methods require proof of your relationship to the deceased or your authority to request the record — the office will tell you if additional documents are needed.

If you do not know the county of death, you can still request, but you must pay the statewide search fee ($10 online, included in mail/phone processing time). The office will search all Georgia counties and mail the certificate once found. This adds 5 to 10 business days to processing time.

How Many Copies to Order and Why

Order at least 3 to 5 certified copies even if you think you need only one. Death certificates are required by banks, insurance companies, Social Security, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and probate courts. Each institution may ask for an original certified copy, and some keep the document on file. Ordering extras now is cheaper than ordering again later.

A certified copy is an official document with the state seal and signature. It is not the same as a photocopy or a document you print yourself. Only certified copies are accepted by government agencies and financial institutions. The Vital Records Office will not certify a photocopy you bring in — you must order through one of the methods above.

If you are unsure how many you need, contact the specific agencies or institutions that will require the certificate and ask how many originals they need. Most will accept one certified copy, but some probate situations or multiple insurance claims may require more.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is providing incomplete information — especially spelling the deceased person's name wrong or guessing at the date of death. If the name or date does not match the record exactly, your request will be delayed or rejected. If you are unsure of the exact spelling or date, contact the funeral home or hospital where the death occurred; they have the official paperwork.

Another mistake is not ordering enough copies. Many people order one and then need to order again weeks later when another institution asks for a certified copy. Ordering 5 copies at once costs only $125 online; ordering twice costs $60 total but takes twice as long and requires two separate transactions.

Do not try to order from a county clerk's office or funeral home — they cannot issue state certificates. Do not assume a photocopy or a document from an online genealogy site is acceptable; it is not. Only order from vitalrecords.ga.gov, in person at the Atlanta office, or by mail/phone to the official Vital Records Office.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a death certificate in Georgia?

Online orders arrive in 5 to 7 business days plus 2 to 3 days for mail delivery. In-person requests are ready the same day if you arrive before 3 p.m. Mail and phone requests take 2 to 3 weeks. If you need it urgently, go in person to the Atlanta office.

Can I get a death certificate if the person died in another state?

No. You must request from the state where the death occurred. Contact that state's vital records office directly. Georgia's office handles only deaths that occurred in Georgia.

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

Provide the month and year if you know them. The office can search by approximate date, but it takes longer and may cost extra. If you have no date at all, contact the funeral home or hospital — they have the official record and can give you the exact date.

Do I need to show proof of relationship to the deceased to get their death certificate?

For online and in-person requests, you do not need to prove your relationship. For mail and phone requests, the office may ask for proof depending on your stated relationship. If you are a spouse, child, or parent, you usually do not need additional documents. If you are a more distant relative or acting on behalf of an estate, the office may request a copy of the will or court order.

Can I get an uncertified copy or a photocopy instead of a certified copy?

The Vital Records Office does not issue uncertified copies or photocopies. Every copy they issue is certified with the state seal and signature. If an institution says it will accept an uncertified copy, contact them directly to confirm — most will not.