What information appears on a death certificate
A death certificate includes the deceased person's name, date of birth, date of death, place of death, and cause of death. It also lists the parents' names, marital status, occupation, and usually the county or state where the person was born. The document is signed by the medical examiner, coroner, or attending physician.
Whether a Social Security number (SSN) appears on the certificate depends on the state where the death occurred. Most states do not print the SSN on the standard death certificate that is issued to the public. However, some states collect the SSN as part of the death registration process and store it in their vital records database, even if it does not appear on the printed document itself.
The reason states sometimes collect SSNs is to help the Social Security Administration verify deaths and prevent fraud. When someone dies, the SSA needs to know so it can stop benefit payments and update its records. States that collect this information share it with the SSA through the Electronic Death Registration System (EDRS).
Key Takeaways
- Most states do not print the Social Security number on death certificates issued to the public, though some collect it during registration.
- States that do collect SSNs share them with the Social Security Administration to prevent fraud and stop benefit payments.
- If you need a death certificate for legal or financial purposes, the version you receive will show standard information like name, date of death, and cause of death.
- You can contact your state's vital records office to learn whether that state collects SSNs as part of death registration.
Why states collect Social Security numbers during death registration
When a death is reported, the funeral director or medical examiner files paperwork with the state vital records office. That office is responsible for creating the official death certificate. Part of that process involves notifying the Social Security Administration that a person has died, so the SSA can update its records and stop paying any benefits the person was receiving.
To make this notification accurate and prevent someone else's benefits from being stopped by mistake, the SSA needs to match the deceased person's name with their SSN. States that participate in the EDRS send death information electronically, and some include the SSN in that transmission. This helps the SSA match records quickly and reduces the chance of error.
The SSN is also useful for state vital records offices themselves, because it helps them verify that they have the correct person when someone requests a copy of a death certificate years later.
Which states include SSN on the public death certificate
The practice varies by state. Some states print the SSN on every copy of the death certificate they issue. Others print it only on certified copies given to when ready family members or legal representatives. Still others do not print it on any public copy, even though they may have collected it during registration.
A few states have moved away from printing SSNs on death certificates altogether, citing privacy concerns. If you are ordering a death certificate and want to know whether the SSN will appear on it, contact the vital records office in the state where the death occurred. You can find contact information through the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) website or by searching "[state name] vital records office."
When you order a death certificate, you can sometimes request a version without the SSN printed on it, even in states that normally include it. Ask the vital records office what options are available when you place your order.
Privacy and security concerns with SSNs on death certificates
Death certificates are public records in most states, meaning anyone can order a copy. If the SSN is printed on the certificate, that information becomes part of a public document. This has raised concerns about identity theft and fraud, since a deceased person's SSN can potentially be misused.
Some people have argued that printing SSNs on death certificates creates unnecessary risk. Others point out that the SSN alone, without other identifying information, is less useful to a criminal than it would be if combined with a current address or financial account details. Still, the trend in recent years has been toward limiting how widely SSNs are displayed on public documents.
If you are concerned about privacy when ordering a death certificate, ask the vital records office whether you can request a copy without the SSN printed on it, or whether they offer a version for official use only (which may have fewer restrictions on who can see it).
How to order a death certificate and what to expect
To order a death certificate, contact the vital records office in the state where the death occurred. You will need to provide the deceased person's full name, date of birth, date of death, and usually the county where they died. Some offices accept orders by mail, phone, or online through their website.
When you place your order, specify how many certified copies you need. Certified copies are the official versions that banks, insurance companies, and government agencies will accept. The cost varies by state, typically ranging from $15 to $30 per copy, though some states charge more for expedited processing.
Processing time usually takes one to four weeks, depending on the state and how busy the vital records office is. Some states offer rush processing for an additional fee. Ask about this option when you order if you need the certificate quickly.
Who can order a death certificate
In most states, when ready family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling) can order a death certificate without restriction. Some states also allow the executor of the estate, the funeral director, or anyone with a documented legal interest in the death to order one.
Other people may be able to order a death certificate, but some states limit how many copies they can receive or require them to state their reason for requesting it. A few states have a waiting period before non-family members can order a certificate, usually 30 to 100 days after the death.
If you are unsure whether you can order a death certificate in a particular state, contact that state's vital records office directly. They can tell you what documentation you need to provide and whether there are any restrictions on your request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a death certificate without the Social Security number on it?
In many states, yes. When you order, ask the vital records office whether they offer a version without the SSN printed on it. Some states provide this option automatically for certain requesters, while others will remove it upon request. A few states do not print SSNs on any certificates they issue.
Do I need the Social Security number to order a death certificate?
No. You need the person's full name, date of birth, date of death, and usually the county where they died. The vital records office does not require you to provide the SSN in order to process your request, though having it can sometimes speed up the search if the office needs to verify which person you are asking about.
Who can see the Social Security number on a death certificate?
Since death certificates are public records in most states, anyone who orders a copy can see the SSN if it is printed on the certificate. Some states restrict who can order a death certificate or limit access to certain versions, but the SSN is typically visible on the standard certified copy.
What should I do if I'm concerned about identity theft after someone dies?
Contact the Social Security Administration directly to report the death if it has not been reported already. You can also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to make it harder for someone to open accounts in the deceased person's name. The Federal Trade Commission website has detailed steps for protecting a deceased person's identity.
Does the funeral director automatically report the death to Social Security?
The funeral director files the death certificate with the state vital records office, which then reports the death to the Social Security Administration. However, there can be a delay of several weeks between when the death is reported to the state and when the SSA receives the information. If you need to report the death to Social Security when ready, you can call the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213.