Get a death certificate from the county where the person died

The vital records office in the county where the death occurred is your first stop. This is usually part of the county health department, though some counties call it the vital statistics office or registrar's office. You do not need to be a family member — most counties issue copies to anyone who requests one, though some restrict who can order without a court order.

Call the county health department main line and ask for vital records, or search "[county name] vital records" online. Most offices accept orders by mail, phone, or in person. Mail orders typically take two to four weeks. In-person requests at the office usually take a few days to a week. Some counties now offer online ordering through their website, which can speed things up to three to five business days.

You will need the person's full name, date of death, and date of birth. A few dollars in fees explore — usually between $10 and $30 per copy, though this varies by county. Some counties charge extra for rush processing or certified copies, which you may need for legal or financial matters.

Key Takeaways

  • The county health department or vital records office where the death occurred is the official source for death certificates.
  • You can order by mail, phone, or in person; online ordering is available in some counties and is often fastest.
  • Mail orders take two to four weeks, while in-person requests usually take a few days to a week.
  • Fees range from $10 to $30 per copy depending on the county and whether you request rush processing.
  • You will need the person's full name, date of birth, and date of death to place an order.

How to find your county vital records office online

Search "[your county name] vital records" or "[your county name] health department" in a search engine. The official county website should appear in the first few results. Look for a link labeled "vital records," "vital statistics," or "registrar." The page will list the office address, phone number, and often a link to order online or read an order form.

If you are unsure which county the death occurred in, search the person's name plus "obituary" — most obituaries list the county. You can also call the funeral home that handled the arrangements; they will know the exact county and can sometimes order the certificate on your behalf for a fee.

Ordering by mail or phone

To order by mail, read the order form from the county website or call and ask for one to be mailed to you. Fill in the deceased person's name, date of birth, date of death, and your relationship to them (if required). Include a check or money order for the fee, your return address, and how many copies you need.

Mail the form to the address listed on the county website. Keep a copy for your records. The office will mail the certificate to you once processed, which usually takes two to four weeks depending on how busy the office is.

Phone orders work the same way: call the vital records office, provide the information, and they will tell you the fee and mailing address. Some offices accept credit card payment over the phone, which can speed up processing. Ask whether they can email or fax the certificate instead of mailing it if you need it urgently.

In-person pickup at the county office

If you live near the county where the death occurred, visiting the vital records office in person is usually the fastest option. Bring a photo ID and cash or a check for the fee. The staff will look up the record while you wait or ask you to return in a few days.

Hours are typically Monday through Friday during business hours. Some larger counties have extended hours or Saturday appointments. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether you need an appointment, as some offices now require one.

Online ordering through state or county portals

Many states and counties now offer online ordering through their official websites. Search "[your state name] death certificate online" to see whether your state has a central portal. Some states like California, Texas, and New York allow you to order directly from the state vital records office website and pay by credit card.

If your county has its own online system, you can usually upload a copy of your ID and complete the order in minutes. Processing time is often faster than mail — sometimes as little as three to five business days. The certificate is usually mailed to you, though some systems offer email delivery or allow you to pick it up at the office.

Be cautious of third-party websites that claim to order death certificates for you. These services charge a markup on top of the official fee — sometimes $50 to $100 extra. You can always order directly from the county for less.

What to do if you cannot find the record

If the county vital records office cannot locate the death, it may have been recorded in a different county than where the person died. Ask the office whether they can search neighboring counties or refer you to the state vital records office, which maintains a statewide index.

Deaths that occurred before a certain year — often the 1920s or 1930s depending on the state — may not be in the county system and might be held only by the state. Call the state health department vital records section and ask them to search their records.

If the person died in another country, contact the vital records office in that country or the U.S. embassy or consulate there. International death certificates can take much longer to obtain and may require translation.

Certified versus uncertified copies

A certified copy has an official seal or stamp from the vital records office and is accepted by banks, courts, and government agencies. An uncertified copy is a photocopy without the seal and is usually not accepted for legal or financial purposes.

For most uses — closing bank accounts, filing insurance claims, or settling an estate — you will need certified copies. Order at least three to five certified copies at once, since you may need them for multiple institutions. Ordering several copies at the same time is cheaper than ordering them separately later.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a death certificate cost?

Fees range from $10 to $30 per copy depending on the county. Some counties charge extra for rush processing, certified copies, or online orders. Call your county vital records office for the exact fee. Payment is usually by check, money order, or credit card.

Can I order a death certificate if I am not a family member?

Most counties issue death certificates to anyone who requests one, though some states restrict copies to family members, legal representatives, or those with a court order. Call the vital records office and ask about their policy. If you are denied, ask what documentation they need to approve your request.

How long does it take to get a death certificate?

Mail orders take two to four weeks. In-person requests at the office usually take a few days to a week. Online orders through a county or state portal may be ready in three to five business days. Rush processing, where available, can reduce wait time to a few days for an extra fee.

What if the death certificate has an error on it?

Contact the vital records office and ask about their process for corrections. You may need to submit a written request with proof of the error, such as a birth certificate or court document. The office will review your request and issue a corrected certificate if the error is confirmed. This process can take several weeks.

Can I get a death certificate if the person died decades ago?

Yes, but older records may be held by the state vital records office rather than the county. Contact the state health department and ask them to search their records. Deaths from the early 1900s or earlier may require additional research or may not be in the system at all.